Panama City Assault Lawyer

Understanding Assault Charges in Florida

There is a common misconception that if you do not actually hurt someone, you have not committed a crime. This is not true, as you may be charged with assault just for actions that cause someone to fear immediate violence against them. For example, if you swing your fist or an object at someone in a fit of anger, causing a well-founded fear of imminent harm coupled with an apparent ability to do such, you can be arrested for assault.

Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney Albert J. Sauline understands that the accusations that led to your arrest might have been misconstrued, exaggerated, misunderstood, or altogether falsified. Regardless of the specifics surrounding your assault case, Al will vigorously argue your case start to finish, standing by your side when you need legal counsel the most.

People all across Florida have come to trust Attorney Sauline due to his numerous accolades and accomplishments, including:

• More than 18 years of experience
• 100% focus on criminal defense
• “Superb” Avvo rating
• Strong history of case results

What are the Penalties for Assault in Florida?

Whenever you are accused of a criminal act, you need to know just what you are up against, and what consequences could be waiting for you if you do not take appropriate action. As stated before, assault does not require any physical contact, but you could still get slammed with punishments as if you had committed a truly violent crime. In its least-serious form, assault is considered a second degree misdemeanor by Florida State law.

Punishments for a second degree misdemeanor include:

• Up to 60 days jail time
• $500 fine
• 6 months of probation
• Restitution paid to victim

What is Considered Aggravated Assault?

If your alleged actions involved a deadly weapon, your simple assault charges will likely be escalated to aggravated assault. This could also be true if your actions were linked to the intent to cause a felony, such as assaulting someone in hopes of committing grand larceny. The victim’s age, status, or occupation may also escalate the charges. Aggravated assault is a felony, and the punishments will be far more severe, including up to five years in prison or five years of probation, and up to $5,000 in fines.

Contact Albert J. Sauline, III Attorney at Law

Your rights as the accused are our number one focus. It is easy for society and criminal justice systems to disregard the criminally accused as guilty, regardless of circumstances and evidence. As a highly experienced and respected Panama City Criminal Defense Attorney, Mr. Sauline provides top-notch representation during this troubling time.