North Port Aggravated Assault Lawyer

North Port Aggravated Assault Attorney

Facing an aggravated assault charge in Florida is serious. It’s critical that you understand your constitutional rights as well as your legal options as you navigate these next steps of the process. Fortunately, you don’t have to become a legal professional overnight to successfully defend yourself in a criminal case. Instead, you can find one that already exists. By working with a North Port aggravated assault lawyer, you can bolster your legal strategy.

Our team at Ruhl Law, P.A. brings decades of combined experience in criminal defense to the table, and we’re ready to use our past knowledge to build the strongest defense possible against your charges.

We’re familiar with Florida’s laws, including recent updates that have made charging and sentencing crimes in the state even more confusing and challenging. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer in North Port, you don’t have to burden yourself with worrying about the nuances of your case. Our team is there to provide fair and just legal defense and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Aggravated Assault Laws in North Port, FL

In 2024, the violent crime rate in Florida was lower than the national average, coming in at 267 crimes per 100,000 people. 73.8 percent of all violent crimes reported were aggravated assaults.

Under Florida law, you can be charged with simple assault without physically harming someone. Threatening to harm them is enough. Similarly, you can be charged with aggravated assault without hurting someone. Aggravated assault is defined as the intentional threat to commit violence against a person, either with a deadly weapon or with the intent to commit a felony.

Sarasota County specifically is a relatively safe region. It ranks in the 97th percentile for safety regarding violent crime, which means it’s considered to be less safe than only three percent of other counties. Still, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office alone reported 17 aggravated assault cases in February of 2024.

Florida prosecutes violent crimes harshly, and their aggravated assault laws can be challenging to navigate on your own. A North Port aggravated assault attorney can be an invaluable asset to have on your side during this process.

Hire an Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Ruhl Law, P.A., brings decades of combined experience to the table, handling aggravated assault cases throughout Florida. In fact, we’ve helped clients through thousands of complex misdemeanor and felony cases alike. Our team uses our knowledge and passion for the law to serve in the interests of our clients. We ensure that the approach to each case is based on the circumstances surrounding it.

We’re confident we can help you form a sound legal defense against your assault charges. We’re a full-service criminal defense team, which means you can turn to us for any level of support. We put the needs of our clients first. From simply evaluating your options to negotiating plea deals on your behalf and everything in between, we’ve got you covered.

Our team goes above and beyond to help you seal your record or have it expunged. To help ensure you can live a normal life when all is said and done. As a North Port criminal defense firm, we take pride in helping our local communities, and that includes securing fair and just legal representation for everyone.

FAQs About North Port, FL Aggravated Assault Law

What Are Common Defenses Against Aggravated Assault in North Port?

While the details of your legal strategy are going to be unique to your case, there are common types of defenses that you and your North Port aggravated assault attorney are likely to explore to prepare for your case. Common defenses against aggravated assault in Florida include coercion or duress; false allegations; justifiable use of force in self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property; and lack of evidence to prove intent.

What Are the Possible Penalties for an Aggravated Assault in North Port?

Aggravated assault is considered a third-degree felony under Florida law, which can result in time in prison or probation as well as hefty fines. The length of your sentence is going to depend on the severity of the offense and other factors such as whether the offender used a firearm, the identity of the victim, and the offender’s prior criminal record.

Who Has the Burden of Proof in an Aggravated Assault Case in North Port?

The burden of proof is on the prosecutor in an aggravated assault case in North Port. This means that they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you used violence or the threat of violence, and that there were aggravating factors that reasonably would escalate the charge to aggravated assault. As the defendant, you must establish enough doubt in the prosecution’s claims. A North Port aggravated assault lawyer can help you build a defense fit to fight your charges.

What Escalates an Assault Charge to Aggravated Assault in North Port?

Aggravated assault, commonly known as felony assault, is a more serious assault charge that typically involves the use or the threat of use of deadly force. Factors that can escalate an assault charge to aggravated assault include intent to commit a felony, threats on the victim’s life, and the use of a deadly weapon. Targeting specific classes of people, such as emergency medical providers, firefighters, law enforcement, or other government employees, can also escalate an assault charge.

North Port Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Aggravated assault is a serious charge under Florida law, and it’s important that you treat it as such. The good news is that with the help of a North Port aggravated assault lawyer, you can work toward a lighter sentence or even complete case dismissal.

It’s critical that you act quickly to begin building your defense as soon as charges are brought against you. A legal professional from Ruhl Law, P.A. can help you stay on track and ensure you’re treated fairly throughout the process, too. No matter what level of support you need, we’re here for you. Call the office to set up an initial consultation with a member of our team to learn more today.