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(727) 828-3900 If you are involved in an assault investigation in St. Petersburg—whether as a suspect, witness, or someone with relevant information—it is important to understand your rights. Speaking with an experienced assault attorney can and will help protect your interests and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to wrongful prosecution.
At Goldman Wetzel, we know how stressful these situations can be. With extensive experience in criminal defense, we guide our clients through investigations and legal proceedings, ensuring they are treated fairly every step of the way.
Under Florida law, assault is defined as an intentional threat—verbal or physical—that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harm. A standard assault charge is a second-degree misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 60 days in jail. However, use of a deadly weapon or the intent to commit a felony may elevate an assault charge to aggravated assault, a third-degree felony that can result in a sentence of up to five years.
An elevated charge of battery could apply in a case where the threat of violence results in physical contact with another against their will. This is a first-degree misdemeanor that comes with a jail sentence of up to one year. The findings of an assault investigation in St. Petersburg will often determine whether the state decides to prosecute a case and what charges it will file against a defendant.
Assault and battery charges may be the result of public altercations, domestic violence, or other complex situations. The investigation process helps law enforcement evaluate the culpability of parties involved by taking statements, capturing visual evidence, and collecting other relevant facts.
If you are a person of interest or arrested for assault in St. Petersburg, you have the right to speak with a criminal defense attorney before communicating with law enforcement in an investigation. You also have the right to the presence of an attorney during questioning or other interactions with law enforcement.
During this process, an attorney could help you to clearly explain your story and preserve your legal rights. Some defenses may apply in an assault case; establishing these during the investigation is important. For example, the assault may have been due to self-defense or the defense of others, but this requires the defendant to have had a reasonable belief of imminent unlawful force toward themselves or another from the alleged victim.
Navigating an assault investigation can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. At Goldman Wetzel, we take a proactive and strategic approach, working as a team to advocate for our clients and protect their futures. Whether you are under investigation or facing charges, we are here to help.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and take the first step toward a strong defense.
