Fort Lauderdale Assault Defense Lawyer
Charged with a violent crime? Act now to protect your rights!
In 2009, the violent crime rate for Fort Lauderdale was higher than the national average by 88.51%. As a result, law enforcement officials have become increasingly aggressive in their efforts to reduce violent crime in the city. If you have been charged with a violent crime like assault, you can expect to face a seasoned prosecutor in the courtroom who will seek to punish you to the full extent of the law. It is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Parks & Braxton, PA immediately if you have been charged with assault.
What constitutes assault in the state of Florida?
In Florida, assault is defined as the act of threatening another individual with physical violence or causing them to fear for their safety. Bodily harm does not actually have to occur; individuals can be charged with assault for merely threatening to carry out a violent act. It must only be proven that the aggressor had the apparent ability to carry out their threat in order to establish guilt. This criminal charge may not be as severe as battery, but the penalties are still serious. For this reason, you should speak with a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney immediately.
According to Florida Code § 784.011, assault is considered to be a misdemeanor in the second degree, which is punishable by $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.
Aggravated Assault & Assault with a Deadly Weapon
There are a number of circumstances under which your charges could be elevated from simple assault to aggravated assault. According to Florida Code § 784.021, you could be charged with aggravated assault if it is determined that the act was committed with a deadly weapon, but without the intent to kill, or with intent to commit a felony offense. In the state of Florida, this is a felony in the third degree, which is punishable by the following legal penalties:
- Up to five years in state prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to five years of probation
Let Parks & Braxton, PA Fight Your Criminal Charges
At Parks & Braxton, PA, we offer you a free consultation to discuss the best way to proceed with your case. Without a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer by your side, you will not have the tools and resources you need to challenge the evidence brought against you. There are countless ways that an individual can be charged with assault, and it takes a thorough knowledge of the law to build an effective defense against this crime. We have successfully handled thousands of cases, and we have the ability to do the same for you.
You can't afford to spend years in prison, and we understand the impact that our work will have on your future. Our law firm is available to take your call 24/7 because we know that these charges can come at any time. We also take calls on nights, weekends, and holidays. Parks & Braxton, PA has a track record of successful cases, and we want yours to be our next success. Don't risk the possibility of facing punishment for a faulty conviction; you have the opportunity to secure the help you need.
Call now for your free consultation!