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Jeff T. Gorman: 30+ yrs Stuart FL injury & Treasure Coast accident

Jeff Gorman Law Offices logo; criminal defense attorney specializing in assault representation in Stuart, Florida.

Need An Assault Lawyer From Stuart Florida and Port St. Lucie Florida?

Our Stuart, Florida Assault Defense Attorney Will Fight For Your Freedom

In Florida, assault doesn’t only involve physical fights. In the terminology of law, it also means – intentionally threatening someone through words or actions that can involve reasonable threat and cause the person to fear potential injury. 

What it means is that even without physical contact, if your actions or words make someone afraid of being attacked, you can be accused of assault charges for that. Such assaults can have very serious charges including specific fines and imprisonment. 

If you need help for assault charges in Stuart or Port St. Lucie, Florida, we can protect your rights and gather every possible evidence to prove you’re innocent.

Don’t let one criminal allegation change your future.

What Should You Do If Charged with Assault?

In the situation, where you or someone you know is accused of assault charges in Florida, it requires a very concentrated attention to avoid some serious penalties. Here are the steps you should consider:

Don’t say anything

You don’t have to make any statements to law enforcement officers without consulting with your lawyer first. That’s better because anything that you say can be used against you in court.

Time is critical—contact Jeff Gorman Law Offices we have a proven track record of success in assault cases, fighting to protect your rights every step of the way.

Don’t try to communicate with the victim or any witnesses who are involved in the case. These actions could be defined as intimidation, which can potentially harm your situation.

Write down everything you remember about the incident right away. In your writings, include date, time, location, and anyone who may be a potential witness. This information will help your aggravated assault lawyer to create an effective defense strategy for you.

If there are any restraining orders, make sure to strictly follow them and avoid any additional charges.

Work closely with your assault lawyer and they will help you understand what are the charges against you, potential penalties, and the best defense strategies.

 

Don’t take chances with your future. Assault charges—no matter how minor they may seem—can lead to serious consequences like jail time, costly fines, and a permanent criminal record. One wrong step can make things worse. That’s why it’s crucial to take immediate, informed action.

Protect your rights and your reputation. The sooner you involve an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. We’ll help you navigate the legal process, avoid common mistakes, and fight aggressively on your behalf. Contact us now—your defense starts today.

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Assault Laws in Florida

Types of Assault 

In Florida, assault offenses are categorized according to the seriousness of the act, typically falling into two main classifications: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor assault usually involves the threat of harm without physical contact, while felony assault often includes aggravated factors—such as the use of a weapon or intent to cause serious bodily injury.

Simple assault also known as misdemeanor means intentionally threatening another person, and actually having the ability to turn this threat into action. Such a threat can create a fear of potential harm without physical contact. If anyone is charged with a simple assault, penalties for them are defined to be up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines.

Aggravated assault involves a deadly weapon but doesn’t intend to kill. For this kind of assault, the punishment can be up to 5 years in prison, approximately $5,000 fines, and if a firearm is used – increased mandatory minimum sentences.

When the aggravated assault is committed against protected individuals (law enforcement officers), or if it happens during specific circumstances (riot), such charges usually have a lot more severe punishments.

If the evidence against you is fundamental and reasonable, early legal representation will allow your attorney to negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals that can have results like lighter penalties or decreased charges.

Possible Penalties and Sentencing

Regarding Florida law, assaulting public officers – firefighters, police officers, or emergency medical personnel can have more strict penalties than assault on civilians. Let’s define such assaults.

These increased punishments show how Florida is committed to protecting public officers from assault and battery. When potential consequences can be so severe, anyone facing them should contact – an assault lawyer near me – and choose an experienced legal representative for their situation. If you need any protection in such situations, for start, you can schedule a free consultation with us to guide you through all incoming legal steps.

aggravated assault lawyer

At Jeff Gorman Law Firm, we stand out in assault defense because we combine in-depth expertise, personalized service, and a good history of many proven successes.

Having a legal representative early makes sure your rights will be protected, critical evidence will be preserved, and the development of a defense strategy will be more effective.

Jeff Gorman Law Offices logo representing criminal defense services for assault charges in Stuart, Florida.

Fines and Restitution

Fines

For different kinds of assault, there are specific charges that you should know of. For committing a simple assault, the fines can reach up to $500 in the best case scenario. As for aggravated assault, in case of proven guilty, you could be charged with fines up to $5,000.

Restitution

Besides charging specific fines, courts often require offenders to pay restitution to compensate victims for any losses, which were resulted from the assault. This compensation is to cover medical bills, property damage, or other related expenses. Under Florida law, restitution is usually mandatory unless the court finds some relevant reasons to reject it.

You should also understand that the restitution is separate from fines and is intended to compensate for the victim’s damage. If the offender doesn’t pay restitution, it can cause further legal issues, which can be potential probation violations and additional penalties.

It’s a difficult process to analyze all these financial penalties as the amounts can be various based on the specifics of the case. That’s why it’s important to consult with an experienced assault lawyer to fully understand and manage the financial responsibilities associated with assault in Florida.

FAQs

What constitutes assault under Florida law?

In Florida, assault is defined as an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act that creates a well-founded fear in the other person that such violence is imminent. Notably, physical contact is not required for an act to be considered assault.

Assault involves the threat of imminent harm or violence, causing fear in the victim, without necessarily involving physical contact. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual and intentional physical contact or striking of another person against their will, or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person.

Simple assault is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Penalties can include up to 60 days in jail, six months of probation, and a fine of up to $500.

Aggravated assault is an assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, or with an intent to commit a felony. It is classified as a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.

Yes, in Florida, you can be charged with assault even if no physical contact occurred. The key elements are the intentional threat of violence, the apparent ability to carry out the threat, and the creation of a well-founded fear in the victim that the violence is imminent.

Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, or disputing the occurrence of a threat. Each case is unique, and the applicability of defenses depends on the specific circumstances involved.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, develop a strategic defense, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court to ensure the best possible outcome.

When your freedom and future hangs in the balance, we understand the enormous amount of stress you are dealing with. Our firm places a high priority on addressing our clients’ concerns as promptly as possible, and we are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

We strive to make sure you are kept in the loop at all times so you can feel confident in your choice of legal representation. Our firm is also proud to represent clients in Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and the surrounding areas.

Ready to protect your freedoms and your liberties? Take action before a prosecutor can!