Broward DUI Lawyer Blog

A Fort Lauderdale man was arrested in connection with a brutal beating of a man that was caught on tape, local news media is reporting.

Being charged with robbery and battery in Fort Lauderdale is a major crime. Almost certainly, it is charged as a major felony, which can lead to serious prison time. As our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers well know, these charges must be fought aggressively.

Often, these cases involve people who know each other, and sometimes a self-defense strategy can pay off, but it depends on the case. Battery, depending on how badly a person is injured, can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony.

According to Florida Statutes 784.03, a person who intentionally strikes someone can be charged with a misdemeanor. But if they have a prior battery conviction and is accused of a subsequent battery, they can face a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

The law also states that if someone attacks another person either with a deadly weapon or severely injures another person in an attack, the suspect can be charged with aggravated battery. That is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years behind bars. As you can see, the charges can escalate rather quickly.

According to NBC Miami, a 27-year-old man was arrested and charged with robbery and battery in connection with a Nov. 4 attack in the parking lot of the Villas of Lakeview apartment complex in Fort Lauderdale.

The Lakeview homeowners' association president was the victim. He supposedly was trying to break up a noise disturbance at the units when he was attacked. Surveillance video showed the man standing next to his bicycle and talking on his cell phone before a person runs up and sucker punches him in the side of his head.

When the man tried to get up, he was punched twice and then kicked in the head, the video shows. The man's iPhone was stolen.

Police told the Sun Sentinel that officers used tips from the public as well as officers working leads to find the suspect. The 27-year-old now faces charges of battery and strong-arm robbery, both felonies.

At a court hearing, the man was initially held without bond because his arrest came as he was out on bond for marijuana possession charges. NBC reported that he later was ordered held on bond of $26,500.

The 61-year-old victim refused medical treatment once authorities arrived. The man has been the homeowners' association president for three years and has lived in Florida for six years.

Neither news source lays out why police believe they have evidence linking this man to the attack. It's unclear how detailed or clear the video is and whether or not the stolen phone was recovered in the man's possession or ever connected to him after the attack. Because the man was attacked without notice and then hit several other times, it's unclear if he would be able to identify the suspect. The police seem to have their work cut out for them in this case.