MenuBeing charged with a violent crime can be life-altering. While any criminal conviction can follow you for years, prosecutors in Florida devote substantial resources to investigating and prosecuting cases of violence. A single accusation can lead to pretrial detention and mandatory court appearances. That’s why you need a Florida violent crime lawyer who can stand between you and the state.
At George Law, we represent people facing violent crime charges throughout South Florida. Our attorneys defend clients in cases involving complex evidence, multiple defendants, and serious potential punishments. When you work with our firm, you’ll have a team of legal advocates focused on protecting your rights.
If you’ve been accused of a violent crime or think you’re under investigation, act fast. Contact George Law today to speak with a violent crime attorney in Florida at a free, no-obligation consultation. We can review your case and help you take immediate steps to defend yourself.
Why You Need a Florida Violent Crime Attorney
If you’ve never been accused of a crime, you might not realize how fast they can move — and how easy it is to make a mistake that can hurt your case. Having an attorney from George Law involved from the start can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions about how to handle the charges you face.
Violent crimes include a wide range of offenses, from assault and domestic violence to armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder. Some are misdemeanors, but many are serious felonies that carry years or even decades in prison. Prosecutors can seek enhanced penalties if weapons are involved or if the alleged victim suffered serious injuries. The earlier a Florida violent crime attorney from George Law can get involved, the better your chances of identifying weaknesses in the state’s case and protecting your future.
Our lawyers’ roles go far beyond showing up in court. From the moment you hire us, we can do the following:
- Review any evidence collected by law enforcement, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic reports
- Look for evidentiary weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges when legal violations occurred
- Guide you through interrogations and interviews
- Represent you at hearings, bail proceedings, and pretrial conferences
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or even having your charges dropped
Violent crime charges can involve sentencing enhancements and mandatory minimum penalties. Our lawyers can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case and develop a defense strategy that addresses and counters each part of their argument.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can question witnesses, present evidence, and argue on your behalf before the judge and jury. We know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, giving you an advantage throughout the case. Rather than guessing what to do next or risking critical errors, you’ll have an advocate focused on getting the best possible outcome.
Reach out to our Miami office today for your free, confidential case review.
What Are Considered Violent Crimes in Florida?
So, what is considered a violent crime? These offenses involve the use or threat of physical force against another person. They often carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. Common types of violent crimes include the following:
- Murder – Murder involves unlawfully and intentionally killing another person with malice aforethought. It often carries penalties like life in prison or the death penalty.
- Manslaughter – This involves unlawfully causing a death, without premeditation or malice.
- Assault – Assault is threatening or attempting to cause physical injury to another person.
- Aggravated Assault – This enhanced charge happens when someone commits an assault that involves a deadly weapon with the intent to commit another felony.
- Battery – Battery is making unlawful, harmful, or offensive physical contact with another person.
- Aggravated Battery – This involves the accused attacker using a deadly weapon; having the intention to cause bodily harm; or knowing (or should have known) the victim was pregnant.
- Robbery – This involves taking property from another person through the use of force or threats.
- Armed Robbery – Armed robbery involves using or brandishing a deadly weapon.
- Carjacking – Carjacking involves the violent theft of an occupied motor vehicle, often with the use of a weapon.
- Sexual Assault – Sexual assault involves engaging in sexual contact or conduct with another person without their consent, often through the use of force or coercion.
- Rape – Rape is non-consensual sexual intercourse with another person, accomplished through force, threats, or when the person is incapable of giving consent.
- Kidnapping – Kidnapping is unlawfully taking, holding, or confining another person against their will, typically with force or threats.
- Domestic Violence – Domestic violence involves committing physical harm, threats, or abuse against a current or former intimate partner or family member.
- Arson – Arson is a violent crime when it involves intentionally setting fire to property in a way that places human life at risk.
- Terroristic Threats – This crime happens when someone threatens to commit violence with the intent to terrorize or cause fear in others.
What Are Florida’s Domestic Violence Laws?
