In the state of Florida, battery is when the defendant makes physical contact with the victim. The prosecutor must prove form of contact was done against the will of the victim. There are varying levels of severity for battery, including simple battery and felony battery. Punishment depends on the type of battery being charged.

The Consequences of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

In Florida, battery on a law enforcement officer is punishable up to five years in prison, five years on probation, and a $5,000 fine. Battery on a law enforcement officer is defined as when a defendant knowingly and intentionally strikes the officer while the officer was engaged in their lawful duties.

A law enforcement officer may be characterized as a:

The Consequences of Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older

Battery on the elderly, meaning age 65 or older, is the use of force against their will, causing bodily harm. The touch is typically defined as a strike and is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The Consequences of Battery on a Facility Employee

Battery on a facility employee includes using force or violence, throwing, tossing, or expelling fluids or materials onto said person. In this use, “facility” refers to a state correctional institution. This crime can be charged as a third-degree felony and is punishable up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

In Florida, aggravated battery is the act of intentional touching of another with the intent to harm or use a deadly weapon. Aggravated battery is defined as a second-degree felony and can land the defendant in prison for upward of 15 years, depending on the severity of the charge.

The Consequences of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

Tensions can run high in correctional facilities, but aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer can land you in jail for up 15 years with a $10,000 fine as a second-degree felony. If it’s deemed a first-degree felony, you’re looking at up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The Consequences of Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older

Aggravated battery on a person 65 years or older is characterized as intentionally striking an elderly person, knowingly causing harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement while using a deadly weapon. The accused runs the risk of a 3-year minimum mandatory prison sentence that can max out at 30 years with a $10,000 fine, 500 community service hours, and restitution to the victim.

The Consequences of Aggravated Battery on a Pregnant Victim

The lines of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim are very fine. This unique situation can land you in jail for over a year for simply grabbing a pregnant woman against her will. Depending on the action at hand, this is seen as a second-degree felony that’s punishable by 15 years in prison, plus 15 years of probation and $10,000 in fines.

Stalking is the repeated harassment of a victim. It’s defined by Florida law as a pattern of behavior that goes beyond following someone and includes the creation of credible threat for harm. The charges of stalking depend on the severity and the intent of the ongoing act.

The Consequences of Aggravated Stalking

Aggravated stalking is an escalated form of stalking that can include placing reasonable fear of death, harassment of a minor, as well as willful and malicious harassment. This is a third-degree felony that can result in up to five years in prison, probation, and thousands of dollars in fines.

What Happens When an Injunction is Entered?

An injunction is a petition asking the court for protection against violence. This is a part of the civil court process rather than the criminal and requires the person in question to keep a specific amount of distance from the victim. With an injunction answered, the inability to purchase a firearm, restriction of living in a shared residence, stripping of professional licenses, and more may be impacted.

The Consequences of Stalking a Victim Under 16

Stalking a minor under the age of 16 is a serious offense that is classified as aggravated stalking. This can result in up to five years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and five years probation. This is ranked at a six under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code.

Defendant Previously Sentenced to Sex Offense & Prohibited from Contacting Victim

In order to convict a person on aggravated stalking, the court must prove the accused was previously sentenced to a sex offense and was prohibited to have contact with the victim, as well as the fact that they went against this order and willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly stalked the defendant. This is a violation of the injunction and can result in more severe punishment.

An injunction is a court order that puts a restriction on contact and communication between the accused and the accuser. If the terms of the injunction are violated as a first-degree misdemeanor, the accused subjects themselves to up to one year in jail and heavy fines.

Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction

In Florida, domestic violence accusations are taken seriously. Should a domestic violence injunction be violated, the state must prove that there was a temporary or final injunction placed and that the accused knowingly violated the terms. A proven violation can mean a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Violation of a Repeat Sexual or Dating Violence Injunction

If two or more acts of sexual or dating violence have been committed against a person, they have the right to file an injunction to protect themselves from the accused. A violation can include the accused reaching out to the victim for communication, contacting them at home, at work, or in frequented public spot, harassment in any form, and more.

Violation of a Stalking/Cyberstalking Injunction

An injunction is done in a civil court setting. If the accused attempts contact with the petitioner and the clerk is made aware, the accused can be subjected to more charges and fines, plus jail time.