Battery Charges
Bad behavior can lead to criminal charges, even for the rich and famous. That’s what celebrity Nick Carter discovered after becoming involved in a bar fight in Monroe County in August 2020. It seems the singer and his friend showed up drunk to the Key West bar. They were refused service and were asked to leave, and Carter responded by choking the bouncer. That led to his arrest and a misdemeanor battery charge. If you’ve found yourself in similar straits, a local criminal attorney is what you need now more than ever.
What is Battery?
While charges of assault involve the threat of harm, battery charges involve actual contact that has actually caused harm (Florida Statute 784.03). Proving battery requires the prosecution to demonstrate that a defendant deliberately came into contact with or struck the victim without the victim’s consent. Battery charges may come in a number of forms, with subsequently different penalties:
- Simple battery: If you are charged with simple battery, it is believed you intentionally caused harm to someone by touching or hitting them. You can be fined up to $1,000 and face up to one year behind bars.
- Felony battery: In the event you’ve been convicted of battery previously, a subsequent charge may be upped to felony status. A third degree felony could cost you $5,000 in fines and result in as much as 5 years imprisonment.
- Aggravated battery: When battery occurs with the intent to cause serious bodily injury, or when a deadly weapon is involved, charges of aggravated battery may be levied. Such a charge could result in as much as $10,000 in fines and 15 years in prison.
Court Ordered Classes
In some cases, defendants may be ordered to take assessments and/or classes to address behavioral issues. This may include of the following:
- Anger management;
- Batterers intervention;
- Drug and alcohol awareness;
- Criminal behavior modification.
In some cases, classes are ordered in lieu of a jail sentence. An anger management class, for example, may be an effective intervention for offenders who have trouble reacting with explosive and/or uncontrollable rage when things don’t go according to their plans. While it is often a more appealing prospect than serving time behind bars, it does require a commitment. Classes generally require 26 sessions, and stretch out over four months or more. There are generally skills that are taught and that are expected to be practiced between classes in order to effect the desired changes.
Defending Against Charges
If you’ve been charged with battery, you are looking at significant impacts to your time, reputation, and pocketbook. At the Salazar & Kelly Law Group, P.A., our knowledgeable Kissimmee criminal lawyers have the experience and dedication to provide a strong defense for you. Schedule a free, confidential consultation in our office today.
Resource:
tmz.com/2016/01/14/nick-carter-arrest-key-west-drunk-bouncer-hogs-breath/
https://www.salazarandkelly.com/vandalism-charges-can-be-serious/
