Last updated November 2025
βοΈ Arrested for Battery in Florida? Here’s What You’re Really Facing
If you’ve been arrested for battery in Fort Lauderdale, don’t assume the State will “let it go” — even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. Battery is a serious crime in Florida, and a conviction can mean jail, a criminal record, and permanent consequences for your job, license, or immigration status.
You need a strategic, trial-ready battery defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who knows how to challenge witness credibility, suppress bad evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients charged with misdemeanor and felony battery across Broward County β and we know how to win.
π What Counts as Battery in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 784.03, battery occurs when a person:
Intentionally touches or strikes another person
Against that person’s will, or
Intentionally causes bodily harm
Battery is usually a first-degree misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony if:
You have a prior battery conviction
The victim is a law enforcement officer or healthcare worker
The alleged offense involved strangulation or serious injury
π‘οΈ How a Battery Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help
We tailor our strategy to the facts and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case:
πΉ Self-defense or mutual combat
πΉ Inconsistent or biased witness statements
πΉ Lack of injury or physical evidence
πΉ Body cam or surveillance contradicts police version
πΉ No independent witnesses or cooperating victim
We can often negotiate for diversion, reduced charges, or dismissal β and weβre always prepared to take it to trial if needed.
β Why Clients Trust Michael White
β
Former Broward County prosecutor
β
Trial-tested defense for both misdemeanor and felony battery
β
Aggressive suppression and motion practice
β
Trusted by students, professionals, and first-time offenders
π Arrested for Battery in Fort Lauderdale? Let’s Fight It.
Don’t plead guilty before you know your options. We defend good people facing serious accusations.
π² Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule your free consultation
β Frequently Asked Questions
π§βοΈ Is battery a felony or misdemeanor in Florida?
Battery is usually a misdemeanor — but it becomes a felony if it involves a protected victim, prior conviction, or serious injury.
βοΈ Can battery charges be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to prosecute?
Not automatically. Only the State Attorney can drop charges — but a non-cooperating victim can help us negotiate dismissal.
π What if I acted in self-defense?
Self-defense is a strong legal argument in battery cases. If you were provoked or trying to protect yourself, weβll present evidence accordingly.
π Can I go to jail for battery in Florida?
Yes — but many clients avoid jail through dismissal, diversion, or a withhold of adjudication. Every case is different.
π Will battery stay on my record forever?
A conviction cannot be sealed or expunged. But if the case is dismissed or adjudication is withheld, you may qualify for record sealing.