Florida Violent Crimes Lawyer: Protect Your Rights
Violent crimes, as their name implies, are offenses that involve violence or the threat to commit violence against another individual. These crimes carry heavy penalties because they pose a danger to the welfare of others. If you’re facing charges, it is important to consult a Florida violent crimes lawyer.
In this state, committing a violent felony could affect your civil and freedom rights. If you are found guilty and the prosecution has strong evidence against you, you may face lengthy prison terms, high fines, and a criminal record that could harm your reputation. Knowing that your future could be in jeopardy due to a violent crime accusation or charge is unsettling. You can improve your odds of success by taking the appropriate legal actions. Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC understands the difficulties you face and provides you with a compassionate and aggressive defense.
What are Violent Crimes in Florida?
Violent crimes are those offenses in Florida that involve physical violence or the threat of it. Some of these crimes are misdemeanors, but because they are so severe, the majority are felonies. Penalties range from 60 days to 30 years imprisonment. Violence is a crime that does not always involve physical injury or harm. A person could commit a violent offense by threatening to harm another.
Violent crimes come in different types, and the severity of the charges or penalties depends on the seriousness of the crime and previous convictions. Due to the wide definition of violent crime, some crimes are misdemeanors, and others are felonies.
Florida Violent Felonies
The following crimes are violent felonies in Florida. You could discuss the charges with an attorney from Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC. You may face less or harsher punishments depending on the seriousness of each of these crimes.
- Robbery: The use of force, violence, or threats to steal money or other property from someone else. These crimes include carjackings, armed robberies, and home invasions. Robbery crimes can be punished with anything from five years to life in prison, depending on how violent the crime was.
- Child Abuse: Child abuse is defined as the intentional infliction of physical or mental injury to a child or the encouragement of another to do so. Child abuse is punishable as a third-degree felony. However, if aggravating circumstances are present, the charges can be increased.
- Kidnapping: Florida considers the use of threats or force against a person to kidnap or imprison them. Kidnapping convictions can carry up to 30 years in prison or even life.
- Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault is when you use a deadly weapon to attack someone or do it with the intention of committing a crime. A conviction for this third-degree felony can result in five years of imprisonment and a maximum $5,000 fine.
- Aggravated Battery: In Florida, aggravated battery includes hitting a pregnant woman or using a deadly weapon to commit a simple battery. It also includes striking someone with the intent to cause serious injury. This offense is charged as a third-degree felony. However, if a deadly weapon is used or battery is committed on a police officer, the penalties are more severe.
- Arson: Arson is the intentional destruction or attempted destruction of property using fire or other incendiary devices. The crime is a first-degree felony if the offender had reason to believe or knew that the property was occupied. It can be punished by up to thirty years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
- Sexual Assault: The act of performing an act or contacting another person in a sexual manner without their consent is known as sexual battery or rape. This offense is charged as a second-degree felony. However, the charges can be increased if aggravating circumstances are involved or if the victim is a minor. The prison sentences can range from 15 years to life.
- Murder/Manslaughter: Florida’s most serious crime is causing the death of another person. These crimes are charged and punished based on the intent of the perpetrator. Manslaughter of a lesser degree can be punished by a second-degree conviction, which can carry a maximum 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. First-degree murder in Florida is punishable by death.
Florida Violent Misdemeanors
Our Florida attorneys are often called upon to handle the following violent crimes:
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is defined as the act of causing harm to a member of your family or threatening violence. Domestic violence is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor for simple acts of violence.
- Simple Assault: A person commits an assault when they threaten to harm someone else. You can be punished for this crime with up to 60 days in jail or a maximum $500 fine.
- Simple Battery: Battery is more serious than an assault offense because it involves striking or touching someone without their consent. Battery is a misdemeanor in Florida. It can result in up to a year of prison time and a fine of $1,000.
- Stalking: Florida makes it illegal to follow or harass someone repeatedly without a valid reason. Simple stalking is a first-degree misdemeanor.
You should not take any accusation of violent crime lightly, as all violent crimes are punishable by severe penalties. You should consult an attorney if you’ve been charged with a violent crime or have been arrested. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the best course of action for your case. Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC offers a free consultation to those who are interested in speaking with a violent crimes lawyer.
Florida Violent Career Criminal
Florida’s law uses different terms for people with prior felonies. According to this law, an adult who has been convicted three times or more for certain crimes, while serving their sentence, or within five years of the last conviction, is considered a violent criminal career offender.
Offenses that are considered violent career offenders include, but are not restricted to:
- Arson
- Lewd or lascivious battery
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Severe abuse of children or the elderly
- Robbery, home invasion, and burglary
If an offender is deemed a violent criminal, they are not eligible for early release (other than pardons, medical conditional release, or executive clemency), and they must also register their addresses with law enforcement.
If you are a violent criminal career offender, your penalties can be increased for a felony.
- Life sentence or first-degree felony: life imprisonment
- Second-degree felonies: maximum 40 years, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 30 years
- Third-degree felony: up to 15 years, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years
Defenses to Violent Crimes in Florida
Our Florida violent crimes lawyers may be able to use different defenses depending on your specific case.
We may be able to use a number of defenses, including but not limited to the following:
- Mistaken identity
- Self-defense and defense of others
- False allegations
- Lack of evidence
- Unintentional harm
- Exaggerated or invalid claims by the victim
Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC conducts its own research to find evidence that supports your defense, no matter which defense you use.
Speak to a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Florida
Florida penalties are harsh for violent crimes. You could be facing the loss of your freedom and a permanent criminal history. It is therefore important to seek out an experienced violent crimes lawyer who knows how best to handle these charges.
Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC represents clients in criminal cases throughout the state of Florida.
Speak to our attorneys if you’ve been charged with a violent crime. Call us for a free consultation and take the first step towards protecting your rights and your future.
Secure Your Defense Today!
If you’re facing charges for a violent crime, don’t wait. Contact Manderscheid Law Firm, PLLC, and speak with a dedicated Florida violent crimes lawyer who will fight for your rights. Schedule your free consultation now and ensure you have the best possible defense on your side.
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