West Palm Beach Battery Attorney

Criminal Charges in West Palm Beach

Battery is defined in the Florida legal system as an unlawful and unwelcome physical contact, which is offensive or injurious to the victim. The contact need not cause actual physical harm in order to be classified as a battery, but there is a requirement that it be against the wishes of the victim. It is often charged in connection with assault, in situations where the alleged perpetrator threatened harm and then committed battery. It is important to note that in order for you to be convicted on a battery charge, you must be proven to have acted intentionally, and that your contact was not an accident. As a West Palm Beach criminal attorney, I know this perhaps better than anyone.

There are two types of battery, according to the circumstances of the crime:

• Simple Battery:
  • First-degree misdemeanor crime
  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • One year in jail

• Aggravated Battery:
  • Normally based on the use of a deadly weapon in the act or on the fact of severe injury being caused to the victim
  • Second-degree felony crime
  • 15-year prison sentence
  • Up to $10,000 in fines

A battery conviction on your criminal record will follow you through life and may prevent you from finding employment at one of the many companies that will not hire an applicant after a failed background check. In order to maximize your chances of avoiding these penalties, you should meet with a proven criminal defense lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you fight the charges.

Dedicated Defense from a West Palm Beach Criminal Lawyer

At my firm, you will not be lost in a crowd of clients. I treat each person who walks in as an individual, and I will make myself available to you whenever you need my assistance or support. Over the past 25 years, I have represented many people who faced accusations of battery, and I know how stressful your situation may be. It is my sincere intention to help you find the best solution to your case, whether it is to fight the charges outright or to seek to have them reduced by negotiating with the prosecuting attorney. When you come to The Law Offices of Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr., you will meet with me, and I am the only person who will be handling your case.