Florida law defines domestic violence as any assault, battery, sexual assault, or other criminal offense committed by one family or household member against another. These laws cover:
- Spouses
- Former spouses
- Parents
- Children
- People who share a child in common
- Anyone currently or formerly involved in a dating relationship
You can be charged with domestic violence even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. The court may also issue injunctions for protection to prevent further contact or harm. These injunctions can limit whether you can return to your home, among other restrictions.
What Are Common Domestic Violence-Related Crimes?
Domestic violence cases involve a range of criminal charges. Common crimes include the following:
- Assault and battery
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Stalking or harassment
- Sexual battery
- Child abuse related to domestic situations
- Violating injunctions or protective orders
Many domestic violence charges are felonies, especially when weapons, serious injury, or a prior criminal record are involved. Misdemeanor charges are also possible.
Each case is unique, and the potential penalties vary widely. A Florida violent crime attorney from George Law can evaluate the specific circumstances and evidence to determine which defenses will work best for you.
What Are the Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions in Florida?
Violent crime penalties can vary. Generally, courts consider how severe the crime was, whether there were any aggravating factors, and whether you have a prior criminal history.
Many violent crimes are classified as felonies, which can result in lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. First-degree murder, for example, can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty in Florida. In contrast, aggravated assault is generally punished by up to five years in prison.
Certain crimes carry enhanced penalties when they involve weapons, serious injuries, or multiple victims. For example, armed robbery is potentially punishable by life imprisonment. Domestic violence charges that result in significant injury or involve repeat offenses are felonies carrying sentences of up to 15 years.
In addition to prison time and fines, Florida courts may impose additional requirements such as probation, mandatory counseling or anger management programs, community service, and restitution to the victims.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of Violent Crimes Convictions in Florida?
The consequences of a violent crime conviction go beyond prison time and fines. Collateral effects can affect every area of your life. Many employers consider felony convictions grounds for denial or termination, and certain convictions can prevent you from obtaining professional licenses.
Child custody and visitation may be restricted or taken away, and your firearm rights can be permanently revoked. These convictions may affect your immigration status if you’re not a U.S. citizen. You may also experience limited eligibility for government benefits and difficulties traveling internationally.
Understanding the direct penalties and the long-term consequences shows why it’s so important to have a Florida violent crime attorney in your corner. George Law can guide you through these issues and find strategies to minimize their impact. Get in touch with us today for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
How Can You Protect Your Rights After Being Arrested for Domestic Violence or Other Violent Crimes?
Arrests are often upsetting and frustrating, but knowing your rights and taking immediate action can make or break your case. Once law enforcement is involved, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You should do the following to protect yourself:
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent – Do not answer questions or provide statements to police without a lawyer from George Law present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, even things that seem innocent.
- Request an Attorney Immediately – Our violent crime attorneys can guide you through the arrest process, attend interviews, and advocate to protect your rights.
- Preserve Evidence and Witnesses – Make note of any potential evidence that may support your defense, including possible witnesses. Your lawyer can formally request information from the prosecution or interview witnesses.
- Attend All Court Appearances – Missing hearings can negatively impact your case and limit your legal options. Always attend your appearances and follow the court and your lawyer’s advice to the letter.
- Avoid Discussing the Case Publicly – It’s best to stay quiet until your case is resolved. Social media posts, emails, or conversations with others could be used against you in court. Don’t delete anything or destroy evidence.
What Are Potential Defense Strategies in Domestic Violence and Other Florida Violent Crime Cases?
Defense strategies in violent crime cases vary depending on the unique circumstances of each case. The more common ones include the following:
- Unreliable evidence
- Questioning witness credibility
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Procedural errors and Constitutional violations
- Plea negotiations and alternative sentencing options
No single strategy applies to all situations, as each instance is unique. When you contact George Law, a violent crime lawyer in Florida can determine the approach most likely to protect your rights and limit the potential consequences.
Contact a Florida Violent Crime Lawyer Today
If you’re charged with domestic violence, assault, or any other violent crime in Florida, you deserve the help of a seasoned defense attorney. Our law firm knows what it takes to protect the rights of the accused, from arrest to resolution, and we can put our skills to work for you.
The Florida criminal defense attorneys at George Law represents clients throughout Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for your free, fully confidential consultation.