Contrary to what most believe, an assault is not committed by hitting another person – either with fists or some other object. In such an instance, a more serious charge of the battery will lie. As a criminal defense attorney in Broward Country will explain, an assault consists mostly of a threat and maybe a simple assault or aggravated assault.

A simple assault is an intentional unlawful threat of violence to another person, either by word or behavior. The offense is committed when the threatened person has a “genuine and reasonable fear of imminent violence”. When the threat was made with the aid of a deadly weapon, it constitutes an aggravated assault.

Simple assault is categorized as a second-degree misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 60 days in jail, 6 months of probation and a $500 fine. Aggravated assault carries a third-degree felony charge and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

If you are facing assault charges, your best response will be to secure the services of a competent criminal defense attorney in Broward County immediately. A seasoned criminal defense attorney in Broward County will examine the facts of your case and determine whether you were wrongfully charged. They will also assess the circumstances for other reasons why your case can be dismissed.
Our team of legal experts has over 30 years’ experience defending clients facing charges like this. We will defend your case and critically assess the variety of defenses open to you, such as whether you had the intent to do harm or the ability to carry out the threat. We will also determine what counts as a “genuine and reasonable fear of imminent violence” in the circumstances and whether the victim was put in fear of violence.

We will aim to thoroughly establish that there was no real threat on your part or that the fear experienced by the victim was unreasonable in the circumstances. To put your defense into motion, contact our criminal defense attorneys today.