Tampa Battery Lawyer

Have you been accused of touching or striking another person? Your Tampa attorney can help you defend yourself from battery charges and protect your future moving forward.

Sometimes, arguments can get heated, or someone may have been acting violently toward you and you felt the need to defend yourself. Unfortunately, you might have been accused of a serious crime because of your reaction. Now, you’re facing charges that could affect your future in major ways. That’s why you’ll need to act now regarding your case. 

If you’re struggling with a battery case in Tampa, look into defending yourself with help from a lawyer. At Hersem Law, we understand how difficult it can be to defend yourself in court. Fortunately, we have the tools and the defenses you’ll need to face your charges. With the help of a Tampa battery lawyer, you have a chance to get your battery case dismissed or reduced before you suffer major consequences. 

What Is Battery? 

Battery charges can be a little complex because there are many levels to this offense and they’re so often confused with assault charges. Before you attend your court date, you’ll need to know what the difference is so you’ll know why you received the charges you did. 

Battery is the actual touching or striking of another person, whether that’s with a hand or a weapon. In contrast, assault is the threat of an attack. 

Keep in mind that you can be charged with domestic or simple battery. Domestic battery involves a relation by blood, marriage, or living together. Simple battery involves anyone else. Domestic battery is handled in a separate court, and while the potential penalties are the same, you still have to work through a different system.

All of this can quickly become confusing, which is why it’s so important to call a battery attorney at Hersem Law as soon as possible.

Penalties for Battery in Tampa

Unfortunately, even simple battery can come with harsh penalties. Simple battery means your charges don’t have aggravating factors, like the use of a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury.  This type of battery is a first-degree misdemeanor. However, additional facts may enhance the offense and could ultimately lead to felony charges. 

If you’re convicted of misdemeanor battery, you can serve up to a year in jail. You’ll also have fines that could total up to $1,000. A felony battery charge is a third-degree offense and means you could be facing up to five years in prison, as well as maximum fines of $5,000. An aggravated battery charge is a second-degree felony and is punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.

Worse, your penalties don’t end at your conviction. When you’re released from jail or prison, you’ll still have a criminal record that could hurt your future. Your conviction can be found through a background check, which could hurt your chances at jobs, housing, and other opportunities. That’s why it’s important to fight back with a Tampa lawyer now, rather than suffering the consequences later. 

Seek Out a Battery Lawyer in Tampa

When you’re accused of a criminal offense in Tampa, it’s important to focus on getting those charges reduced or dropped whenever possible.

Fortunately, your lawyer can help. At Hersem Law, we understand the difficulties you might run into with your case. That’s why we’re focused on helping you address your charges, gather evidence, and defend your case. A lawyer’s help may be enough to reduce or even dismiss your charges. 

That’s why we suggest talking to your Tampa battery lawyer during a free strategy session first. We want you to know that you’re in good hands and with the right attorney. To schedule your session, give us a call at 813-251-7291 or complete the online contact form below.