Skip to Content
Top
Battery Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Jacksonville Battery Attorney

What Battery Is & How It’s Prosecuted in Florida

The crime of battery is one of the most common criminal charges that appears in Florida courts. Knowing how battery is defined and prosecuted in Florida can help you avoid battery charges, or if you're already charged with battery, understand what's in store next for your case.

If you're facing a criminal charge such as battery, you should contact an attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., our Jacksonville battery attorney can help you navigate your case.

Fill out our contact form or give us a call at (904) 701-0591 to schedule your free, one-hour consultation about what the crime of battery is and how we can help.

What's the Difference Between Battery and Assault?

Battery and assault are often conflated, but they're actually separate offenses. Here's an easy way to understand the difference:

  • Assault occurs when someone fears they'll suffer immediate harm as the result of a threat.
  • Battery occurs when somebody is touched or struck against their will and without their consent.

So, if you threaten to splash boiling water in someone's face, you're committing assault. If you actually follow through with the threat and do pour boiling water on someone, you're committing battery.

Florida distinguishes several different kinds of battery and assault. For example, ordinary assault (a threat which makes someone else fear they're in danger of immediate harm) is a second-degree misdemeanor. In contrast, aggravated assault (which involves a weapon used to enhance the threat of violence) is a third-degree felony. Aggravated assault with a firearm is even more serious than aggravated assault and requires a mandatory three-year prison sentence for the offender.

Continue Reading Read Less

Is Battery a Felony?

It depends. Simple battery is only a misdemeanor. However, the other types of battery we've covered in this article are all felonies.

Generally, misdemeanors have less harsh penalties than felonies, which often carry mandatory fines and prison sentences as punishment. Misdemeanors are also easier to seal or expunge from a criminal record, which obviously has a lasting effect on how severely an offense will impacts a person's life. It's almost always better to be charged with a misdemeanor than it is to be charged with a felony.

To convict someone of a battery, the prosecution must prove they're guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Attorneys commonly use defenses such as self-defense, use of force in defense of property or others, or stand your grand laws to dispute battery charges.

If you're charged with battery, you need to contact a battery defense lawyer immediately. Our Jacksonville battery attorney will work with you to create a personalized legal strategy for your case that leverages your unique circumstances.

Schedule your free one-hour consultation at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. Contact us online or by phone at (904) 701-0591 today! **Consultation fees may apply to family law consultations. Pick Porter!™

  • A Guided, Hands-On Approach
    Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
  • A Compassionate Team
    Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
  • Extensive Experience
    Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
  • Award-Winning Counsel
    Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
  • Trusted & Recommended
    Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
  • Top-Rated Attorneys
    Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hear From Our Happy Clients

    "This firm is head and shoulders above anyone."
    I met Jason 13 years ago in a case I had. He wasn't my first choice of lawyer originally. Our original lawyer was unable to perform the task needed at the time. Jason took our case over and worked his magic in the courtroom. People, the is no substitute for a court case. This firm is head and shoulders above anyone. If you want to go generic with your cereal that's fine. You can buy Fruit Rings instead of Froot Loops. But when choosing an attorney and your life is on the line, go with this firm. You get what you pay for. And by Picking Porter, you get so much more. Since then my entire family has used this firm for random cases. All of which we have prevailed. Most recently, Chris Craun family law attorney has helped us win yet another case. His outstanding outlook and attention to the details and knowledge of the law was the difference. Chris comes from this same tree. They know people and the law. Do not mess up by acquiring sub-par representation. You should pick Porter before your counterpart does!!!
    - Ken O.
    "I would refer anyone to this firm"
    It always baffled me how much both Jason and Gary knew about the intricacies of my case at any given time. These guys work for, and show up to court for, their CLIENTS - in other words, they're not cutting a bunch of deals to clear dockets. I will never go anywhere else for legal advice - these guys are the real deal.
    - Meagan V.
    "definitely recommend Mr. Porter"
    me & my family were a little scared at first but Mr. Porter took care of us and got my case thrown out with no probation or jail time definitely recommend Mr. Porter
    - R.M.
    "They are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard to get the job done."
    I have worked with Mr. Lorimier and Ms. Adams and they are both phenomenal. They are professional, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard to get the job done. I highly recommend them both.
    - M.F.
    "They will work with you and fight for you."
    If you're reading this then it is not too late!! I too spent countless time searching for the right law firm for me personally and let me tell you that Jason Porter and associates have to be the best around town!! They will work with you and fight for you. If you have any problems, Pick PORTER. I promise you won't regret it!!!
    - Boss N.
    "I wholeheartedly recommend their services"
    I am exceptionally pleased with the outstanding assistance Mr. Porter and his team have provided. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to my husband’s case were truly remarkable. They navigated the complexities with ease, offered clear and strategic advice, and demonstrated a genuine concern for my family as well as my husband’s best interests. Mr. Porter and his team of attorneys professionalism, coupled with their exceptional communication skills, made the entire legal process smoother and more comprehensible. I am grateful for their remarkable support, and I wholeheartedly recommend their services.
    - B.M.
    "Thank you so much."
    My wife and I would like to thank Jason K.S Porter and his staff, I was accuse of a crime. From the initial consultation to the end of the case the Porter firm was there to answer all my questions. I was told what to expect, everything was accurate. Thanks to the Porter firm all charges was drop. I will always be grateful, I will recommend this excellent, hardworking law firm to anyone who has a criminal issue that needs to be resolve. Thank you so much.
    - S.W.
    "Thanks for everything!"
    I had contacted Mr. Porter’s office after being in a car accident and having no success on my own with the insurance adjusters. Mr. Porter and his entire staff were all very engaged, expedient and supportive while working on my case. Any questions that I had, I could make a phone call and Hildy or Dani would be on the other end making things make sense to me. Ultimately, they delivered a great outcome that I was happy with. It was a huge weight off my shoulders to have the knowledge and support of Mr. Porter and his staff while navigating through the stress of everything that must be handled after a car accident. In the unfortunate event that I find myself in another similar situation, I won’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call back! Thanks for everything!
    - D.

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • *Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
  • $1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500

    Bodily Injury Claim

  • *Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
  • Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka

    Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.

  • *Medical Malpractice - $500,000