Police arrested a Zephyrhills man after punching a senior citizen in the face. The defendant, 59-year old Dale Helmuth, struck the victim inside the Community Chapel Church of God. The Zephyrhills police have not reported any possible motive for the attack. The pastor of the church did acknowledge that the victim is a church worker.
The police located the suspect inside the Zephyrhills library and arrested him on charges of battery on a person aged 65 or older. Helmuth has allegedly confessed to Police that he did knock the glasses off of the victim's face. The defendant has not made the $5,000 bond and currently remains incarcerated inside the Land O'Lakes jail.
Florida law considers the crime of battery on a person age 65 or older is the act of intentionally striking an elderly individual with the goal to cause physical harm. Florida has a high elderly population and the Court system does not look upon these crimes lightly. Punishments for the crime of battery are enhanced if the victim is elderly.
I understand that sometimes ulterior circumstances could lead to a mistaken arrest and charge of battery. Rough housing can lead to a misunderstanding of violence and lead to prosecution of criminal charges. Sometimes tempers can take a simple verbal altercation to a physical fight.
As a Tampa criminal defense attorney, I have handled countless assaults, batteries and physical related crimes. My firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience and understands the ramifications of a criminal conviction. I have unsurpassed knowledge required to successfully challenge the charges that are pressed against you.
The State may try to intimidate you with threats of strict sentencing, do not let them. A qualified Tampa criminal defense attorney will be there to stand in your corner. I understand the strategy of the prosecution and am unafraid to address the issues in Court. Contact an experienced Tampa criminal lawyer for help with your case today.
