Assault and Battery Attorney

Facing assault or battery charges can turn your life upside down in a heartbeat. At Zweben Law Group, we step in to protect your rights and your future, plain and simple. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience in Florida courts, our team knows how to move a case forward and keep you informed at every turn.

Our firm focuses on direct communication, fast action, and careful review of the facts. If you need steady guidance and a strong plan, we are ready to help right now.

Overview of Assault and Battery Laws in Florida

In Florida, assault and battery are separate crimes. Assault is the threat of violence that puts another person in fear of immediate harm, as described in Florida Statute 784.011. Battery involves unwanted touching or striking of another person, as described in Florida Statute 784.03.

Charges range from simple assault or simple battery to aggravated forms of each offense. Aggravated charges usually involve a weapon or serious injury, and they carry tougher penalties than their misdemeanor versions.

Penalties can include fines, jail or prison time, probation, and classes or treatment. Prior convictions, a weapon, or a protected victim like a law enforcement officer can raise the stakes in a big way.

How Zweben Law Group Advocates for You

From the first call, we work to protect your side of the story and keep the process clear. Our team blends courtroom skill with careful case building, drawn from decades of work across Florida.

Comprehensive Case Review

We dig into every part of your case, including police reports, witness statements, body camera video, 911 audio, and scene photos. If needed, we interview witnesses, check medical records, and review any prior statements for gaps or contradictions.

Our attorneys then study the government’s proof, looking for legal issues, weak links, and missing pieces. From there, we create a plan that fits the facts and your goals.

• Police narratives, incident, and supplemental reports
• Body camera footage, cruiser video, and 911 recordings
• Surveillance clips from businesses or homes
• Medical records, photos of injuries, and treatment notes
• Witness interviews and prior sworn statements

Every one of these items can make a difference once they are placed under a microscope.

Building a Robust Defense

We use defenses that fit the facts, such as self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, or mistaken identity. In some cases, we seek immunity under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law before trial.

Our team consults with professionals when helpful, such as use-of-force instructors or medical experts. Then we present your case with clear proof and a simple story the court can follow.

• Self-defense or defense of others
• Lack of intent or accidental contact
• Mistaken identity and unreliable eyewitness claims
• Stand Your Ground immunity hearings
• An illegal stop or a bad search that taints the evidence

Often, the best results come from strong preparation and a steady message from start to finish.

Negotiation and Courtroom Representation

We handle negotiations with prosecutors with a focus on reducing charges, entering diversion, or getting a dismissal when the proof falls short. If talks do not bring a fair result, we are ready for trial.

Our courtroom work is direct and focused on protecting your rights. You will know the plan, and you will never be left guessing what comes next.

Possible goals in talks include a reduction to a lesser charge, a withhold of adjudication, or dismissal. Results depend on the facts, but preparation puts you in the best spot to succeed.

Potential Defenses Against Assault and Battery Charges

Defenses are tools that challenge the government’s proof and show why the charge does not hold up. The right defense depends on what happened, where it happened, and what the evidence shows.

Self-Defense and Stand Your Ground

Florida Statute 776.012 allows a person to use reasonable force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is needed to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. There is no duty to retreat in many places where you have a lawful right to be.

To claim self-defense, you must show a reasonable fear of imminent harm, proportional force, and that you were not the aggressor. If the judge grants immunity, the case can end before trial.

Defense of Others

You can use reasonable force to protect another person who is faced with an unlawful threat. The protected person must also have had the right to defend themselves based on what was happening at the time.

Lack of Intent

Assault and battery require intentional acts. Accidental contact or careless behavior usually does not meet the legal definition of these crimes.

False Accusations

False reports happen, and we take them seriously. We compare statements, timelines, and messages to uncover motives or major gaps that point away from guilt.

Common Client Concerns in Assault and Battery Cases

Most people worry about jail, fines, and a record that follows them for years. We talk through those issues early, then work on a plan to reduce the risk.

How a Criminal Record Can Impact Your Future

A conviction can affect job offers, professional licenses, housing approvals, and even school admissions. Background checks are common, and a single case can trigger tough questions.

Florida allows sealing or expunging in some situations, usually when the case is dismissed or when adjudication is withheld, and the charge is not disqualifying. You cannot seal a case if you were adjudicated guilty.

• Basic steps include eligibility review, fingerprints, and an application to the FDLE.
• If approved, a petition is filed with the court for sealing or expungement.
• Once granted, you can lawfully deny the sealed or expunged case in most settings.

We can review your record and explain your options, then handle the paperwork from start to finish.

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process

Florida cases often move through stages like arrest, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, pre-trial hearings, plea or trial, and sentencing. Deadlines matter at each step.

1. Arrest and first appearance, where the court addresses bond and conditions.
2. Arraignment and plea entry, followed by discovery and depositions.
3. Pre-trial motions, resolution talks, then trial or sentencing if needed.

Having a lawyer at every step protects your rights and helps you make informed choices. We keep you updated and prepared, so you walk into court ready.

Contact Zweben Law Group for Assistance

Call us for a free consultation to explore your legal options and start building your defense. Reach us at 772-223-5454 or connect through our Contact Us page to get started.

Zweben Law Group is committed to hard work, clear advice, and outcomes that protect your future. We go the extra mile for you!