Assault Attorney in Sarasota
Facing Assault Charges in Sarasota? Here’s How We Can Help
At McIntosh Law, we know the stakes and the anxiety that can come with an assault charge. Our team is prepared to meet you where you are, address your urgent questions, and make sure you do not go through this process alone.
We offer flexible appointment times, virtual meetings, and a bilingual staff for Spanish-speaking clients, striving to provide immediate support and clarity from your first call.
Criminal charges can feel isolating, but you do not have to navigate Sarasota’s legal system by yourself. Our focus is on helping individuals who suddenly find themselves up against criminal accusations, providing dedicated representation, and making it easier to take the first step toward your defense.
Don't let a misdemeanor ruin your future. Contact an assault charges defense in Sarasota—Call our firm at (941) 299-0701 or contact us online now.
Understanding Florida Simple Assault Law
Florida law distinguishes assault from battery, with charges ranging from simple assault to aggravated assault, depending on factors such as intent, injury, or use of a weapon.
Florida law strictly defines Simple Assault. It is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in the Sarasota County Jail. The law requires the State Attorney’s Office to prove three key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Intentional and Unlawful Threat: The accused must make an intentional, unlawful threat (by word or act) to do violence to another person.
- Apparent Ability: The accused must have the apparent ability to carry out the threatened violence. This does not require the accused to actually be able to carry out the threat, only that the circumstances made it appear so to the victim. For instance, making a physical gesture while standing far away may lack apparent ability.
- Well-Founded Fear: The accused must create a well-founded fear in the alleged victim that violence is imminent. This element is subjective—it relates to the alleged victim's fear—but the law requires that fear to be well-founded (or objectively reasonable).
If any one of these three elements fails, the charge of Simple Assault must be dismissed.
Skilled Defenders On Your Side Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
Here's What Sets Us Apart
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Deep Local Knowledge & Dedication
With over 25 years serving Manatee County, McIntosh Law is committed to defending our community’s rights with integrity.
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Powerful Team Approach
You don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team collaborating for your success. Our attorneys and paralegals have over 100+ years of combined experience.
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Strategic & Experienced Defense
Your case deserves a personalized strategy. Every team member has over twenty years in law, ensuring a skilled, thoughtful defense tailored to your specific case.
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Proven Success
Trusted by thousands, we know what it takes to navigate complex criminal cases, bringing experience and results-driven focus to every stage of your defense.
What To Do If You’re Accused Of Assault—Immediate Steps
If you have been arrested or believe you are under investigation for assault in Sarasota, what you do next is critical. Taking quick, informed steps increases your ability to protect your rights and mount a strong defense.
For anyone accused of assault in Sarasota, it is crucial to do the following:
- Stay silent and ask for a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, so avoid answering questions until you have legal advice.
- Refrain from discussing your case with anyone or posting details on social media. Even casual conversations can be misinterpreted or used by prosecutors.
- Contact an assault attorney in Sarasota as soon as possible. Early involvement means more strategy options and better opportunity to gather evidence or witnesses.
- Save any documents, messages, or materials related to the alleged incident. This includes photos, texts, or contact info for people who may have witnessed the events.
- Keep paperwork organized and track court appearance dates. Failing to show up for a required date could make defense more difficult.
While these steps cannot guarantee results, they often make a major difference in how your case develops. McIntosh Law is ready to help you avoid mistakes and guide you through the process in Sarasota from start to finish.
Why Choose Our Sarasota Team for Your Assault Charges Defense
Experience and teamwork matter when defending against assault charges. Our attorneys and paralegals bring together over 100 years of combined legal experience to each case.
Since 1993, McIntosh Law has represented clients throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties and has earned a strong reputation for thorough preparation and dedicated advocacy in these local courts.
What makes our service different is the collaborative approach we use. In most law firms, a single attorney might handle every detail, but here, every client benefits from the insights of multiple attorneys and paralegals. Your defense strategy is built specifically for you, and multiple experienced voices contribute to its strength.
Our dedicated team structure ensures that someone is always available to answer updates or respond to your questions. If you prefer to speak Spanish or need to meet after hours or virtually, we make it simple to do so.
