What is an Act of Violence or Assault?

The state of Florida has a very broad definition of acts of violence and assault. Assault is defined by Florida criminal law as "an intentional threat by word, or act that seeks to physically harm another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, which creates a well-founded fear in such other person that such violence is imminent." This leaves significant room for interpretation, particularly in heated incidents where things can get out of hand.

An act of violence has a similarly vague and subjective definition. The primary difference is assault requires “an apparent ability” to carry out a threat, an act of violence can be no more than words. 

Charged with Assault or an Act of Violence

When the police respond to any report of a violent crime, they will most likely make an arrest. At the scene of the incident, they will automatically place the person who appears to be more out of control under custody. This may or may not be the person responsible for the incident, and the police may have simply witnessed something that wasn’t actually happening.

In any case, if you are charged with a violent crime, no matter how insignificant it may seem, you will need an aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. The attorneys at the Cochran Firm have years of experience helping people charged with these crimes beat or diminish charges brought against them. We will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully represented, and your rights are protected.

If you live in or around Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm, or Ft. Myers, Florida and have been accused of committing a violent crime, please contact the attorneys at the Cochran Firm South Florida to schedule an initial consultation today.