Orlando Aggravated Battery Defense Attorney

Aggravated battery is a serious felony offense in Florida. A conviction for Aggravated Battery can result in a jail or prison sentence, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. These charges can also qualify someone as a “Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern,” which may lead to a lengthy mandatory prison sentence in the event that there is a probation violation. Because Aggravated Battery is considered a violent crime, these cases are often prosecuted aggressively. This aggressive prosecution should be matched with an aggressive and strategic defense by an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Aggravated Battery under Florida Law

To prove Aggravated Battery (Florida Statute 784.045), the State must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused:

1. Intentionally touched or struck another person against their will; or
2. Intentionally caused bodily harm to another person.

The crime of Aggravated Battery requires proof of one of the following additional elements:

1. The act caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement; or
2. The act involved the use of a deadly weapon; or
3. The accused knew or should have known that the victim was pregnant at the time of the incident.

Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern

Felony Aggravated Battery charges carry severe penalties, including prison sentences; but an Aggravated Battery conviction may also classify a person as a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern (Florida Statute 948.06), which can trigger drastically enhanced penalties for a violation of probation, including a mandatory prison sentence.

Defenses to Aggravated Battery in Florida

Aggravated Battery cases are fact specific, and the evidence is often entirely testimonial, making it one person’s word against another. These cases can also involve evidence regarding highly complex medical questions regarding whether injuries qualify as great bodily harm or constitute permanent disfigurement or disability. One of the most common defenses in Aggravated Battery cases is self-defense immunity under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law (Florida Statute 776.032). This law allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves, others, or their property. In certain rare circumstances, the law may even justify the use of deadly force. Other defenses often include arguments that the allegations are false, that the accused lack the required knowledge or intent, that there was mutual combat or consent, or that the evidence itself is insufficient to meet the States burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

CENTRAL FLORIDA JUSTICE CAN HELP

Central Florida Justice founder Ben Baxter is an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney and a former prosecutor who understands how Aggravated Battery charges are investigated and prosecuted by the State of Florida. He knows how to challenge witness statements, expose critical inconsistencies in the evidence, assert self-defense claims, and fight to protect his clients’ rights and fight for their freedom and their future.

Ben also understands that the attorney-client relationship must be built on a foundation of trust and empathy. Every Central Florida Justice client has the ability to contact their attorney directly by phone, text, or email. And every client has access to the Central Florida Justice client portal, which provides instant access to evidence in their case, notes from the attorney, court dates, and more.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for Aggravated Battery in Orlando or the Central Florida area, including Osceola, Lake, Polk, Seminole, and Brevard Counties, contact Central Florida Justice today for a free consultation or call/text (407) 561-1776 to speak directly with Orlando criminal defense attorney Ben Baxter.