Animal Cruelty

Orlando Animal Cruelty Defense Attorney

Florida Statue 828.12 defines Animal Cruelty to include overloading, overdriving, tormenting, depriving of food, water, or shelter, or mutilating or killing an animal in a cruel manner. Animal Cruelty can rise to the level of Aggravated Animal Cruelty if the person causes an animal an intentionally excessive, repetitive, or cruel pain, suffering, or death. There are many categories of crimes related to inhumane treatment of animals to include, Animal Poisoning, Animal Confinement and Abandonment, and crimes under The Animal Fighting Act. Sercombe Law is versed in any situation that might arise.

Penalties

According to Florida Statute 775.082, the crime of Animal Cruelty is a first degree misdemeanor which is punishable by:

• Up to one year in prison; and/or
• Up to a $5,000.00 fine.

According to Florida Statute 775.082, the crime of Aggravated Animal Cruelty is a third- degree felony which is punishable by:

• Up to five years in prison; and/or
• Up to a $10,000.00 fine.

Possible Defenses

There are a great number of possible defenses that exist for animal cruelty charges. The specific circumstances of the alleged crime will determine what defenses exist. Questions that may be relevant include:

• Is the animal covered by the law?
• What was the intent for killing the animal?
• Was this an act of self-defense?

Sercombe Law

No one feels good about inhumane treatment of animals, but these situations do arise, whether they are intentional or not. A conviction can sometimes bring steep penalties. If you find yourself being charged with Animal Cruelty in any form, protect yourself. Facing Animal Cruelty charges can be tricky without the proper representation. For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Orlando, contact Sercombe Law. We routinely handle matters in Orange County and nearby jurisdictions.