Savage v. State

Lee Earnest Savage appeals his conviction and five-year sentence for aggravated battery, either causing great bodily harm or with a deadly weapon (a glass), or both, in violation of sections 784.03(2) and 784.045(l)(a), Florida Statutes (2009). At trial Mr. Savage maintained he acted in self-defense. Because the trial judge excluded evidence of specific acts of violence he had allegedly suffered on earlier occasions at the hands of the victim, we reverse.

Mr. Savage lived with Shanta Mack’s mother, Geneva Paige. Ms. Mack testified that she went to her mother’s home in order to speak to Mr.…