Category: FAQs

R. David Williams | Criminal Defense Lawyer | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Call (954) 522-9997

What are the penalties if the victim is 65 years or older?

If the victim of an aggravated battery is 65 years of age or older, Florida Statute § 784.08 requires the offense to be reclassified from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony. This increases the...

June 9, 2026

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Does the victim have to agree to drop the charges in Florida?

In Florida, the decision to prosecute belongs to the State Attorney’s Office, not the alleged victim. Even if the alleged victim signs a waiver of prosecution or asks for the case to be dropped, prosecutors...

June 9, 2026

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What qualifies as a "deadly weapon" in an aggravated battery case?

Under Florida law, a deadly weapon is any instrument used or threatened to be used in a way likely to produce death or great bodily harm. While firearms and knives are common examples, Fort Lauderdale...

June 9, 2026

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Can an aggravated battery charge be reduced in Broward County?

Charges can be reduced through negotiations with the Broward State Attorney’s Office or through pretrial motions. A knowledgeable attorney might seek to reduce the charge to "simple battery" or "felony battery" if they can show...

June 9, 2026

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What is the difference between battery and aggravated battery in Florida?

In Florida, simple battery is typically a first-degree misdemeanor involving intentional, non-consensual touching or striking. It becomes aggravated battery, a second-degree felony, if the defendant uses a deadly weapon, causes great bodily harm/permanent disfigurement, or...

June 9, 2026

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Does a theft conviction lead to a driver’s license suspension in Florida?

Yes, under Florida law, a conviction for any theft offense can lead to a court-ordered suspension of your driving privileges. For a first offense, the suspension typically lasts six months. Subsequent convictions can lead to...

June 9, 2026

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What are the penalties for a first-time Grand Theft conviction in Fort Lauderdale?

For a third-degree grand theft (property valued between $750 and $20,000), a first-time offender faces up to five years in Florida State Prison, five years of probation, and $5,000 in fines. However, the Broward County...

June 9, 2026

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How is the value of stolen property determined in a Florida theft case?

Florida courts generally utilize the "fair market value" of the property at the time and place the offense occurred. This represents the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the item in...

June 9, 2026

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Can a Petit Theft charge be upgraded to a felony in Broward County?

Yes, a misdemeanor can be reclassified under specific circumstances in the 17th Judicial Circuit. If an individual has two or more prior theft convictions, a third petit theft arrest may be charged as a third-degree...

June 9, 2026

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What is the main difference between Petit Theft and Grand Theft in Florida?

The primary distinction lies in the monetary value of the property taken. Under Florida Statute § 812.014, theft is classified as petit theft if the property is valued at less than $750, typically causing misdemeanor...

June 9, 2026

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(954) 466-0104

15 SW 10th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Click to Call (954) 522-9997

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Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A.

15 SW 10th St.,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

(954) 522-9997

Recent Blogs

What are the penalties if the victim is 65 years or older?

Does the victim have to agree to drop the charges in Florida?

What qualifies as a "deadly weapon" in an aggravated battery case?

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