If you have been charged with felony battery then you may have a defense. “Stand your Ground,” self-defense and defense of others are all defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting felony battery cases. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, it’s important that you talk to a lawyer so you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about how to beat your felony battery case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, felony battery is defined as intentionally touching or striking another person against their will and causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement.
To understand the difference between misdemeanor battery, felony battery (great bodily harm), and aggravated battery (great bodily harm), I will give you this example:
If Joe gets mad and punches Mike in the face but Mike suffers only a red mark as an injury, then Joe committed a misdemeanor battery because he struck Mike against his will. However, if Mike’s eye is split open and Mike is left with a permanent scar, then Joe committed a felony battery because he caused Mike to suffer great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement, even if he didn’t intend for that to happen. On the other hand, if Joe beat Mike in the head with a liquor bottle until it broke and sliced Mike’s head open, then Joe committed an aggravated battery because he caused great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement and his actions show that was his intent.
Felony battery is a third-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to five years in prison, or up to five years of probation, and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed five years). In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of felony battery then you will lose a number of constitutional rights and you will never be able to remove the felony conviction from your permanent record.
Criminal convictions carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with felony battery in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.