Violent Crimes Criminal Defense

Violent crimes in Florida are viewed more seriously than victimless crimes. Unfortunately, what begins as a minor physical altercation or skirmish can give rise to criminal charges for a violent crime because law enforcement or prosecutors want to take a firm stance on crime.

Likewise, false accusations may also give rise to violent crimes charges and sometimes people who are accused of violent crimes are acting in self-defense and had a legal right to use force.

Because the circumstances surrounding every violent crimes case is different, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer represent you if you have been accused of a violent crime.

Your attorney can investigate your case, identify possible defenses and help you determine whether to attempt to get the charges dropped or plea bargain to reduce your penalties.

With the help of veteran Tampa criminal defense attorney Ben Stechschulte, you can respond in an informed way to the violent crime charges against you and work to obtain the most favorable outcome possible. Call us 24/7 to discuss your legal representation.

Examples of Violent Crimes

A variety of crimes in Florida are considered violent crimes. These include:

Murder.

Murder is the unlawful taking of someone’s life either on purpose or involuntarily while engaged in a physical altercation. Whether you will be charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter or other crimes related to murder will depend upon your actions and intent at the time of the death.

Aggravated or felony battery. 

Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony and you may be incarcerated for up to 15 years if convicted.

There are three ways to commit the crime of aggravated battery in Florida:

    1. Permanent Harm. You can be charged with aggravated battery if you knowingly cause someone to become disfigured, disabled or permanently harmed.
    2. Use of Deadly Weapon. You can also be charged with aggravated battery if you use a deadly weapon to engage in violence.
    3. Assault on Pregnant Woman. Finally, if you know someone is pregnant at the time of your violent actions, you can be charged with aggravated battery.

Assault. 

Assault involves making intentional and credible threats to harm someone and inspiring fear as a result of those threats.

You don’t have to physically touch someone to be found guilty of assault – if you threaten someone and give him credible reason to believe the threat is real, you can be charged with assault.

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

Stechschulte Nell regularly represents clients accused of violent crimes. Our attorneys can provide you with guidance, help you explore your defenses and advocate for you in the courtroom. Call our Tampa criminal defense lawyers at Stechschulte Nell. We can help, contact us today.