South Florida Criminal Attorneys Blog
With less than two weeks until the American public will cast their votes for our next President, cases of tempers reaching a fever pitch are being reported by the press as well as the police.
This election has already demonstrated acts of extreme passion resulting in violence at Donald Trump rallies where individuals have been detained by security as well as local police and federal agencies.
Late last year a Black Lives Matter protester was tackled, punched and kicked at a Trump rally in Birmingham, Alabama. But no complaint was made and no charges were filed.
In March, a man was charged with assault after allegedly punching a protester in the face as he was being removed by security at a Fayetteville, North Carolina rally
In September a warrant was issued for Thomas Villante, Jr. after a video was circulated showing him striking other attendees at an Asheville, North Carolina event. Villante was previously escorted out of the rally by the Secret Service and private security. At the same location a South Carolina man named Richard L. Campbell allegedly assaulted a woman outside the site. He was also charged with assault.
While this apparent partisan rage has appeared from coast to coast, recently, a Florida man was arrested for allegedly battering his wife during an argument about politics in their home.
Lawrence Littman a 78-year-old Bradenton resident was arrested and charged with battery on a person over 65 years of age which is a felony.
Littman allegedly assaulted his 73-year-old wife Elvia after a heated dialogue regarding this year’s presidential race. Littman is a Donald Trump supporter while his wife favors and told him she will vote for Hillary Clinton. The couple has been married for twenty years.
According to Mrs. Littman’s account, during a political argument her husband began calling her offensive and derogatory names before grabbing her by her wrist and throwing her down on a bedroom chair.
She told police she attempted to escape to another bedroom when he followed her, grabbing her by the arm and then throwing her to the floor. She apparently sustained an injury to her lower back when hurled to the floor during the continuance of the attack.
Mr. Littman told Sherriff’s deputies that the altercation began when his wife tried to slap him in the face. He said that he pushed her away when she slipped and fell.
But the responding officers apparently bought Mrs. Littman’s story and her husband was arrested.
He was charged with one felony count of battery and subsequently released on $500 bond.
Dave Bristow a spokesman for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office who made the arrest said “It is one thing to maybe get into a friendly argument, but to turn violent you can’t have that… I am sure this goes on in a lot of households where you have different political views. Fortunately, my wife and I have the same views. I’m sure it happens. In that case, you kind of have to stay away from it”.
In the State of Florida, Battery on an Elderly Person (over 65) can result with a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the charges can be proved to be an Aggravated Battery the prison term could be up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
If you or someone close to you is charged with assault or battery it’s crucial to retain a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who specializes in these types of allegations at the earliest possible time.
The law office of Michael B. Cohen, Esq. is committed to fighting for all clients’ rights who face allegations of Assault and Battery in the State of Florida. As a former Assistant State Attorney for Broward County, Mr. Cohen has a clear advantage for obtaining the best sought after outcome refuting any charges alleged. Working for the prosecution prior to founding his criminal defense practice in the private sector has given him a superior advantage that will result beneficially for those who seek his help.
Mr. Cohen also previously worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the government handling federal cases for the prosecution.
Nearly twenty years of outstanding private practice criminal defense in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Palm Beaches as well as all neighboring counties in the surrounding areas of South Florida inclusive of his forty year career.
Visit his Website at southflalaw.com.