Battery Attorney in Jacksonville
Arrested For Battery And Need A Plan? Call Law Office of Russell B. McCormick, PA
If you were recently arrested or accused of battery in Jacksonville, you are likely worried about jail, your record, and your next court date. A single argument or misunderstanding can suddenly turn into a criminal case that affects your job, family, and future.
At Law Office of Russell B. McCormick, PA, we focus our practice on criminal defense, and we understand how quickly a battery charge can turn your life upside down. We know you may feel that no one is listening to your side of the story, and that the legal process in Duval County is intimidating and confusing.
Our firm is led by Attorney McCormick, a former prosecutor with extensive experience in the criminal justice system. He is directly involved in every case, and we offer free initial consultations, 24/7 availability, and flexible payment plans so you can get answers and a plan without delay.
Take control of your defense today. Call (904) 353-0436 or contact us online for a free, virtual consultation with an experienced battery attorney in Jacksonville.
Understanding Battery Laws in Florida
Florida Statutes Chapter 784 governs the various levels of battery offenses. While many people use the terms "assault" and "battery" interchangeably, they are distinct crimes. Assault is a threat of violence, whereas battery requires actual physical contact.
As a Jacksonville battery defense lawyer, we frequently handle cases involving several different classifications:
- Simple Battery (§ 784.03): This occurs when a person actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against their will, or intentionally causes bodily harm. It is typically a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Felony Battery (§ 784.041): This charge applies if a battery causes "significant bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement." It is a third-degree felony.
- Aggravated Battery (§ 784.045): This is a second-degree felony charged when a person uses a deadly weapon, intentionally causes great bodily harm, or commits a battery against a victim they know to be pregnant.
- Domestic Battery: While technically a misdemeanor battery, if the incident involves a family or household member, it triggers specialized domestic violence protocols, including a mandatory "no-contact" period and potentially higher sentencing scrutiny.
In Jacksonville, battery cases are usually heard in the Duval County courts. After an arrest, a judge at the Duval County jail typically reviews the arrest, sets bond, and may issue a no-contact order that limits where you can live and whom you can see. Violating those conditions can lead to additional trouble, even before the underlying case is resolved.
Common situations that can lead to battery charges include:
- Arguments at home that lead to allegations of domestic battery
- Disputes in bars, clubs, or at parties that escalate
- Conflicts with neighbors or coworkers that become physical
- Roadway incidents where tempers flare after a traffic event
- Altercations at sporting events or public gatherings
Each of these situations can look very different once all the facts are carefully reviewed. We work to understand what really happened before discussing options with you.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Battery Convictions in Florida
The penalties for battery in Florida range from probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the severity and your prior record.
- Misdemeanor Battery: Up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Felony Battery: Up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Aggravated Battery: Up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If a firearm is discharged, Florida’s 10-20-Life law may trigger mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years or more.
The collateral consequences can be just as damaging as the time served:
- No-Contact Orders: You may be barred from returning to your home or seeing your children if the incident involved a family member.
- Loss of Firearm Rights: Under federal and state law, a conviction for even misdemeanor domestic battery can lead to a permanent loss of your right to possess a firearm.
- Employment Disruption: A battery conviction appears on every background check as a violent offense, which can lead to termination or denial of employment, particularly in education or healthcare.
- Professional Licensing: If you hold a state license, a battery conviction can lead to disciplinary action or revocation by your governing board.
Why Choose Our Battery Defense
When you are facing a violent offense, you need more than a name on a business card. You need a lawyer who understands how the State builds cases and how local courts handle them. Because Attorney McCormick previously worked as a prosecutor, he has seen battery cases from the other side of the courtroom.
That background helps us evaluate how the State Attorney’s Office may view the evidence in your case. We look at police reports, injuries, witness accounts, and prior contacts the way a prosecutor is likely to see them, then we work to anticipate and respond to those arguments. Our goal is to identify weak points, overcharging, or areas where negotiations may be possible.
When you hire our firm, you work directly with Attorney McCormick, not a rotating cast of unfamiliar lawyers. Our office is centrally located near the Duval County Courthouse and the Duval County jail, which makes it easier to meet in person and appear in court. We provide free initial consultations and flexible payment plans.
Talk To A Battery Lawyer in Jacksonville
You do not have to face a battery charge on your own or try to navigate the Duval County courts without guidance. When you contact Law Office of Russell B. McCormick, PA, you speak with a criminal defense lawyer who understands both prosecution tactics and defense strategy, and who is ready to look closely at the unique details of your situation.
Our firm’s focus is on preparing you for each step, explaining your options in clear terms, and working to reduce the impact of the charge on your life. We represent clients from the investigation phase through post-conviction issues, so you are not left without support once the first hearing is over.
