Useful Evidence in a New Port Richey Battery Trial

If you face a New Port Richey battery trial, you might need to think about what type of evidence could be useful. The consequences of a battery conviction can be considerable, especially if there are aggravated circumstances involved. An experienced defense attorney may be able to help you consider potential evidence before gathering it and presenting it during a trial.

Video Surveillance Footage 

If you can find surveillance footage of the incident in question, this evidence could be useful during a battery trial. If you believe that the physical contact was accidental, the footage could help support your argument. For example, you might have stumbled before crashing into someone unintentionally. Alternatively, you might have been pointing with your finger before accidentally poking someone.

Character Witnesses

You might also want to call upon character witnesses. Again, this could be useful if your defense strategy revolves around a general lack of intent. If you never intended to make physical contact with the alleged victim, a character witness can speak to your unaggressive and gentle personality. This might be a close friend, a colleague, or a family member.

Eyewitnesses

Eyewitnesses who actually saw the incident could be useful as well. These individuals might have seen the incident play out, and they may be able to support your argument that the contact was unintentional. They might also help if you have chosen to claim self-defense. For example, a witness may have seen the alleged victim approach you in a threatening manner with their fists raised before you punched them in self-defense.

Medical Records 

Medical records could be vital in a battery trial. On one hand, the alleged victim’s medical records may help establish that their injuries are either non-existent or very minor. Your own medical records could also be useful, especially if you need to establish that you were acting in self-defense. Perhaps you were injured by an aggressor before you finally decided to defend yourself.

Should I Testify?

You may decide to testify on your own behalf during a battery trial. This gives you the chance to tell your side of the story. However, this can be a risky move, and you will leave yourself open to cross-examination by prosecutors. Speak with a lawyer before deciding to testify during your trial.

Can a New Port Richey Defense Attorney Help With Battery Charges? 

A New Port Richey criminal defense attorney may be able to help if you face battery charges. If a trial is unavoidable, you might need to consider the various types of evidence that could be useful. Although there is technically no requirement to present evidence in your defense, it could mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. In addition, prosecutors may be willing to drop charges if they become aware of certain evidence. Contact Athanaselos & Associates, P.A. today for further guidance.

Source: 

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0784/Sections/0784.03.html