Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I live in Escambia County, Pensacola, FL, 32503. I was charged with Misdemeanor Battery - Touch or Strike in Santa Rosa County, Milton, FL, 32570 on April 4th, I didn't do, the police report even states that there ISN'T ANY INDICATING MARKS OR EVIDENCE TO SHOW SOMEONE WAS HIT, yet I was still arrested with a $100 bail, which my brother fortunately paid.. I went to my scheduled court date April 5th, and the district public defendor at the time help me plead not guilty, so they set another court date for June 27. I missed my court date and was not given any kind of leniency because of my mental disability nor the fact that I absolutely did not have the money to drive an hour to get to the court house that day. I was issued a warrant for my arrest with a court date set Tues. July 24 at 1:30 pm. I am absolutely terrified that if I go to the police dept I will sit in jail till then, or if I go to the courthouse on the date and time specified they are gonna put me in jail for 5 years. What do I do? I am lost and scared, I am only 24 years old, I am trying to apply for disability because I am paranoid schizophrenic and possibly HIV+, they will put me in general population! or worse, in solitary because of my conditions. I need help on what to do next?


Asked on 7/21/12, 1:01 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

The longer you wait, the worse it will be. You need to contact your public defender right away and explain to them your health issues. They may be able to keep you out of jail. However, the fact that a new court date was set may just mean that they warrant was already dealt with. DO NOT avoid court. I should also add that there does not need to be any marks or injuries of any sort to be convicted of battery. For example, if I come up to you and push you, that is definitely a battery despite you not having any marks. Talk to your public defender.

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Answered on 7/21/12, 9:32 am


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