Florida law provides for harsh penalties or punishments for anyone convicted of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (often called “BATT LEO” or “Battery on a LEO”) The public policy behind such a law is that certain professionals perform their duties in circumstances that make them particularly vulnerable to an attack.

For individuals such as Law Enforcement Officers who are performing their duties when a battery occurs, the penalties and punishments are enhanced under Florida Law. Defenses often center around the fact that the law enforcement officer exceeded his authority by making an illegal arrest or used excessive force under the circumstance.

Alachua County Battery on an LEO Attorney

If you were arrested for battery on a Law Enforcement Officer under Florida Statute § 784.07(2)(b), then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Dean Galigani aggressively represents his clients while helping his clients fight for the best possible result. Call to discuss your case for battery, felony battery, aggravated battery or battery on a Law Enforcement Officer in Gainesville, Alachua County, Starke in Bradford County, Lake Butler in Union County, Macclenny in Baker County, Ocala in Marion County, Trenton in Gilchrist County, Lake City in Columbia County, Florida

Elements of Florida’s Battery on a LEO Statute

Under Florida Statute § 784.07(2)(b), Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer requires proof beyond all reasonable doubt of the following elements:

  • The Defendant committed the act intentionally;
  • The Defendant touched or struck the alleged victim against his or her will or caused bodily harm to the alleged victim;
  • The alleged victim was a law enforcement officer or other qualified professional as explained below;
  • The Defendant knew the person struck was a law enforcement officer or other qualified professional; and
  • The alleged victim was engaged in the lawful performance of his or her duties when the battery was committed.

This felony version of battery also applies to other qualified professionals including:

  • federal law enforcement officer;
  • traffic infraction enforcement officer;
  • emergency medical care provider;
  • firefighters;
  • state and federal probation officers;
  • traffic accident investigation officer
  • security officer employed by the board of trustees of a community college; and
  • parking enforcement specialist.

Other Types of Assault and Battery Charges in Florida

The misdemeanor version of battery is a lesser included offense. Other felony related offenses include the following:

  • Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Etc. under Florida Statute § 784.07(2)(a)
  • Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Etc. Florida Statute § 784.07(2)(c)
  • Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, Etc. Florida Statute § 784.07(2)(d)

For more information, read the standard jury instructions for Battery on a LEO.

Finding an Attorney for Battery on a LEO Charges in Florida

Dean Galigani aggressively represents his clients who are charged with serious violent crimes such as battery on a Law Enforcement Officer under Florida Statute § 784.07(2)(b). Call (352) 375-0812 to discuss your case for battery,aggravated battery or battery on a LEO with Dean Galigani for any case in Gainesville, Alachua County, Trenton in Gilchrist County, Ocala in Marion County, Lake Butler in Union County, Macclenny in Baker County, Starke in Bradford County, Lake City in Columbia County, Florida