Mayhem is generally understood to be a violent crime involving permanent or malicious disfigurement. While there is no exact “mayhem” statute in Florida, the legal statute most similar to a mayhem charge in Florida is felony battery, which involves causing great bodily harm, permanent disfigurement, or permanent disability.
These charges involve serious harm caused to another person, such as severing a limb, damaging an eye, or otherwise permanently disfiguring someone. Due to the violent nature of this type of crime, it can result in serious penalties, including prison time, hefty fines, and damage to your reputation and personal life.
If you have been charged with committing mayhem in Florida, contact a Tampa felony battery defense lawyer like the ones at Buda Law. Led by former prosecutor Andrew Buda, our team is prepared to help assess your case, explain the criminal charges against you, and fight to minimize the potential consequences.
Contact us at (813) 322-2832 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team and take your first step toward justice.
What is a Mayhem Crime?
While the more well-known definition of mayhem involves disorder or a disturbance, mayhem also means to maim another person, causing permanent disability. This could include acts like cutting off a limb, damaging an eye, or otherwise rendering someone unable to defend themselves.
Mayhem Legal Definition
What other states refer to as “mayhem” would likely fall under felony battery or aggravated battery in Florida, as it’s defined under F.S. § 784.041 and F.S. § 784.045 respectively.
According to these statutes, someone could be charged with felony battery if they intentionally touch or strike another against their will and cause serious bodily injury, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement. The charge could be elevated to aggravated battery if the crime is committed with the presence of a deadly weapon or the victim was pregnant at the time.
Examples of Mayhem Offenses
In Florida, violent crimes that could result in permanent disfigurement include:
- Blinding someone by intentionally damaging their eyes
- Cutting off or severely injuring a limb to the point of permanent disability
- Slashing a person’s face to cause permanent scarring
- Severing an ear, nose, or other body part
- Crushing a hand or foot in a way that results in a long-term or permanent loss of function
How Mayhem Differs from Similar Crimes
Mayhem differs from similar crimes because it specifically involves the intentional infliction of permanent and/or malicious disfigurement. While Florida does not have a separate mayhem statute, similar offenses exist under state law.
As previously mentioned, felony battery is the closest statute under Florida law to mayhem, due to how felony battery requires causing great bodily harm resulting in disfigurement. However, someone could also be charged with felony battery in Florida if they commit battery and have other acts of battery on their criminal history.
If the crime is committed with a deadly weapon, it could constitute aggravated battery, in which case the charge could be elevated from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony.
Threatening to cause serious bodily harm to another person or threatening to disfigure them without ever making physical contact could also result in an aggravated assault charge. This would occur if the person making the threats uses a deadly weapon or makes the threats with the intention to commit a felony.
Acts similar to mayhem could also result in domestic violence charges if the victim was a family member of the alleged victim. Any act of severe violence with intent to cause permanent disfigurement could be charged as murder if the victim dies as a result of their injuries. In Florida, this could result in a life sentence in a state prison.
Penalties for a Mayhem Conviction in Florida
When a person commits what would be considered “mayhem” in the state of Florida, they may be charged with felony battery or aggravated battery, depending on the circumstances of the case. Below are the penalties for both crimes:
- Felony battery – Florida third-degree felony
- Up to 5 years in prison, up to 5 years in probation, and up to $5,000 in fines
- Aggravated battery – Florida second-degree felony
- Up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years in probation, and up to $10,000 in fines
If you have been charged with battery, felony battery, or aggravated assault, a criminal defense attorney in Tampa can help you understand the severity of the charges against you and the potential penalties you may face.
Defenses to Mayhem Charges
While mayhem is normally charged as a serious violent crime, there are a number of defenses to acts like felonious battery. Common defenses to crimes similar to mayhem include:
- The act was committed in self-defense
- The act was committed in defense of others
- There was a lack of intent
- The alleged offender has been mistaken for another person
- The alleged victim consented to the action/activity that resulted in serious bodily injury (like in the case of mutual sports)
- The prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove the alleged offender committed the crime
Why You Need a Skilled Attorney to Fight Mayhem Charges
Facing charges for an act similar to mayhem in Florida, such as felony battery or aggravated battery, is serious and can lead to severe penalties, including prison time and a mark on your permanent criminal record. Seeking legal representation from a skilled felony assault lawyer in Florida can make all the difference in your case.
An assault and battery defense attorney in Florida can inform you of your legal rights, ensure you understand the charges against you, and gather evidence to build a strong defense on your behalf. They can also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as probation instead of prison time.
An experienced local lawyer like Andrew Buda will understand the nuances of Florida law and can argue a valid legal defense based on the circumstances of your case, such as self-defense, defense of others, or lack of intent. If you have been accused of something similar to mayhem in Florida, a Tampa assault and battery defense attorney at Buda Law can ensure that your case receives the attention it deserves.
How Andrew Buda Can Help Defend Against a Mayhem Charge in Florida
At Buda Law, lead attorney Andrew Buda provides aggressive and strategic defense against charges similar to mayhem like felony battery or aggravated battery. As a former prosecutor, Andrew Buda understands how the state builds its case and uses this knowledge to challenge evidence, question witness credibility, and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
He works closely with clients to develop a strong defense, whether arguing self-defense, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or another applicable legal strategy. Attorney Buda is committed to protecting his clients’ rights and fighting for the best possible outcome, whether that means reduced charges, case dismissal, or a not-guilty verdict. If you’re accused of a violent criminal offense in Florida, Buda Law is ready to provide the dedicated legal representation you need.
Charged With Mayhem in Florida? Call the Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys at Buda Law Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime similar to mayhem in Florida, such as felony battery or aggravated battery, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. Mayhem charges carry serious consequences, and a conviction can result in significant prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record.
At Buda Law, our team understands the severe penalties associated with these charges and will aggressively fight to protect your rights. Tampa violent crime defense attorney Andrew Buda has years of experience defending individuals accused of crimes similar to mayhem. With his deep understanding of criminal law and courtroom strategy, he can challenge the evidence against you and build a defense tailored to your specific case.
Don’t wait to get legal help–contact Buda Law today to schedule a confidential consultation at no cost to you. We’ll discuss your case, explore your defense options, and provide the representation you need to protect your future. Call (813) 322-2832 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.