St. Petersburg Assault on an Officer Lawyer

Assault or battery charges in Florida involving law enforcement officers or other designated personnel carry heightened penalties upon conviction. These cases require skilled representation to navigate the complexities of the legal system and advocate for a fair outcome. A St. Petersburg assault on an officer lawyer can provide the counsel and support you need.

At Goldman Wetzel, we take pride in working collaboratively on every case, offering our clients the benefit of two highly experienced attorneys dedicated to their defense. With a proactive approach and a willingness to take on challenging cases, we stand by our clients every step of the way.

What Is Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer?

Assault is an intentional threat using words or acts to commit violence against another person. To be a violation of Statute Section 784.011, the threat must combine with a defendant’s apparent ability to fulfill the threat and an act that establishes fear of imminent violence against the victim. A charge for aggravated assault may apply when it involves either a deadly weapon without the intent to kill or the intent to commit a felony under Statute Section 784.021.

When assault or battery involves certain law enforcement officers and other emergency professionals, the crime elevates to a violation of Statute Section 784.07. The statute covers a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to:

  • Firefighters
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Emergency medical care providers
  • Railroad special officers
  • Traffic accident investigation officers
  • Nonsworn law enforcement employees certified as agency inspectors
  • Blood alcohol analysts or breath test operators
  • Licensed security officers

Two other conditions are also necessary for an assault on an officer charge to apply. First, the defendant must know that the person they allegedly assailed was a qualifying law enforcement officer or personnel. Second, the officer must be engaged in the lawful performance of their duties. An experienced St. Petersburg assault on an officer attorney can carefully analyze the details of your case to identify potential defenses or factual inconsistencies.

How Assault Charges Are Reclassified

Assault or battery against a law enforcement officer often results in the reclassification of the crime, which increases the potential penalties. The severity of the charge and the punishment depends on the type of assault and whether additional circumstances are present. According to Florida Statute Section 784.07, the following reclassifications apply:

  • Simple assault: Elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor
  • Battery: Elevated from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony
  • Aggravated assault: Elevated from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony
  • Aggravated battery: Elevated from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony

Penalties for these charges can include extended prison sentences, ranging from one year to several years, depending on the level of the offense. The statute also imposes mandatory minimum sentences, which can range from six months to eight years in certain cases. These enhanced punishments make it critical to have experienced legal representation to protect your rights and future.

Get Representation from an Experienced St. Petersburg Assault on an Officer Attorney

At Goldman Wetzel, we understand that facing criminal charges is overwhelming. You do not have to navigate this process alone. Our proactive strategies focus on challenging the prosecution’s evidence, identifying weaknesses in their case, and advocating for the best possible outcome for our clients. We strive to ensure that every person feels supported, understood, and confident in their defense.

If you are facing charges for assault or battery involving a law enforcement officer, do not hesitate to seek skilled legal representation. Our St. Petersburg assault on an officer lawyers are here to fight for you and guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and take the first step toward building a strong defense.