Under Florida law, the charge of aggravated battery requires a showing that the person committed a battery and while doing so did one of the following:
- knowingly or intentionally caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement; or
- used a deadly weapon.
Florida Statute § 784.045(1)(a) 1 – 2 provides for the punishments and penalties that come with a conviction for the crime. Aggravated battery is a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison or as otherwise provided by statute.
Gainesville Defense Lawyer for Aggravated Battery Charges
Criminal defense attorney, Dean Galigani, represents individuals charged with aggravated battery in Gainesville, FL in Alachua County and the surrounding counties including Columbia County, Gilchrist County, Levy County, Ocala in Marion County, and Union County, Florida.
Call Dean Galigain today to discuss your case over the phone or in the office.
Types of Aggravated Battery Charges under Florida Law
Under Florida law, the phrase “aggravated battery” applies to the act of striking or touching another person in an offensive manner when that battery causes great bodily injury or where a deadly weapon is used.
Proving the crime of “aggravated battery” necessarily includes a showing that a battery occurred. The misdemeanor version of battery is a lesser included offense. In other words, a simple battery becomes an aggravated battery when the person knowingly or intentionally commits a battery that causes great bodily harm or uses a deadly weapon.
Alternatively, a person can be charged with “aggravated battery” if it is alleged that:
- the alleged victim of the battery was pregnant at the time of the battery; and
- the person who committed the battery knew or should have known that the alleged victim was pregnant.
The crime of aggravated battery on a pregnant female is charged under Florida Statute Section 784.045(1)(b).
Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney for a Charge of Aggravated Battery
If you have been charged with aggravated battery because it is alleged that you used a weapon, caused great bodily harm, or struck a pregnant female then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Dean Galigani takes an aggressive and experienced approach to fighting aggravated battery and other types of crimes alleging violence such as assault and domestic battery.
Dean Galigani fights felony aggravated battery cases in Alachua County for Gainesville, Bradford County for Starke, Baker County for Macclenny, Union County for Lake Butler, Marion County for Ocala, Gilchrist County for Trenton, and Columbia County for Lake City, Florida.