Clients frequently tell us they chose our firm for both our skill in assault charges defense and our reputation for compassion and consistent support. We believe you will notice the difference when you meet our team.
Our Approach to Defending Assault Charges in Sarasota
No two assault cases are the same, and your defense should never be a generic template. At McIntosh Law, we use a collaborative process that draws on our team’s collective experience. This means your case receives input and attention from multiple attorneys and paralegals who contribute diverse insights at every stage.
When you hire us for your defense, you will meet directly with an attorney who will listen, ask about the details, and get to know your concerns. From there, our entire legal team reviews the facts, meets to discuss strategy options, and tailors the defense to your unique situation. This process allows us to anticipate how the Sarasota County State Attorney’s Office may prosecute and helps us stay ahead on your behalf.
Our clients benefit from our process in several important ways:
- Multiple attorneys analyse every significant aspect of your case
- You get honest feedback and clear updates throughout your defense
- We prioritize accessibility and responsive communication from day one
We believe that a prepared, team-based approach leads to smarter strategies and better outcomes for those facing assault charges defense here in Sarasota.
Call Our Sarasota Assault Attorneys For Compassionate, Experienced Defense
If you or someone you care about is facing an assault charge in Sarasota, reach out to our team today. McIntosh Law is here to answer your questions, help you understand your options, and guide you toward your next best step with respect and discretion.
We offer confidential consultations tailored to your schedule, whether you need night, weekend, or virtual appointments. When you call, you connect with a team committed to combining practical legal knowledge, real Sarasota experience, and personal care.
Contact our Sarasota assault attorney for your confidential consultation by calling (941) 299-0701 or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after my arrest should I contact an attorney?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after any arrest or accusation of assault. Early legal support helps protect your rights, shapes your interactions with law enforcement, and opens more options for mounting a defense. At McIntosh Law, we strive to respond quickly and offer flexible consultations so you can get immediate advice. Acting early often gives your legal team time to gather information and prepare for early court dates in Sarasota County.
Can your team help if this is my first legal offense?
Yes, we regularly assist clients who are facing a first criminal accusation, including DUI. We understand how daunting it can feel to enter the Sarasota criminal justice system for the first time. Our attorneys explain every step and guide you through court procedures, drawing on decades of experience with similar situations in this community. We believe everyone deserves thorough, respectful defense—no matter the circumstances of their case. We regularly represent people facing domestic violence allegations as well.
What makes your assault defense different from other Sarasota firms?
Our assault lawyer Sarasota team stands out because we use a truly collaborative method. Multiple attorneys and paralegals—together with over a century of combined experience—review your case and build a defense tailored for you. We focus on communication, compassion, and accessibility, offering flexible meeting times and support for Spanish-speaking clients. Our clients do not just get knowledge, they get a full legal team committed to defending their future.
Will you handle my case personally or delegate it?
With McIntosh Law, you work directly with an attorney who takes the time to understand you and your case. While our team collaborates to strengthen your defense, we prioritize individual attention and open communication. You always have a point of contact and receive updates at every step, avoiding the risk of feeling lost or ignored in the system.
How do flexible and virtual consultations work?
We make communicating with your lawyer easy and convenient. Our firm offers meetings in the evenings, on weekends, and through secure video calls for clients with challenging schedules. Just call us or reach out online to book a time that works. If you feel more comfortable speaking Spanish, our bilingual staff are available to help you understand every detail of your defense.
Does local knowledge really make a difference in assault defense?
A firm with deep Sarasota roots can make a real difference. Our team has practiced in Sarasota and Manatee since 1993 and understands local prosecutors’ approaches, the courts' procedures, and even how different judges prefer to handle assault cases. This context helps us tailor your defense and anticipate possible challenges during court proceedings at the Sarasota County Judicial Center.
Will you keep me updated about my case?
Yes, consistent communication is a core value at our firm. Our attorneys and staff prioritize regular updates throughout your case and respond promptly to all questions. We believe being well-informed reduces anxiety and helps you participate more confidently in your own defense.
