Defense Against Assault Charges
Strong defense strategies for assault and battery accusations. Serving Tampa, Hillsborough County, and all of Florida.
A Strong Defense
When It Counts
Self-Defense Cases
Florida's self-defense laws are strong. If you acted to protect yourself or others in Tampa, that can be a complete defense — we build it from the evidence.
Credibility Challenges
Many assault and battery cases come down to one person's word. We investigate the accuser's account, motives, and inconsistencies.
Domestic Charge Defense
Domestic battery cases carry special conditions like no-contact orders and firearm restrictions. We handle these sensitive cases with care and urgency.
Your Side of the Story
Matters
Assault and battery charges in Tampa are often filed after a heated moment, with only one version told to police. We make sure the full story — including self-defense — is heard.
Your Defense Process
We handle the legal fight so you can focus on your life, your family, and your future.
Confidential Case Review
Your first consultation with HOV Law is free and confidential. We review your arrest, the exact assault & battery charges, the evidence against you, and any constitutional issues in how it was gathered — then map out your options.
Investigation & Discovery
We obtain the police report, body-cam and dash-cam footage, witness statements, and lab or test results, and scrutinize every step for illegal stops, searches, or procedural errors that can weaken the State's case in Tampa.
Motions & Negotiation
Where the facts support it, we file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case, and negotiate with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office for reduced charges, diversion, or dismissal before trial.
Trial Defense
If the State will not offer a fair resolution, we are ready to try your case. HOV Law prepares every assault & battery matter for trial before a Hillsborough County jury, and that readiness is often what drives a better outcome.
Tampa Assault & Battery Lawyer — Defending the Accused
Assault and battery charges in Tampa often arise from fast-moving confrontations — a bar dispute, a road-rage incident, a family argument — where police hear only one side. Under Florida law, "assault" (Fla. Stat. § 784.011) is a threat that creates fear of imminent violence, while "battery" (§ 784.03) is an actual unwanted touching or striking.
HOV Law defends the full range of these cases, from simple assault to aggravated and domestic charges. We investigate what really happened, identify witnesses, and build defenses like self-defense, defense of others, and lack of intent.
Free, confidential consultation — call today.
Florida Assault & Battery Penalties
- Penalties depend on the conduct alleged and any aggravating factors:
- Simple assault—A second-degree misdemeanor (up to 60 days in jail).
- Simple battery—A first-degree misdemeanor (up to 1 year), or a felony if you have a prior battery conviction.
- Aggravated assault—A third-degree felony (up to 5 years), typically involving a deadly weapon or intent to commit a felony.
- Aggravated battery—A second-degree felony (up to 15 years), involving serious injury, a deadly weapon, or a pregnant victim.
- Domestic battery—Carries mandatory conditions on conviction, including a no-contact order and potential loss of firearm rights.
Self-Defense and "Stand Your Ground" in Florida
Florida has some of the nation's strongest self-defense laws. Under the "Stand Your Ground" statute, you generally have no duty to retreat before using force to defend yourself where you are lawfully present, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent harm.
When self-defense applies, we can raise it before trial through a Stand Your Ground immunity hearing, and again at trial. If you were protecting yourself or someone else in Tampa, that is not a crime — and we build the evidence to prove it.
Defending Domestic Battery Charges
- No-contact orders—A domestic charge often comes with a court order to stay away from the accuser, even if you live together. We address these conditions quickly.
- False or exaggerated allegations—Divorce, custody disputes, and jealousy can drive false claims. We investigate motive and inconsistencies.
- Prosecutor "no-drop" policies—In Florida, the State — not the alleged victim — decides whether to pursue charges, so a case can proceed even if the accuser wants it dropped.
- We handle these sensitive Tampa cases discreetly and aggressively, protecting your record and your rights.
Related Practice Areas in Tampa
Assault & Battery charges often overlap with other criminal allegations. Our Tampa defense attorneys also handle these related areas:
Other Criminal Defense Services in Tampa
Also serving Tampa for Personal Injury:
Serge Hovhanessian, Esq.
Founding Attorney at HOV Law | Florida Bar | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers
Attorney Hovhanessian defends the accused across Florida — protecting your rights, your record, and your freedom.Read full bio →
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Tampa Assault & Battery FAQs
What's the difference between assault and battery in Florida?
Assault is a threat of violence that puts someone in fear of imminent harm; battery is actual physical contact — touching or striking someone against their will. You can be charged with one or both depending on the facts.
Can I claim self-defense in Tampa?
Yes. Florida's Stand Your Ground law allows the use of force to defend yourself or others without a duty to retreat, when reasonable. Self-defense can be a complete defense and may even be raised in a pretrial immunity hearing.
The alleged victim wants to drop the charges — will they be dismissed?
Not automatically. In Florida, the State Attorney decides whether to prosecute, not the accuser. The case can move forward even if the alleged victim recants or does not want to cooperate. A defense attorney is still essential.
Is a first-time battery charge a felony?
Simple battery is usually a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, but it becomes a felony with a prior battery conviction or if the conduct qualifies as aggravated battery. We fight to keep charges from being elevated.
What happens with a domestic battery no-contact order?
The court may order you to have no contact with the accuser, which can affect where you live and your family. We can ask the court to modify these conditions and defend the underlying charge.
Will an assault or battery conviction show up on background checks?
Yes, a conviction becomes part of your permanent record and can appear on background checks for jobs and housing. That is why fighting the charge — or seeking a resolution that avoids conviction — matters. Call (407) 801-0101.
Accused of Assault in
Tampa?
Before you speak with police or the alleged victim, talk to a lawyer. Contact HOV Law for a free, confidential consultation in Tampa.