Violent Crime Lawyer in Florida

If you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in Florida, you need to retain the services of an experienced violent crime lawyer. Florida takes a grim view of those charged with violent misdemeanors and felonies, but with the right criminal defense attorney, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

The violent crime lawyers at the Florida Criminal Defense Legal Group believe that every defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a criminal court. Contact us to discuss your violent crime charges.

Types of Violent Crimes

Florida criminal law describes a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanor crimes like simple assault and simple battery to first-degree murder, which carries the death penalty. The following is by no means an exhaustive list of the types of violent crimes we see at the Florida Criminal Defense Legal Group. Still, it will give you an overview of the types of penalties you could be facing for a violent crime conviction:

• Simple Assault – Second-degree Misdemeanor. This involves the imminent threat of violence.
• Simple Battery – First-degree Misdemeanor. Unwanted touching or striking of another individual.
• Aggravated Assault – Third-degree Felony. Aggravated assault is similar to simple assault, but with a deadly weapon, like a gun or knife.
• Aggravated Battery – Second-degree Felony. Battery using a weapon or resulting in serious bodily injury or a hospital stay.
• Robbery – Second-degree Felony. Theft with the threat of violence or actual violence.
• Armed Robbery – First-degree Felony. Robbery with the use of a deadly weapon.
• Child Abuse – Felony of the third degree. Striking or otherwise harming a child without causing serious injury.
• Aggravated Child Abuse – First-degree Felony. Abuse of a child that results in great bodily harm, injury, or disfigurement.
• Sexual Assault – A catchall term for a variety of forced sexual contact with an adult or minor. These crimes are almost always felonies.
• Manslaughter – Second-degree Felony. Unintentional homicide.
• Homicide – Capital Felony. The intentional taking of the life of another.

In addition to the above crimes, there are categories of crimes, like hate crimes or domestic violence crimes, that are not separate crimes but carry enhanced penalties. For instance, domestic violent crimes carry enhanced penalties, like mandatory participation in anger management programs.

Penalties for Violent Crimes

The penalties for violent crimes vary depending on aggravating and mitigating circumstances. For instance, if you’re facing violent crime charges for aggravated battery, but you were committing violence for self-defense, you may be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

Here are the categories of penalties you could be facing if you’re convicted:

2nd-degree Misdemeanor – Up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines

1st-degree Misdemeanor – Up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines

3rd-degree Felony – Up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines

2nd-degree Felony – Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines

1st-degree Felony – Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines

Life Felony – Life in prison of at least 40 years and $15,000 in fines

Capital Felony – Capital crimes carry a penalty of life in prison or execution for murder

It’s important to note that the specific penalty varies considerably depending on the circumstances of the crime and numerous aggravating factors. Additionally, penalties are different if you’re charged with a federal crime. An attorney can review potential defense strategies if you’re accused of especially violent behavior.

Defense Strategies

These are some of the possible strategies criminal defense lawyers in Florida often rely on to build their case when their client is charged with a violent offense.

• Improper Search – The police violated the defendant’s rights when they conducted a warrantless search without consent. There are warrant exceptions that don’t require the defendant’s consent, but the police must demonstrate that they had the right to search the defendant, their car, or their property.
• Coerced Testimony – The police are allowed to be tricky, but they can’t force you to confess. If the defendant admits to committing a crime due to coercive techniques, the confession can be thrown out.
• Illegal Stop – The police need a legally valid reason to stop you. While they can make consensual contact, in order to stop you or your car, they must articulate a reasonable suspicion that you were involved in a crime.
• Self-Defense – Many violent crime cases occur after the alleged victim attacks the defendant. You’re allowed to defend yourself, up to and including the use of deadly force in life-threatening situations.

While these are some of the more common defenses that defense attorneys use to get the courts to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, there are many more strategies. Let our legal team examine your case and determine the best strategy for your specific case.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your Case

If you’ve been arrested for crimes involving violence, you could face potentially severe penalties. Florida law answers violent crime convictions with prison sentences and other harsh penalties in the hope that it will deter criminals. In addition, you may be forced to pay fines, lose your right to own a firearm, and you’ll have a permanent criminal record that can be a bar to employment. But you do have rights under the law. The Florida Criminal Defense Legal Group has successfully represented violent criminals.

The more serious your charges are, the greater your need for an attorney to create a solid defense strategy. Contact Florida Criminal Defense Legal Group for immediate representation. The contact form sends information directly to our law firm, or call us today.