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Jacksonville Law Firms List the Most Common Violent Crimes and Punishments

Violent crime is unfortunately very common in Jacksonville. As a resident, it’s important to understand the legal consequences for different violent crimes. This article will explain the most common violent crimes prosecuted in Jacksonville and the associated punishments, with info from local law firms.

Assault and Battery

Assault and battery charges are very common in Jacksonville. Assault is when you threaten someone with violence, while battery is when you actually commit violence against someone. Even minor acts like shoving someone can lead to misdemeanor battery charges. More serious assault or battery that leads to injuries is often charged as a felony. Battery against police officers or the elderly may also face enhanced charges.

In Jacksonville, simple assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail. Aggravated assault is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Battery is also a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail, while aggravated battery is a felony with up to 15 years in prison. Enhanced charges for battery against police or the elderly can add additional penalties.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, meaning violence against family or household members, is widespread in Jacksonville. Any assault or battery charges are enhanced when they involve domestic violence. Even verbal threats against family members can be charged as domestic violence.

In addition to the penalties for assault and battery described above, domestic violence charges also involve:

Mandatory “no contact” orders prohibiting contact with the victim
Counseling requirements
Loss of gun ownership rights

Domestic violence sentences often depend on criminal history. Repeat domestic violence offenders face felony charges and prison time, even when the individual incident may have only been a misdemeanor.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes encompass a range of non-consensual sexual acts. The most severe is sexual battery, which involves forced or unwanted sexual intercourse. But other sex crimes include molestation, indecent exposure, peeping, and distributing revenge porn. Sex crimes often have lasting impacts on victims.

Punishments vary but all sex crimes have severe penalties in Florida. Sexual battery and molestation are felonies with maximum sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison. Indecent exposure and peeping are misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year in jail. Possessing or distributing revenge porn faces up to 5 years in prison.

Sex crime charges also require registering as a sex offender. This brings additional restrictions on where offenders can live and work after release from jail or prison.

Robbery

Robbery involves stealing from another person by force or threat of force. Armed robbery involves using a weapon. Strong-arm robbery involves force or threats without a weapon. Carjacking is armed robbery specifically targeting a vehicle.

In Jacksonville, strong-arm robbery is a felony with up to 15 years in prison. Armed robbery and carjacking are felonies with minimum sentences around 10 years and maximums of life in prison. Using a firearm during any robbery adds a mandatory minimum 3 year sentence under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.

Aggravated Stalking

Stalking involves harassing or threatening someone through repeated unwanted behavior. It becomes the felony of aggravated stalking when the perpetrator makes credible threats of violence against the victim.

Aggravated stalking in Jacksonville can lead to 5 years in prison. Stalking injunctions are also available to protect victims. Violating a stalking injunction leads to additional charges.

Kidnapping and False Imprisonment

Forcibly confining someone against their will is the crime of kidnapping or false imprisonment. This includes confining people in vehicles, homes, or buildings against their will. Kidnapping charges are more serious when victims are physically harmed or transported significant distances.

In Jacksonville, false imprisonment is a felony with a 5 year maximum sentence. Kidnapping is punishable by up to life in prison, with minimum sentences starting around 10 years. Especially serious kidnapping involving child victims or sexual assault face even stiffer penalties of life without parole.

Aggravated Child Abuse

Child abuse is a major issue in Jacksonville. While simple child abuse is a misdemeanor, aggravated child abuse involving willful torture or injury is charged as a felony. This includes beatings, burnings, and other severe harm inflicted on a child.

Aggravated child abuse is punishable by up to 30 years in prison in Florida. If the abuse results in permanent disfigurement or disability for the child, the maximum sentence increases to life in prison.

Murder and Manslaughter

Homicide charges in Jacksonville range from manslaughter to first-degree murder. Voluntary manslaughter involves intentionally killing someone in the heat of passion. Second-degree murder is for intentional killings without premeditation. First-degree murder includes premeditated killings or those occurring during other felonies.

In Jacksonville, voluntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Second-degree murder carries up to life in prison. First-degree murder is punishable by life without parole or the death penalty.

Takeaways

Violent crimes have serious legal consequences in Jacksonville and all of Florida. Even misdemeanor assault charges can lead to jail time, while felonies often involve years or decades in prison. Weapons, injuries, domestic relationships, and other factors can enhance charges and penalties. Consulting with a local Jacksonville defense attorney is important for understanding the specific charges and sentencing options in individual cases.