An Overview of Violent Crimes in the State of Florida
Violent crimes are very serious in Florida. If you are facing an accusation that you were involved in a violent crime, your life, liberty, and freedom are unfortunately at stake.
At Musca Law, our Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys understand that it is not the truth that will set our clients free; it is the evidence or lack of evidence involved in the case. This is why our attorneys are always prepared to fight hard for the legal rights of our clients.
Our attorneys handle various types of violent crime cases, which include, without limitation, the following:
- Degrees of homicide
- Murder
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Robbery
- Rape
- Enhancements for dangerous weapons
- Domestic violence
- Assault and battery
- Arson
- Domestic violence
- False imprisonment
- Aggravated battery
- Aggravated assault
Violence-related crimes are usually associated with high levels of serious physical harm and aggression. But keep in mind that even when an alleged victim is not injured, you may still face violent crime charges. Typically these types of crimes are charged as felonies, however, in some instances, they can be charged as misdemeanors. Florida Statutes Sections 755.082 and 775.083 offer a wide variety of degrees for penalties associated with violent criminal offenses.
It is also critical to understand that felony offenses can result in many years of imprisonment. In some instances, minimum mandatory laws, e.g., Florida’s 10-20 Life Law, require a certain sentence of even more time in jail. Some offenses are associated with decades of imprisonment. The most serious can cause an offender to face a penalty of life in prison or even the death penalty.
When an offender is released from prison, a permanent criminal record can cause him or her to have difficulty finding gainful employment, securing housing, obtaining a bank loan, experiencing the loss of personal relationships, and facing social stigma.
When an offender is sentenced, there are several factors that apply to his or her case, which includes the severity of the crime, the criminal record of the defendant, whether there is evidence of gang activity, whether a deadly weapon such as a gun or knife was involved in perpetrating the crime, the strength and weakness of the evidence, and where the offense occurred.
This is why it is vital that a person accused of committing a violent crime must contact a skilled Florida Criminal Defense Attorney to mount an aggressive defense strategy on his or her behalf. Moreover, an experienced attorney in this regard will take all measures necessary to negotiate with the prosecution, and make a skillful presentation to the court.
While legislators across the nation seek to advocate for reduced sentencing or decriminalization when it relates to low-level offenses and drug crimes, very few individuals are pushing to ease the penalties associated with a conviction for a violent crime. In fact, prosecutors as well as law enforcement face significant pressure to seek the most serious conviction possible. In some cases, there is a lack of evidence to support a conviction, however, a person can nonetheless be convicted of a violent crime.
The Good News is That You Have Legal Options
Even if there is a significant amount of evidence stacked against an individual, he or she should know that there are legal options that can be pursued in his or her case. Specifically, prosecutors often strong-arm alleged offenders into accepting a plea bargain that is not advantageous. This is why it is critical to contact a skilled Florida Criminal Defense Attorney who can develop aggressive strategies such as seeking to suppress damaging evidence, including recorded videos, witness statements, computer logs, in-vehicle or in-home evidence, and statements made by the defendant. When evidence is suppressed, it means that said evidence cannot be used in the defendant’s case. Accordingly, the defendant may face reduced charges, an ideal plea bargain, or even an acquittal.
Remember that while the burden of proving one’s case is on the prosecution (meaning, beyond a reasonable doubt, defeating a felony or misdemeanor charge related to violence requires an aggressive show of force in the courtroom.
Defense Strategies that May Apply in Your Case
A skilled Florida Criminal Defense Attorney will be able to help an alleged offender in developing strong defense strategies with the intention of reducing charges or, if applicable, fight for a complete dismissal or acquittal. Keep in mind that the applicable defense strategies differ in each case, which is why it is vital that you have an experienced Florida Criminal Defense Attorney by your side. The defenses that may be available in a defendant’s case are as follows:
- Self-defense – the use of force, whether deadly or not, can be used in order to protect an individual from harm as long as there is a reasonable belief that the other individual’s actions had the potential of causing serious bodily harm or death.
- Defense of other individuals – if reasonably necessary, the use of force, whether deadly or not, can be used to protect another individual from being harmed.
- Defense of Property – while this is challenging in Florida to establish, in certain instances, deadly force, if there is a reasonable belief that an individual’s property may be damaged, can be used in one’s case.
- Justification – Some alleged violent actions that are typically charged as a crime in Florida are not in certain cases and may result in a acquittal.
- Lack of Intent – if an individual did not intend to commit a violent crime, the prosecution does not have a strong case.
Violence Criminal Offenses Could Ruin Your Life. Contact Musca Law Now!
Facing a potential violent crime conviction could ruin your life. Do not allow this to happen. By calling Musca Law today at 888-484-5057, you could speak with one of our dedicated and accomplished Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys to learn more about your legal rights and options, as well as to discuss the potential defenses that may apply to your case. Don’t wait – contact Musca Law now to obtain the stellar representation that you deserve.