Bell v. State
The Sixth District reversed Bell's conviction for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, holding the State failed to present sufficient evidence that the vehicle collision constituted a 'touching' of the officers. Applying Clark v. State and its progeny, the court found no evidence the officers were jostled, moved, injured, or even had to brace for impact when Bell's car struck the police SUV.
Key facts
- Bell was convicted of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer after his vehicle collided with a police SUV.
- The trial court found the vehicle collision constituted a 'touching' of the officers sufficient for aggravated battery.
- +2 more key facts with a free trial
Why it matters
This opinion reinforces and applies the Clark/Wingfield/V.A./Walker line of cases governing when striking a vehicle can constitute a battery on its occupant, clarifying that the State must affirmatively elicit testimony… — full analysis with a trial
🔒 Read the full opinion, holding & search the library
The full opinion PDF, the rules the court applied, our significance analysis, the background facts, and full-text search across every tracked Florida decision are available to members. Start a free 30-day trial — no credit card.
Not ready to sign up? Get the free Friday digest — the week's key Florida decisions by email, no login required.
Florida Court Tracker provides summaries of publicly available court opinions for informational and research purposes only. This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Always verify holdings against the official opinion.