Boca Raton Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles Lawyers: An In-Depth Look
Shooting or throwing deadly missiles is a serious criminal charge in Florida, especially in places like Boca Raton where public safety is a top priority. As a wealthy, largely residential community, Boca takes a hard stance on reducing gun violence and keeping its streets safe from reckless behavior. But these charges still happen from time to time, and can carry steep penalties if convicted.
That’s why having an experienced criminal defense lawyer is so important if you find yourself facing allegations of shooting or throwing deadly missiles in Boca Raton. The lawyers at local firms know the prosecutors and judges inside and out, and can mount an aggressive defense to get charges reduced or dismissed. Let’s take an in-depth look at this unique charge, and how skilled attorneys defend these cases in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas.
Overview of Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles Charges
Florida statute 790.19 makes it illegal to wantonly or maliciously shoot at, within, or into a public or private building. This includes vehicles, aircraft, boats, or any other conveyance which normally carries people. Throwing a deadly missile or object into those places is also prohibited under the law.
The crime is a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. The maximum penalties can apply if someone is injured or killed as a result of the criminal act.
Prosecutors in Boca Raton take these shooting and throwing charges seriously, especially if committed in a populated area. Even if nobody is hurt, the reckless behavior endangers public safety and cannot be tolerated.
What Qualifies as a Deadly Missile?
The term “deadly missile” covers a wide range of objects under Florida law. The most obvious examples are firearms, bullets, bombs, grenades, and other military-style weapons designed to inflict harm. But even rocks, bottles, bricks and chunks of concrete can be considered deadly missiles if thrown at an occupied vehicle or building.
Some interesting cases have even involved potatoes, coconuts, and frozen meat being thrown out of anger and leading to criminal charges. Ultimately the object must be used in a way likely to cause death or great bodily harm to qualify under the statute.
Self-Defense and Stand Your Ground
One of the most common defenses to shooting or throwing charges is self-defense and Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Defendants often claim they acted reasonably to protect themselves or others from imminent death or great bodily harm.
Stand Your Ground means there is no duty to retreat before using force in these situations. But the defense must show the person had a reasonable fear of imminent peril that required a forceful response. This can be tricky in Boca Raton cases where the shooting or throwing happens in a public place around witnesses.
Prosecutors often counter that the defendant provoked the encounter or could have avoided danger without resorting to deadly force. It requires convincing testimony and evidence to prove the shooting or throwing was necessary and proportional self-defense.
Mental Health Defenses
In some Boca Raton cases, defense lawyers argue the accused has mental health issues that led to the alleged criminal behavior. While it doesn’t excuse the act, mental illness can help explain why it happened and potentially reduce the charges.
The attorney must demonstrate the person has a specific disorder that impaired their ability to appreciate the consequences of their actions. This could involve conditions like schizophrenia, PTSD, autism spectrum, or other diagnoses. Expert witnesses are often called to assess the defendant’s state of mind.
If successful, these mental health defenses allow the charges to be reduced and avoid harsh penalties like prison time. The defendant may instead undergo court-ordered treatment and counseling.
Plea Bargains and Diversion Programs
Many Boca Raton throwing and shooting cases end with plea bargains instead of going to trial. The state offers a deal for reduced charges in exchange for a guilty plea. Typical bargains knock the crime down to a misdemeanor like reckless conduct, criminal mischief, or improper exhibition of weapons.
The defendant accepts responsibility while avoiding the “shooting deadly missiles” label and prison time. They may get probation or enter a diversion program instead. These negotiate resolutions depend on the lawyer’s relationship with the prosecutor and strength of the defense case.
Sentencing Considerations
Those convicted at trial can ask for leniency at sentencing and emphasize mitigating factors. Defense lawyers argue for minimum sentencing ranges and present proof of any extenuating circumstances.
For example, they may cite the defendant’s lack of criminal history, steady employment, mental health struggles, or family obligations. Letters of support from friends, employers or clergy can help demonstrate their overall character. Any cooperation with authorities is also raised when advocating for probation instead of incarceration.
While no guarantees at sentencing, skilled lawyers make thorough arguments to help the accused avoid harsh penalties. Even in tough cases, they humanize the defendant and provide context for the criminal behavior.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Facing shooting or throwing charges in Boca Raton can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. The consequences of a conviction are extremely serious, potentially changing your life forever.
Having an adept lawyer by your side can make all the difference. Look for an attorney experienced specifically with these types of allegations and the local prosecutors. Understand the options based on the facts of your case. And build the strongest defense possible.
The law firm of Goldberg and Osborne have defended numerous shooting and throwing charges in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County. Their seasoned lawyers offer free case reviews to go over the allegations and possible ways to fight the charges. They have a long track record of success in getting charges reduced or dismissed through motions, plea bargains, or trial.
Don’t leave your fate to chance. Work with a knowledgeable criminal defense firm that knows how to beat these types of cases. An aggressive lawyer can intervene early to protect your rights, avoid inflated charges, and seek the best possible outcome. Don’t wait to get experienced representation on your side.