6 Consequences of an Assault and Battery Conviction
Assault and battery are two of the most severe criminal offenses in Florida. These charges can arise from a wide range of violent or threatening behaviors. Such behaviors include physical altercations with another person or threatening to use a weapon.
If you are facing assault and battery charges in Florida, in that case, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences of assault and battery convictions. In Florida, an assault and battery conviction can have serious consequences, including:
- Fines
In addition to court and other legal fees, you will be required to pay a fine ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Imprisonment
In Florida, imprisonment is the most severe punishment for an assault and battery conviction. Depending on how potent the offense is, you can be given a term of imprisonment ranging from a few months to a couple of years. In other cases, you might even get a life sentence. Though a life sentence for assault and battery is rare, it is still a possibility.
Imprisonment could severely impact your life, and you might lose your freedom, family, and job.
- Probation
Even if jail time is unnecessary, you might still need to complete a probationary period. You must adhere to several requirements while on probation, including taking therapy or anger management classes, performing community service, and visiting a probation officer regularly. Also, further legal repercussions may result from disobeying these requirements.
- Criminal record
A conviction for assault and battery will appear on your criminal record, which may affect your ability to get a job in the future, find housing, and other parts of your life.
A criminal record can also make it challenging to get loans or credit, and it may even affect custody decisions in family law matters.
- Loss of civil rights
A felony assault and battery conviction may result in the revocation of some civil rights, including the ability to vote and the right to own a weapon.
You will be denied the opportunity to serve on a jury, hold public office, and have various professional licenses, such as those for real estate and insurance, restricted from being issued or renewed.
- Immigration consequences
Depending on the severity of the offense and your immigration status, a non-citizen who is convicted of assault and battery may face deportation or other immigration penalties.
The repercussions of an assault and battery conviction in Florida can differ depending on the case’s particulars.
Factors such as the severity of the offense, the individual’s criminal history, and the availability of mitigating factors can all impact the outcome of a case.
When you face assault and battery charges in Florida, seeking legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial.
A knowledgeable attorney can assess the evidence against you, choose the best defense plan, and bargain with prosecutors to reduce a conviction’s adverse legal and interpersonal effects.
Self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property are frequent defenses to assault and battery charges in Florida. The prosecution might agree to remove or reduce all payments if there is insufficient evidence.
In Florida, an assault and battery conviction can have severe and far-reaching repercussions. Its consequences may include jail time, fines, probation, a criminal record, and adverse personal and social effects.
Immigration penalties may also apply to non-citizens. Suppose you are accused of assault or battery in Florida. In that situation, it is essential to get legal advice from a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will explain your rights, weigh your options, and try to lessen the destructive effects of a conviction on your life.
