You never thought a heated argument at work would land you in handcuffs, but now you're facing battery charges after an on-the-job dispute. Workplace violence charges can change your life by threatening your freedom, employment, and professional reputation.
As experienced South Florida criminal defense attorneys, we understand the high stakes when you're accused of battering a co-worker, customer, or client. The Law Offices of Robert David Malove aggressively defends clients accused of breaking workplace violence laws and works tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and secure the best possible outcomes.
Florida Workplace Violence Laws
In Florida, battery is defined as actually and intentionally touching or striking another person against their will or intentionally causing them bodily harm. In a workplace setting, this might involve:
- Shoving a co-worker during an argument
- Throwing an object at a colleague in anger
- Slapping or punching a supervisor or subordinate
- Engaging in any unwanted physical contact with a co-worker
Depending on the severity of the incident and any resulting injuries, workplace battery can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. Specifically, you could be charged with a:
- Misdemeanor of the first degree. Actually and intentionally touching another person against their will or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person can result in first-degree misdemeanor charges. A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Felony of the third degree. If you have a previous battery conviction or if you intentionally strike someone and cause them great bodily harm, you may face third-degree felony charges. A felony of the third degree has a potential sentence of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Felony of the second degree. A battery becomes a second-degree felony if you commit an aggravated battery by intentionally or knowingly causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, or using a deadly weapon while committing a battery. The potential sentence for this crime is 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
A conviction for any battery crime may result in a permanent record that affects your future employment and has other lasting consequences.
How to Protect Your Rights if You’re Accused of Workplace Battery
If you've been accused of workplace violence in Florida, your first steps can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. To protect your legal rights and start building your defense, our criminal defense lawyers encourage you to:
- Remain silent. Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. Do not discuss the incident with your co-workers, supervisors, or law enforcement without consulting an attorney.
- Retain legal counsel. Contact a South Florida criminal defense lawyer immediately to guide you through the legal process. Avoid discussing your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Gather evidence. Your lawyer will investigate the allegations and collect evidence to support your defense. This may include witness statements, video footage, personnel records, and documentation of any prior conflicts with the accuser.
- Follow HR protocols. Your attorney can advise you on complying with your employer's reporting and investigative procedures while protecting your legal rights.
- Assess your defense options. Depending on the facts of your case, your attorney may recommend various defense strategies, such as arguing self-defense, challenging the accuser's credibility, or negotiating for reduced charges. Trust your lawyer's expertise in creating a tailored defense.
Defend Yourself Against Florida Battery Charges
At the Law Offices of Robert David Malove, we understand that workplace battery accusations can arise from misunderstandings, false allegations, or acts of self-defense. As your legal advocates, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case to build a compelling defense on your behalf.
Potential defenses against workplace battery charges may include:
- The touching was unintentional, accidental, or consensual
- You were acting in self-defense or defense of others
- The allegations are false or exaggerated
- There is insufficient evidence to prove battery beyond a reasonable doubt
- Your actions were justified under the circumstances
Our experienced South Florida criminal defense attorneys have a track record of successfully handling battery cases. We work tirelessly to pursue dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements that protect our clients' freedom, livelihoods, and futures.
