Being arrested for assault or battery in Orlando is a serious matter. These charges carry grievous consequences, from jail time and hefty fines to permanent reputation damage that can impact your future. At Rentz Law, we understand the stakes. With more than 20 years of experience, Attorney Carrie L. Rentz provides aggressive, hands-on defense and the compassionate guidance you need during this difficult time.
How Rentz Law Can Help After an Assault Arrest in Orlando
Deep Local Knowledge – We know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in both Orange and Seminole Counties. Our experience in these local judicial systems helps us anticipate how your charges will be handled.
Boutique & Woman-Led – You’re not just a case number. You work directly with Carrie Rentz from start to finish, getting a level of care and compassion big firms often don’t provide.
Accessible Communication – Choose how you want to communicate: text, phone, or email—whatever keeps you informed best.
Meet Your Orlando Defense Attorney
Carrie L. Rentz has been defending those accused of assault, battery, and related violent offenses in Central Florida for more than two decades. Admitted to practice in all Florida courts, she combines courtroom advocacy with pragmatic negotiation, providing clear communication and tailored strategies to pursue the best possible outcome for every client at each stage of the case.
20+ Years of Experience Serving Orange and Seminole Counties
How We Defend Assault & Battery Cases
Our goal is to protect your rights, reduce the charges, or avoid convictions when possible. Here’s how we build your defense.
- Initial Case Review – We obtain and assess arrest records, witness statements, police reports, and any evidence already collected.
- Investigation & Strategy – This may include collecting surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical or forensic evidence, evaluating self-defense claims, or contesting the validity of the arrest or search.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Plea Negotiation – We may argue for suppression of evidence, dismissal based on constitutional violations, or negotiate with the prosecutor for lesser charges or favorable plea deals.
- Trial Representation – If needed, we prepare fully for trial, examine every piece of evidence, cross-examine, and ensure your side is heard.
- Possible Outcomes – Dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, diversion, probation, or minimized sentencing. These outcomes depend heavily on the facts of your case.
- Communication & Support – You’ll never be left guessing. Carrie maintains direct involvement, keeps you updated, answers your questions, and takes time to make sure you understand each step.
Your Right to Fair Representation
You have constitutional rights from the moment of arrest and going forward:
- You have the right to remain silent; right not to incriminate yourself.
- You have the right to an attorney.
- You have the right to due process, including a fair trial, to confront witnesses, to present defenses.
- Many assault/battery charges stem from misunderstandings, misidentification, or even false accusations—but Florida law requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
At Rentz Law, these rights aren’t just technicalities, and we insist they’re respected at every stage. Your case is defended fully in the local court where it’s being tried.
What Are Assault & Battery Charges and How Common Are They in Orange County, FL?
In Florida, assault and battery are two different charges:
- Assault is when someone threatens another person with violence and makes them reasonably believe that they are about to experience harm, even if no physical contact is made. (Florida Statute §784.011)
- Battery is when a person intentionally makes unwanted physical contact with someone else or causes them harm. (Florida Statute §784.03)
- Aggravated Assault means the threat involves a weapon or the intent to commit a serious crime, which makes it a felony. (Florida Statute §784.021)
These charges are not uncommon in our area. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
- Orange County reported 5,634 aggravated assault cases in a 2021
- Seminole County reported 971 aggravated assault cases in 2021
Being accused of assault or battery doesn’t always mean a crime actually occurred. Disputes often happen in the heat of the moment, and what starts as a verbal argument can be misunderstood or exaggerated. In other cases, self-defense, mutual confrontation, or mistaken identity can lead to unfair charges. Florida law requires proof of intent and, for assault, the ability to carry out a real threat — and those details are not always clear. At Rentz Law, we dig into the facts, protect your rights, and make sure you are not judged based on assumptions or incomplete stories.
