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Your Advocates Helping You Navigate the Complexities of the Law

Fort Myers Assault, Battery, Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Dedicated to Protecting Your Rights and Freedoms

Being accused of assault, battery, or domestic violence could be a frightening experience. You might not know what the criminal process is or what the outcome may be. Our lawyers at Your Advocateshave over 70 years of combined legal experience, and we understand the law. We will take the time to discuss the circumstances with you, the charge you’re facing, and your legal options. Our team has handled numerous legal issues or varying complexity, and we know how to develop effective legal strategies to challenge the allegations made against you. When you retain our services, we will provide aggressive defense and work toward a favorable outcome in your case.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling us at (239) 970-6844.

What Is Assault?

Although often used interchangeably with battery, under Florida law, assault is a different charge. According to Statute 784.011, a person commits this offense when they intentionally threaten to harm another person.

Specifically, the law defines this crime as:

  • Unlawfully threatening, with words or actions, to cause injury to someone;
  • Having the ability to carry out the behavior; and
  • Making the other person fear violence is forthcoming

This offense is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Potential conviction penalties include:

  • Up to 60 days in jail
  • Up to $500 in fines

Aggravated Assault can be a third-degree felony with up to 5 years in prison, probation or a combination thereof.

What Is Battery?

Battery is different from assault in that the individual actually strikes the other person or causes them injury. The actions must be done intentionally.

Depending on whether a person is charged with a first-time offense, or if they have a previous conviction, battery could be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony.

A conviction could carry the following punishments:

  • First-degree misdemeanor:
    • Up to 1 year in jail
    • Up to $1,000 in fines
  • Third-degree felony:
    • Up to 5 years in prison
    • Up to $5,000 in fines

Battery is an enhanceable offense in Florida. Batteries with certain aggravating factors can result in penalties greater than those listed above.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence occurs when an individual commits a criminal offense, such as assault or battery, that causes injury or death to a family or household member.

Under Florida Statute 741.28, a family or household member includes:

  • Spouses
  • Ex-spouses
  • Blood relatives
  • Relatives through marriage
  • Persons with whom the accused currently or previously lived as family
  • Persons with whom the accused shares a child

The level of charge brought for domestic violence depends on the type of offense the person is alleged to have committed. A conviction could result in jail or prison time and steep fines.

Get Effective Legal Counsel Today

Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, it is imperative to have a skilled attorney represent you throughout your case. Being found guilty of an offense could result not only in incarceration but also in a loss of certain rights, such as gun ownership, and a criminal record. The punishments could impact you for the rest of your life, making it difficult to find a job or get a place to live. At Powell, Jackman, Stevens & Ricciardi, our attorneys in Fort Myers fight hard to prevent that from happening. We will thoroughly research and prepare for your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecutor’s arguments and work toward getting charges reduced or dropped.

Discuss your case with our team by calling us at (239) 970-6844 or contacting us online.

Placeholder How We Can Help You

A FIRM YOU CAN RELY ON What to Expect With Our Firm on Your Side?

  • Over 70 Years of Combined Legal Experience
    For more than 70 years, we have been providing our clients with trustworthy and knowledgeable legal counsel for a wide variety of legal matters.
  • 24/7 Availability
    Our attorneys understand the emotional turmoil that an injury matter can have on someone. For this reason, we make ourselves available when you need us most.
  • Dedicated & Caring Service
    At Your Advocates, you will never be treated as just a number. Whether your case is monetarily small or large - you will receive the customized and personalized attention that you deserve.
  • One-On-One Attention
    As Your Advocates, we ensure that we are actively involved in communicating with you from start to finish. This communication allows us to come up with a customized solution that best fits your goals.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Your Advocates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did."

    Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!

    - Mark Z.
    "They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional."

    They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional. Based on this very positive experience, we would recommend this company, and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.

    - Former Client
    "The firm surely does stand by its name as Your Advocates!"

    He was extremely professional throughout the journey and very experienced in this matter. I would recommend this firm to anybody in an uncontested eviction, contested eviction or any legal needs. The professionalism and value I received was a pleasant surp

    - Terry A.
    "Highly Recommended!"

    I worked with Rita Jackman, she is very much respectful, she breaks down all the details, and cares about her clients‼️ ...

    - Rittney O.
    "I’ll definitely be sending family and friends your way."

    Rita Jackman is my attorney and I can’t recommend her enough! She’s been truly amazing through a difficult time. She always ...

    - Jordan H.
    "There was never a day that one of them didn't respond by phone or email to our questions or concerns."

    Rita Jackman was incredible working with us on my daughter's injury case and negotiating on her behalf. Thank you Noelle for ...

    - Brad M.
    "I will not hesitate to recommend them and I will be calling them the next time I need any help."

    Noel took great care of us! She was very helpful, professional, on point and an absolute pleasure to have on our side ...

    - Joseph B.
    "Diana's experience, professionalism, and dedication resulted in a most favorable outcome of my case and her negotiation skills proved it."

    I had the pleasure of working with Diana Castrillon on my workers' compensation case and the least I can say is that she is ...

    - Alberto S.
Proudly Serving Clients in Fort Myers, FL Areas We Serve

Your Advocates is proud to serve Fort Myers, Florida and other surrounding areas.

  • Alva
  • Boca Grande
  • Bokeelia
  • Bonita Springs
  • Buckingham
  • Cape Coral
  • Captiva
  • Estero
  • Fort Myers
  • Fort Myers Beach
  • Iona
  • Lehigh Acres
  • McGregor
  • North Fort Myers
  • San Carlos Park
  • Sanibel
  • St. James City
  • Villas

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