FELONY BATTERY

Felony Battery Florida Sentencing

As previously mentioned, felony battery is a serious offense that carries substantial legal consequences, including lengthy imprisonment and significant fines. More specifically, a third-degree felony battery offense in Florida may result in up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

If you’re facing felony battery charges, contact Tampa criminal defense attorney Andrew Buda from Buda Law as soon as possible. With his help, you can face these charges head-on and increase your chances of a more favorable outcome.

Other Battery Offenses in Florida

In addition to felony battery, there are a number of other battery offenses that one can be charged with in Florida. Simple battery, domestic battery, aggravated battery, and battery by strangulation are all recognized under Florida law, with varying degrees of penalties based on the nature and impact of the offense.

Simple Battery

Simple battery in Florida is defined as the intentional touching or striking of another person without their consent or causing bodily harm to another individual. It is the most basic form of battery, involving minor physical contact or harm that does not result in serious injury.

Under Florida Statutes § 784.03, simple battery is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. While it carries less severe penalties than more serious battery offenses, it can still result in significant consequences, including up to $1,000 in fines, one year of probation, and a year behind bars.

While misdemeanor battery charges may not sound serious, they can leave a permanent mark on one’s criminal record if convicted. If you’re facing charges for simple battery, don’t wait – schedule a free consultation with Tampa misdemeanor defense attorney Andrew Buda today.

Domestic Battery

Domestic battery in Florida involves the intentional touching or striking of a family or household member without their consent or causing bodily harm to such an individual. Florida Statutes 741.28 provides information on what constitutes domestic violence and lists who is considered “family or household members.”

While domestic battery is typically classified as a misdemeanor (when it doesn’t involve strangulation), it can lead to enhanced penalties, including mandatory counseling, longer probation periods, and potentially longer jail sentences compared to simple battery.

If you’ve been charged with domestic battery, contact a Tampa domestic violence attorney from Buda Law to learn more about your legal options.

Aggravated Battery

Aggravated battery in Florida is a severe criminal offense that occurs when an individual intentionally causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to another person or uses a deadly weapon during the act.

Under Florida Statutes 784.045, aggravated battery is considered a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum 15-year prison sentence and $10,000 in fines. If the aggravated battery is committed against a law enforcement officer, the crime can be upgraded to a first-degree felony.

Battery by Strangulation

Battery by strangulation in Florida occurs when an individual intentionally and knowingly impedes the normal breathing or circulation of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth. This is essentially the same as a domestic battery by strangulation, though it does not involve a romantic partner or family/household member.

According to Florida Statutes 784.031, anyone who commits this battery offense can be charged with a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines costing up to $5,000.