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Pinellas Criminal Law Florida criminal law, explained
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Florida statute summary

F.S. §784.011 — Assault

Defines assault as an intentional, unlawful threat to do violence to another person, with an apparent ability to carry it out, that creates a well-founded fear of imminent violence.

  • Updated
  • Checked against the official text
  • Topic: Assault & Battery

Official text

Read the wording of section 784.011 as published by The Florida Senate.

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What this section covers

An assault is an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to another person, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act that creates a well-founded fear in the other person that violence is imminent. No physical contact is required. Contact is the subject of section 784.03 (battery).

Offense level

  • Assault: second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.
  • Assault in furtherance of a riot: first-degree misdemeanor.

Aggravated assault, which involves a deadly weapon or an intent to commit a felony, is a separate offense under section 784.021 and is a third-degree felony.

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