Right now, college students across Florida are heading back to their dorm rooms, apartments and campus houses for the start of the fall semester.
It goes without saying that the majority of these college students will be hitting the books, but it also goes without saying that many will be hitting the streets to head to area hotspots, including bars and nightclubs, for a night of fun.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with students looking to blow off a little steam, the inescapable fact remains that alcohol is almost always a fixture at these area hotspots and, as everyone knows, excess alcohol consumption can lead to trouble.
Indeed, it’s not uncommon for otherwise responsible young people to lose their inhibitions if they consume too much alcohol, perhaps causing them to make poor decisions or even adopt an overly aggressive posture. This latter phenomenon is especially concerning, as it can lead to threats or actual physical violence.
In situations like these, young people can rapidly find themselves in the back of a squad car facing simple assault or battery charges, something that can’t and shouldn’t be laughed off when you consider the following.
- Simple assault: A second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.
- Simple battery: A first-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.
In addition to these consequences, there is also the matter of potentially having a permanent criminal record, something that can jeopardize everything from financial aid and housing to graduate school and future employment.
Michael A. Gottlieb, P.A., has over a quarter century of experience in criminal defense matters. We know how high the stakes are for college students and will do everything in our power to get assault or battery charges reduced or dismissed. If this isn’t an option, we will fight the charges in court, always preparing a strong and compelling defense.
To learn more about how we can help, please visit our website.