A fight or heated argument can quickly escalate into an assault charge if one party reports the incident. If this has happened to you, it may have serious consequences for your personal relationships and future job prospects. Early involvement from a Fort Pierce assault lawyer could help you challenge the charges.
An experienced defense attorney from the Law Offices of Robert David Malove could help you prepare a solid defense, protect your rights throughout the case, and fight to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Understanding Assault Charges
The law classifies assault as a violent crime, even though the underlying circumstances may not involve physical violence. As a result, individuals involved in non-violent altercations may still face arrest and assault charges. A clear understanding of how the state defines assault is therefore important.
Under Florida Statutes ยง 784.011, assault occurs when an individual intentionally threatens another with violence or physical harm and appears capable of carrying out that threat. A person may also face assault charges if they act in a manner that causes another individual to fear that there is a real danger of imminent harm.
The law does not require actual physical harm for a person to face potential jail time for assault. A court could find a defendant guilty if the legal criteria are met, regardless of whether they carried out the threatened act. A lawyer at our Fort Pierce office could help you understand your rights and build a defense against assault charges.
Types of Assault
In Fort Pierce, there are two categories of assault that our attorneys could assist you with: simple and aggravated assault. Simple assault involves a threat of physical harm without the use of a weapon or other dangerous object. For example, if two people argue and one threatens to punch the other without following through, that may constitute simple assault.
Aggravated assault involves threatening another person with a weapon or a dangerous object. For instance, if someone draws a gun and threatens to shoot another person during an argument, this may constitute aggravated assault. The same applies if someone produces a metal baseball bat and threatens to strike the other party with it.
What Are the Consequences of an Assault Conviction?
If a court finds a defendant guilty of assault, they may face serious penalties, including monetary fines or possible jail time. Depending on the circumstances, the accused may face up to $5,000 in fines, up to five years in prison, or up to five years of probation. An argument that escalates into an assault charge can carry significant prison time.
Additionally, a conviction means a permanent criminal record and ruined reputation, lost civil liberties, and possible estrangement from family. This is why it is important to contact our assault defense attorneys in Fort Pierce following your arrest and subsequent charge.
Call Our Fort Pierce Attorneys Today To Discuss Your Assault Charges
The moment police officers arrest you for assault, time starts to work against you. Whether your case moves toward exoneration, freedom, and a protected reputation, or toward jail time and a criminal record, depends on your next steps. This is why you should contact a seasoned Fort Pierce assault lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert David Malove, we are committed to fighting for your innocence and protecting your freedom. Call us today for a confidential legal consultation.