🚨 Arrested for Assault in Fort Lauderdale? There’s Hope.
You don’t have to hit anyone to be charged with assault in Florida.
And just because you were arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted.
If you’re wondering how to beat an assault charge in Fort Lauderdale, start with what prosecutors must prove—and how we stop them.
⚖️ What Counts as Assault in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 784.011, assault is:
An intentional, unlawful threat (by word or act)
Coupled with the apparent ability to carry it out
That causes the victim to reasonably fear immediate harm
🛑 No physical contact is required.
🔍 Strategies We Use to Beat Assault Charges
1️⃣ Dispute Intent
Were you actually threatening someone—or just angry, loud, or misunderstood?
We fight back by showing there was no intent to cause fear.
2️⃣ Challenge the Fear Element
The State must prove the victim was in reasonable fear of imminent harm.
We often use:
Bodycam or witness footage
Statements made after the incident
Inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s version
3️⃣ Lack of Apparent Ability
You must have seemed capable of immediately following through on the threat.
Arguing across a parking lot usually doesn’t count.
4️⃣ Stand Your Ground / Self-Defense
If you were defending yourself or others, you may be immune from prosecution under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law or justifiable use of force statute.
5️⃣ Pre-Charge Intervention
In some cases, we contact the prosecutor before formal charges are filed to present exculpatory evidence and stop the case early.
⚠️ Fort Lauderdale Assault Charges We Handle
Simple assault (misdemeanor)
Aggravated assault (felony)
Domestic violence assault
Assault involving weapons
Assault during disputes at bars, on the road, or in public places
📌 Related Reading:
✅ What We Aim to Do
Push for dismissal or pre-trial diversion
Fight for a reduction to a lesser charge
Seek withhold of adjudication
Avoid jail and preserve your record sealing eligibility
📞 Accused of Assault in Fort Lauderdale? Let’s Fight It.
We know the local prosecutors. We know the courtrooms.
And we’ve helped countless clients walk away from assault charges.
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or request a consultation
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⚖️ What do prosecutors have to prove for an assault charge in Florida?
They must prove you intentionally threatened someone, had the apparent ability to carry out the threat, and caused the person to fear immediate harm.
❌ Can I be charged with assault even if I never touched the person?
Yes. Florida law does not require physical contact for an assault charge—only a credible threat that causes reasonable fear.
🛡️ What’s the best defense to an assault charge in Fort Lauderdale?
Common defenses include:
Lack of intent
No reasonable fear
Lack of apparent ability
Self-defense or Stand Your Ground
Mutual argument with no threat
📉 Can an assault charge be dismissed or reduced?
Yes. Many assault cases are resolved with dismissal, diversion, or reduction to disorderly conduct or other nonviolent offenses—especially for first-time offenders.
🧾 Can I seal my record if I beat the assault charge?
If your case is dismissed, no information is filed, or you receive a withhold of adjudication, you may be eligible to seal or expunge your record.