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Assault and Battery Defense Expert Representation with a Personal Touch

Petersburg Assault & Battery Lawyers

Skilled Defenses from Former Prosecutors

Florida law includes numerous crimes under the “assault and battery” umbrella. These offenses are characterized by physical harm to another person, as well as threats of harm. 

Assault and battery can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the nature and severity of the crime. Convictions often come with significant sentences that may include life-altering jail time and fines. 

If you have been accused of this crime, do not wait to retain a trusted defense lawyer. At Plotnick Law Offices, our St. Petersburg assault and battery lawyers have 35+ years of collective experience that they can use to protect your rights, reputation, and future. 

Discuss your charges and learn about your defense options in a consultation. Schedule yours by calling (727) 619-1827 or reaching out to our firm online. We are available 24/7 to answer your calls.

The Difference Between Assault & Battery

While you often hear the words assault and battery together, they indicate different things. Below is a simple breakdown of the differences between them. 

Florida law defines assault as an "intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another." In simpler terms, assault refers to the attempt or threat of physical harm.
Battery, on the other hand, is when someone "touches or strikes" another and causes harm.  

Penalties for Assault & Battery in Florida

The penalties for assault and battery charges vary depending on a case's circumstances. Some common factors that may affect the severity of the charges include the extent of a victim's injuries, whether a weapon was involved, prior convictions, and whether the victim was a minor or elderly person. In general, convictions can result in imprisonment, fines, probation, and community service. In domestic settings, these offenses can count as domestic violence and can cause a person to lose parental rights. For detailed information about your charges and their potential consequences, consult one of our St. Petersburg assault and battery attorneys. 

Why Choose Plotnick Law Offices?

Experience, Commitment, and Personalized Care

As a former prosecutor, we understand how to build strong cases. Our hands-on approach ensures you’re supported every step of the way.

  • Experience That Matters

    Led by a former prosecutor, Plotnick Law Offices offers unique insights and strategic advantages for every case. Our deep understanding of the legal system ensures that we can effectively advocate for your rights and best interests.

  • Relentless Preparation

    Success begins with preparation. We leave no stone unturned when investigating and building your case, ensuring that every detail is thoroughly examined to strengthen your position.

  • Hands-On Advocacy

    When you choose Plotnick Law Offices, you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney from start to finish. We don’t shuffle clients between attorneys—you’ll always have consistent and reliable guidance.

  • Personalized Representation

    At Plotnick Law Offices, we prioritize building strong, lasting relationships with our clients. We take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that your case strategy is tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

When Does a Charge Become “Aggravated”?

Aggravated assault or battery charges carry more serious consequences. For an assault to be considered aggravated, a deadly weapon, such as a gun, must have been involved. The prison sentence increases depending on the type of weapon. If the victim was killed or greatly injured, penalties will also increase.

For a battery charge to be considered aggravated, the victim must have been a pregnant woman, a deadly weapon must have been involved, and/or the crime must have resulted in the victim’s death or great bodily harm.

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Meet Our Experienced Legal Team

Want to learn more about the team behind your case? Visit our About page to meet Marc F. Plotnick and Paul S. Horning, and discover how their experience can make a difference for you.

Trust Plotnick Law Offices for Your Defense

The sooner you can get one of our experienced defense attorneys on your case, the better. Hiring a lawyer early on can prevent you from making mistakes that give the prosecution an upper hand. Additionally, you can give our team more time to collect evidence in your favor and begin strategizing your defense. 

Our firm is committed to doing everything possible to prove our clients' innocence. We offer a high-end experience where you can count on feeling like your case matters. Thousands have trusted us to defend them. We welcome you to do the same. 

To start with our firm, call (727) 619-1827 or submit our online contact form today. From St. Petersburg, we serve clients in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. 

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