1010 W. Garden Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
Pensacola, FL 32502
Schedule a Free Consultation
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 55,491 aggravated assaults reported in 2018. Firearms were used in 16,792 of the aggravated assaults reported. Statistics like these demonstrate how common an aggravated assault crime is in the State of Florida. If you are convicted of aggravated assault in Florida you face serious penalties.
When charged with an aggravated assault crime, it is important that the defendant fully understands the allegations and the possible penalties. An aggravated assault conviction could potentially devastate a person’s reputation indefinitely. Aside from stiff fines and prison time, they could potentially face additional collateral consequences such as difficulty obtaining employment or the inability to maintain or retain a professional license(s).
If you have been charged with a violent crime like aggravated assault, it’s important to secure a skilled defense attorney that can utilize his valuable best practices for your defense. Contact Terrezza Law.
Were you charged with aggravated assault in Florida? Do not delay in seeking quality legal representation. An arrest for an aggravated assault offense in Florida could have significant consequences such as imprisonment and penalties. John Terrezza at Terrezza Law is a criminal defense attorney that has defended individuals accused of aggravated assault for years.
Terrezza Law helps people in Pensacola and in communities throughout Santa Rosa County and Escambia County. Call (850) 764-5291 to obtain a free, confidential consultation today. John Terrezza is prepared to review your case and discuss all of your legal options.
Information Center
As defined under Florida Statute § 784.021, an individual may be charged with aggravated assault if he or she commits an intentional and unlawful threat against another person with a deadly weapon, or assaults someone with the intent to commit a felony.
The Florida standard jury instruction for aggravated assault defines a “deadly weapon” as any object that will likely cause death or great bodily harm if used or threatened to be used in the ordinary and usual manner contemplated by its design and construction. It is obvious that an object like a firearm is a “deadly weapon,” however an object not designed to inflict bodily harm may nonetheless be a “deadly weapon” if it was used or threatened to be used in a manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm. The legal distinction between what is a “deadly weapon” and what is not can be nuanced and is why it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle your aggravated assault case.
An example of an act that might constitute an aggravated assault would be threatening to harm someone with a pocket-knife.
An aggravated assault is classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by up 5 years of imprisonment and a $5000 fine.
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 784.07, individuals charged with aggravated assault face increased maximum prison sentences if they are charged with committing the offense upon a law enforcement officer. Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer is enhanced from a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment to a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. If you are convicted of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer you must also be sentenced to a minimum term of 3 years imprisonment.
Under Florida law, law enforcement officers include any of the following:
Pensacola Police Department – Visit the official website for the Pensacola Police Department.
Pensacola Police Department
711 N. Hayne Street
Pensacola FL 32501
Office: 850-435-1900
Victim's Services | Escambia County Sheriff's Office — Visit the official website for the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The mission of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is to improve the quality of life and protect the property of all individuals in Escambia County by providing responsible, effective and efficient law enforcement services to prevent crime and enforce the law with integrity and fairness. The webpage provides prevention and safety tips and victim services.
Escambia County Administration Building
1700 West Leonard Street
Pensacola, Florida 32501
(850) 436-9630
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: Aggravated Assault – Click the link to visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. The webpage provides a list of Florida statutes in regards to assault and battery.
If you have been arrested for aggravated assault, you need an experienced aggravated assault attorney on your side to help you obtain a favorable outcome for your case. John Terrezza at Terrezza Law is experienced in criminal law and defending those accused of serious aggravated assault accusations. He will work hard to reduce, if not dismiss your charges, or to win at trial in your case.
It’s important to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Terrezza Law handles cases in Milton, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, and many other surrounding areas of Escambia County. You can take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will let our lawyer review your case as soon as you call (850) 764-5291.
