Fort Walton Beach Defense Attorney

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Unparalleled Defense for Complex Criminal Cases.
Over 90 five-star reviews
Skilled defense counsel for out-of-town and out-of-state defendants.

Get the Help You Need When Facing Criminal Charges

Flaherty & Merrifield has been defending local residents, military members, and vacationers faced with criminal charges in the Fort Walton Beach area since 2001. If you're ready for us to put our expertise to work for you, complete our contact form or call our law office at 850-374-6273 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.

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Meet Your Criminal Defense Team

There is no such thing as a “small” case. Any arrest is a potential life-changing crisis. Our clients trust us with their freedom, their record, and their reputations. We do not take that responsibility lightly.

Tim Flaherty Criminal Defense Attorney

Brandy Merrifield Criminal Defense Attorney

Unparalleled Defense for Complex Criminal Cases

Understanding and empathetic. At Flaherty and Merrifield, you're more than just a case number. We get to know you, your case, and your goals to ensure that the defense and support services we provide meet your unique needs.
From compassionate counselors to courtroom sharks. You can count on us to provide peace of mind and help you understand the challenges you're facing, while aggressively advocating for you throughout the legal process. We’re bulldogs with a bedside manner.
Dynamic defense duo. Our criminal defense attorneys bring a collaborative approach to each and every case, so you get two dedicated criminal lawyers for the price of one.
Representation for military (or former military) members. We defend current and former military personnel against serious civilian charges. You defend our freedom, and we’d be honored to defend yours.
Skilled defense counsel for out-of-town and out-of-state defendants. In legal hot water due to an incident that occurred during a vacation or business-related visit? You need local attorneys you can trust. Our defense team can handle all aspects of your Florida criminal case and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Available 24/7. Whether the police are at your door at 3 in the afternoon or 3 in the morning, we’ll take care of you.

Assault and Battery Defense Attorney

Defining Assault and Battery Under Florida Law

Florida Statute 784.021 defines assault as "an intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to someone else, along with the apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which created a well-founded fear in the other person that such violence is imminent." Misdemeanor assault is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Florida Statute 784.03 defines battery as "the actual and intentional touching or striking of a person against their will or with the intent to cause bodily harm." Misdemeanor battery is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine.

Assault and Battery Cases We Handle

Accused of—or charged with—an assault or battery offense in the Fort Walton Beach area? Brandy and I defend locals, military personnel, and vacationers who've been accused of the following crimes:

Aggravated Assault
Aggravated Battery
Domestic Violence
False Imprisonment
Resisting an Officer