DAYTONA BEACH BATTERY DEFENSE LAWYER

Defending Against Battery Charges in Daytona Beach & DeLand

Battery is a serious charge that can be complicated by “he said/she said” type arguments. While it is always on the prosecutor to prove intent in any criminal case, there is also always two sides of the story. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can help ensure your voice is heard in court. As a dedicated trial attorney who has prior experience as a prosecutor, Attorney Matt Thompson understands both sides of a case and can leverage this in your favor. We build personalized defense strategies tailored to your unique circumstances to help protect your future and your freedom. As your partner, we will help you through the legal process, standing by your side to defend your rights against the prosecutor’s evidence.  

Contact Thompson Law, P.A. to schedule your free consultation today. We have two convenient office locations in Daytona Beach and Downtown DeLand to better serve you.

What is Battery?

Battery is defined in Section 784.03 of the Florida Statutes as intentionally and non-consensually touching, hitting, or striking another against the alleged victim’s will or intentionally causing bodily harm to an alleged victim. 

There are two common misnomers that we often hear about battery charges. The first is that there must be a visible injury to the victim to be convicted of battery. While visible harm, such as a bruise, scrape, or red mark, is certainly evidence that will help the State secure a conviction against you, it is not required for the State to prove injury. Second, the victim cannot “drop charges” against the accused. Only the State can drop the criminal charges. There are certain situations where a victim will want the State to drop charges, but the State will refuse and proceed with trial against the accused and require the victim to be present and testify as to what they told the police on the night of the incident.

Consequences of Battery Convictions in Florida

Battery is one of the few charges in Florida that gets worse the more convictions you have. Much like driving under the influence, if you continue to accumulate battery convictions on your record, the State Attorney’s Office has the ability to charge you with a felony in situations that would otherwise be considered a misdemeanor. 

An arrest for battery can create a web of legal issues you must face that could include:

• Being stripped of your rights to carry a firearm,
• Having to be placed on court ordered pretrial services until your case is resolved,
• Facing jail time, and/or
• Having the court order you to avoid any contact with the alleged victim.

Retaining an experienced battery defense attorney in Daytona Beach is your best chance to have a favorable outcome when facing a charge. If convicted, a first-time offender for battery could be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail, 12 months of probation, and a fine of $1,000. If you have been convicted of a battery in the past, any subsequent battery charges become third-degree felonies, punishable by up to 5 years in jail, 5 years of probation, and a fine of $5,000.

Strategic Defense Against Battery Allegations

As with any criminal case, it is important to remember that you, as the Defendant, are innocent until proven guilty. This means that it is up to the State to show that you committed a crime – it never falls on you to prove your innocence. 

To prove the crime of battery, the State must show the following two elements beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt:

• The Defendant intentionally touched or struck the alleged victim against his or her will, and
• The Defendant intentionally caused bodily harm to the victim.

While crime scene television shows make us believe that the State must produce some DNA or forensic evidence to prove a crime, often times battery cases are proven by using the testimony of the victim only. Because the State typically relies on eye-witness evidence, the credibility of the witnesses becomes a key component in your defense. As the defense, we can present evidence of bias to a jury that would show why the alleged victim or eye witnesses’ may not be telling the whole truth. Or, we could present evidence such as the alleged victim’s or eye witnesses’ level of impairment from drugs or alcohol that may have resulted in their inability to correctly perceive or remember the events from the alleged battery.

Understanding Self-Defense in Battery Cases

It's important to understand that in some cases, the use of force in a battery incident may be justified under the legal concept of self-defense. If you were acting in defense of yourself, another person, or your property, it could impact the outcome of your battery case. Our experienced Daytona Beach battery defense lawyers can assess the details of your case and determine if self-defense applies to your situation.

Key points to consider regarding self-defense in battery cases:

• Was the use of force necessary to protect yourself or others?
• Did you have a reasonable belief that force was necessary to prevent harm?
• Were you the initial aggressor in the situation?
• Are there witnesses or evidence to support your claim of self-defense?

Understanding the nuances of self-defense in battery cases can be complex, but our legal team is here to provide guidance and strategic defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.

How a Battery Defense Attorney Can Help

If you've been charged with battery, navigating the legal system can be intimidating and overwhelming. A skilled battery defense attorney provides critical support throughout this trying process. They can help by thoroughly investigating the charges against you, gathering evidence, and identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They will work to uncover any potential defenses, such as self-defense or lack of intent, and use their expertise to negotiate with prosecutors, potentially leading to reduced charges or even dismissal of the case. Moreover, a seasoned attorney will represent you in court, advocating on your behalf and working tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom.

Why Choose Thompson Law, P.A. for Battery Defense?

When facing such serious charges, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. Thompson Law, P.A. brings a wealth of experience to your defense. Attorney Matt Thompson’s background as a former prosecutor provides him with unique insights into how the state builds its cases, which he can leverage to your advantage. With a personalized approach to each case, Thompson Law, P.A. ensures that your defense strategy is tailored to the specific details of your situation. Our commitment to excellence ensures diligent preparation and aggressive representation. When you choose Thompson Law, P.A., you’re not just getting a lawyer – you're gaining a dedicated partner who will stand by you every step of the way to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

For a tailored defense strategy, call Thompson Law, P.A. at (386) 280-4977. Schedule your free consultation 24/7.