We know that cost and timing are real concerns. That is why we offer free initial consultations, 24/7 availability for urgent questions, and flexible payment plans. You can talk with us about your case, ask the questions that are keeping you up at night, and learn how we can help, all before making long-term decisions.
Call (904) 353-0436 or reach out online now to schedule your free consultation.
Five-Star Reviews See What our Clients Have to Say
Russell B. McCormick Focuses on You, and It Shows in Our Reviews
Read through some of our recent five-star client testimonials below, or call (904) 353-0436 get started with our attorney today.
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"Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me."A friend who went through a similar situation recommended me this Law Office. I was a bit nervous about talking to a lawyer since it was my first time having to need one. Russell B. McCormick was very direct and upfront about everything, laying out all the options available to me. He was also quite accommodating with my work schedule and kept me up to date with anything that came up or that I needed to do. I’m so grateful he was able to reduce my charge, with the eligibility of getting it sealed later on.- Kevin
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"Russell is Amazing!"Russell is Amazing! He handled my son’s case with such professionalism all while having a very calm demeanor. His hard work granted the best results for my son, and we are more than pleased. And I can’t leave out Dorothy! It was a pleasure speaking with her when calling the office Every Time.She was always sweet and made sure to answer any concerns that we had.. Overall I give Russell and his team a A+.. I highly recommend..- Meka B.
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"They were knowledgeable and straight to the point"This firm was well worth it , they were knowledgeable and straight to the point and actually got the job done . Also they respond back to you in a timely manner . I am very appreciative for their service. Now I can move forward in life . Thanks- Deven R.
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"Highly recommend Russell McCormick."Highly recommend Russell McCormick. Upon calling he immediately went to work on my case. He clearly communicated the process and walked me through any questions I had. He was also able to get my sentencing talked down and made the process as painless as it could be. I am so glad he was referred to me!- Rachel B.
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"Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations."Russell was great! this is the second time I have used him and i have to say, I'm impressed. Russell cares and he knows the system. the outcome of my case far surpassed my expectations. I would recommend Russell McCormick to anyone needing legal counsel. After finding Russell, I will never use anyone else for my legal needs!- Luke F.
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Called the McCormick office in trouble, with my freedom on the line. Russell answered the phone himself and confirmed he took on my type of cases. He took my information down and we scheduled a consultation. When I arrived for my consultation, he already had the information about my case,and a plan to come to my defense, already in tow! That made me confident in hiring Russell. However, my case had gotten thrown out (unbeknownst to me) and even though I paid the retainers fee, he sent me a refund.In reality he could have kept it. That right there is why he'll forever be my go to attorney if I needed one. Ready to defend and honest when need be. I appreciate him and Ms Dorothy and highly recommend. Thanks again!- Jones
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"Worth Every Penny!"I cannot say thank you enough to Mr. McCormick and his team. Everyone was amazingly nice and professional and I always got a response in a timely manner. He was worth every penny so I didn’t have to face the court alone.- Amber H.
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"Much Love and Respect for This Man"
Russell is by far the best defense attorney in Jax. He did an amazing job with my case. Has the respect of the state's attorneys and the judges as well, which if you know how the law works is important for your defense.
- Eric G.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Battery Defense
Reading about penalties can be overwhelming, but there are often ways to challenge or limit a battery charge. Every case is different, so we start by reviewing the details with you and comparing them against the police reports and other evidence. We look for gaps, inconsistencies, and assumptions that may not hold up in court.
In many cases, issues such as self-defense, defense of others, mutual combat, or lack of intent become important. Sometimes the real dispute is about who started the incident, how much force was used, or whether the alleged injuries match the story. In other situations, mistaken identity or credibility concerns about a witness may play a role in the defense.
Because Attorney McCormick has prosecuted cases, he understands how the State Attorney’s Office evaluates battery allegations and decides whether to file, reduce, or dismiss charges. While we cannot guarantee results, we use our knowledge of prosecution strategies to guide our advice.
Steps you can take right now to protect yourself include:
- Avoid discussing the incident with anyone except your attorney
- Do not post about the situation on social media or messaging apps
- Gather names and contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened
- Save relevant text messages, voicemails, or photos without altering them
- Follow all bond conditions and no contact orders carefully
These actions can help preserve important information and prevent additional legal problems while we review your battery case and discuss strategy.
Secure your free, virtual consultation now by calling (904) 353-0436 or reaching out online. Our dedicated battery attorney in Jacksonville provides the aggressive and sophisticated representation needed to challenge these charges and protect your rights.
