Daytona Beach Lawyers Explain How to Defend Against Violent Crime Charges
Being charged with a violent crime in Daytona Beach can be an incredibly scary situation. The stakes are high, and you could be facing serious penalties like jail time or heavy fines. But with an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to get the charges reduced or even dismissed.
In this article, Daytona Beach criminal defense attorneys explain the most common violent crime charges here, and how an attorney can defend against them. We’ll provide an overview of defense strategies as well as examples of real cases where the charges were beaten. Let’s get started!
Common Violent Crimes in Daytona Beach
Some of the most common violent crime charges in Daytona Beach include:
- Assault and battery – This covers everything from bar fights to domestic violence. Assault is threatening violence, while battery is actual physical harm.
- Aggravated assault – Assault with a deadly weapon or that causes serious injury.
- Robbery – Taking property by force or threat of force.
- Kidnapping – Holding someone against their will.
- Murder and manslaughter – Unlawfully killing another person, whether intentionally or accidentally.
- Sexual battery – Rape.
- Weapons charges – Possessing or using firearms and other prohibited weapons illegally.
The potential penalties vary based on the specific crime, but all violent felonies here carry hefty sentences. That’s why building an aggressive defense is crucial.
Fighting Violent Crime Charges in Daytona Beach
When facing any type of criminal allegation, the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. As a defendant, you do not need to prove your own innocence. An experienced Daytona Beach criminal defense lawyer will put the state’s case to the test by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation – Questioning witnesses, visiting the crime scene, reviewing police reports, and more to look for inconsistencies or other weaknesses in the prosecution’s version of events.
- Challenging the validity of evidence – Looking for issues with how evidence was collected, stored or tested. Getting illegally obtained evidence thrown out.
- Discrediting witnesses – Probing witness credibility and exposing bias, grudges, or lies.
- Asserting affirmative defenses – In some cases, defenses like self-defense, insanity, or entrapment may justify otherwise illegal acts.
- Negotiating with the prosecution – Seeing if charges can be reduced or dropped in exchange for a guilty plea.
- Taking it to trial – If a satisfactory plea deal can’t be reached, demanding a jury trial and forcing the state to prove its case.
An aggressive defense attorney will pursue every viable option. Let’s look at real case examples where Daytona Beach lawyers beat violent crime allegations.
Daytona Beach Violent Crime Case Results
Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
Our client, a 45-year-old Daytona Beach man, was charged with aggravated assault after getting into an altercation outside a bar. The other man claimed our client threatened him with a broken bottle, which prosecutors argued made it assault with a deadly weapon.
Upon investigating, our lawyers found security footage that clearly showed our client only raising his fist defensively and never wielding a bottle. We presented this evidence and argued he acted in self-defense. The prosecution was forced to drop the charges due to lack of evidence.
Armed Robbery Reduced to Petit Theft
An 18-year-old Ormond Beach youth was accused of robbing a convenience store at gunpoint. He confessed after his arrest, facing up to life in prison for armed robbery with a firearm.
Our attorneys negotiated with the state, arguing that video of the incident did not conclusively show a gun. We also cited our client’s young age, lack of criminal history, and difficult upbringing. The prosecution agreed to reduce the charge down to petit theft, a misdemeanor. Our client got probation and avoided decades behind bars.
Attempted Murder Charge Dismissed, Pled to Battery
Police alleged our client, a Daytona Beach woman, stabbed a man and left him in critical condition. She was charged with attempted second-degree murder.
After reviewing the medical records, our lawyers demonstrated that the man’s injuries were relatively minor. We argued our client had acted in self-defense after the alleged victim became violent with her. The state dismissed the attempted murder charge. Our client pled guilty to simple battery, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to time served.
Get an Aggressive Defense Against Violent Crime Charges
The consequences of a violent crime conviction are extremely serious. You need the absolute best defense to fight for your freedom and future.
The Daytona Beach violent crime defense lawyers have successfully defended hundreds of clients against allegations ranging from bar fights to sex offenses to homicide. We have the experience, resources and determination to mount an ironclad defense against any type of violent crime charge here.
Don’t leave your fate to chance. The prosecution is coming after you with everything they have. You need to fight back with everything you have. Call for a free case evaluation now to get started building your defense today.
Daytona Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys