Definition of Aggravated Battery

The crime of Aggravated Battery is defined under Section 784.045, Florida Statutes. Under the law, Aggravated Battery occurs where a defendant intentionally touches or strikes another person and, in doing so:

  • Intentionally or knowingly caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the alleged victim; or
  • Used a deadly weapon; or
  • Battered a person whom the defendant knew or should have known was pregnant.

Required Proof at Trial

To prove the crime of Aggravated Battery at trial, the prosecution must establish the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The defendant intentionally touched or struck the alleged victim against the alleged victim’s will, or intentionally caused bodily harm to the alleged victim; and
  2. The defendant, in committing the battery (intentionally striking or causing bodily harm), intentionally or knowingly: (a) caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the alleged victim, or (b) used a deadly weapon.

Meaning of ‘Deadly Weapon’

For purposes of an Aggravated Battery prosecution, a weapon is considered a “deadly weapon” if it is used or threatened to be used in a way likely to produce death or great bodily harm.

Penalties for Aggravated Battery

Under Florida law, Aggravated Battery is generally classified as a second degree felony. Thus, the penalties can include up to 15 years in prison or 15 years of probation, and up to $10,000.00 in fines.

Enhancements for Firearms

The penalties for Aggravated Battery increase substantially where the offense at issue involves the possession or discharge of a firearm. In those instances, Florida’s 10-20-Life Law will, upon conviction, mandate the imposition of the following minimum mandatory sentences:

  • Firearm Possessed During Incident- Minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
  • Semiautomatic Firearm or Machine Gun Possessed During Incident- Minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
  • Firearm Discharged During Incident- Minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
  • Firearm Discharged and Death or Great Bodily Harm is Caused- Minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years.

Defenses to Aggravated Battery

Although the facts of every case differ, there are many defenses available to contest a charge of Aggravated Battery in Florida. Some of the more common defenses include the following:

  • Self-Defense;
  • Stand Your Ground;
  • Defense of Others;
  • Consent or Mutual Combat;
  • Alibi;
  • Lack of intent to touch or strike;
  • No intent to cause great bodily harm, disfigurement, etc.;
  • The instrument or object used during the incident is not a “deadly weapon” within the meaning of the statute.

Importance of an Attorney

Given the harsh penalties applicable to an Aggravated Battery charge, an attorney is essential to protect the rights and interests of the accused, and to raise all defenses that may be available in such a case.

If you have been accused of Aggravated Battery, contact Hussein & Webber, PL today for a free consultation. Our attorneys handle cases throughout Northeast and Central Florida.