Potential Consequences for Assault or Battery Charges in Florida
Depending on the nature of the assault or battery (whether it’s simple, aggravated, with injury, with a weapon, etc.), clients may face:
- Simple Assault (Misdemeanor): typically penalties include up to 60 days jail, possible fines, probation
- Simple Battery (First-Degree Misdemeanor): up to 1 year in jail, fines, restitution, probation; more serious if previous convictions exist
- Aggravated Assault / Battery (Felony): more severe penalties including prison terms, larger fines, and long-lasting effects on criminal record, employment, housing, etc.
What to Do (and Avoid) After an Assault or Battery Arrest
Knowing your rights and what steps to take right away can make a big difference in your case.
- Do not answer questions or give statements without your attorney present. What you say can be used in court.
- Do not post about it on social media or to anyone likely to share details broadly. Even harmless posts can be misinterpreted.
- Preserve evidence. Take photos of injuries, document medical treatment, keep witness names/contacts, preserve clothing etc.
- Record the timeline. Write down exactly what happened (as best you remember), who was there, times, and locations.
- Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer quickly. Early legal help allows time to investigate evidence, file motions, and negotiate.
Navigating the Legal System in Central Florida
Assault & battery cases are handled differently depending on the county. Rentz Law frequently appears in Orange County Courthouse (Orlando) and the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center (Sanford).
Judges and prosecutors vary in how they charge aggravated vs. simple offenses, whether bond is granted, and whether diversion or alternative sentencing options are available.
Understanding local docket timelines, hearing schedules, and defense strategies favored historically in each county gives us a tactical advantage.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Carrie was extremely helpful in a difficult situation. She was detailed, easy to communicate with and provided a favorable result in the end. If your looking for a great attorney pick up the phone and call Carrie today!
Carrie is everything as advertised. She actually puts in time and effort to get to know you and shows true sympathy toward her clients. Great people skills and even better knowledge of the law. Highly recommended!
When I initially called Carrie I was hesitant, scared, and didn't know what to expect. I can tell you first hand, Carrie and her assistant are AMAZING. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Good luck Carrie on your future endeavors, all the best.
I hired Mrs. Rentz for a legal issue I had in the Orlando area. Being from out of town, I use some references as a guide. Mrs. Rentz looked to be the right attorney. She is very caring and takes your issue very seriously.
This was by far the best experience i have had with a lawyer she always let me know what was going on with my case and always stayed positive while fighting for me in the courtroom. Just want to say i appreciate everything you have done for me and will definitely recommend you to anyone. If i could it would be 10 stars, thank you again
Carrie was wonderful to work with. She made the entire process so smooth for me and was always easy to get in touch with whenever I had any questions.
Carrie Rentz is an amazing lawyer. She is very informed and ready to answer any questions I have. She and her assistant reply to emails in a timely fashion and are both very friendly and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a lawyer I 100% recommend her.
Assault & Battery FAQs
What is the difference between assault and battery in Florida?
Assault is threatening violence or creating fear of imminent harm (even without physical contact). Battery involves physical contact or causing bodily harm. Florida Statutes §§ 784.011 & 784.03 define these.
What constitutes aggravated assault or battery?
If a weapon was used, serious bodily harm resulted, or if the assault/battery is committed in certain contexts (e.g. against protected classes, law enforcement), the crime can be elevated to a felony. Florida Statute § 784.021 covers aggravated assault.
Can assault or battery charges be dropped in Orange County?
Yes, in some cases. Weak evidence, mistaken identity, or constitutional violations (like illegal search or unfair arrest) may lead to dismissal.
What penalties should I expect for assault or battery in Florida?
It depends. Simple misdemeanor battery can lead up to one year in jail. Aggravated or felony battery can bring several years of incarceration. Fines, probation, and restitution are also common.
Is self-defense valid in these cases?
Florida law allows self-defense under certain circumstances. If you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger, and used force proportionally, that defense may apply.
How does a conviction affect my criminal record and future opportunities?
Convictions, especially felonies, can affect housing, employment, professional licensing, custody, and more. Even misdemeanors can carry stigma and long-term impact.
