Miami Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles Lawyers: What You Need to Know
So you or someone you know got arrested for shooting or throwing deadly missiles in Miami? Don’t panic. This happens more often than you’d think in a city like Miami. While these charges are serious, there are good defense lawyers in Miami who can help. I’m going to break down everything you need to know about these charges and how a lawyer can defend you.
What Does “Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles” Mean?
This charge falls under Florida statute 790.19. It’s basically exactly what it sounds like – shooting or throwing an object that can cause serious injury or death. Some common examples are:
- Shooting a gun (duh)
- Throwing rocks, bricks, bottles
- Firing a BB gun
- Shooting fireworks
- Throwing knives, axes, etc.
Pretty much anything that can seriously hurt or kill someone if it hits them. The deadly missile doesn’t even need to hit anyone. Just firing a gun randomly can get you charged under this law.
What Are the Penalties?
Like most criminal charges, the penalties get worse if someone actually gets hurt or killed. But even just shooting or throwing something deadly is a second degree felony in Florida. That means:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Permanent criminal record
If the missile hits someone, even if they aren’t seriously hurt, it becomes a first degree felony. Now we’re talking:
- Up to 30 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
And if someone is seriously hurt or killed, it’s an automatic life felony in Florida. Life in prison, no parole.
So yeah, these are super serious charges with huge consequences. Don’t take them lightly.
What Defenses Can a Lawyer Use?
The good news is there are defenses a skilled lawyer can use to fight these charges. Here are some of the most common ones:
Self Defense – If you can show you fired a gun or threw an object in self defense, this may get the charges dropped. Like if someone broke into your house and you grabbed a knife to protect yourself.
No Intent – If the missile firing was a total accident, like you tripped and your gun went off, you may not be found guilty. There has to be intent.
Misidentification – If the police accuse you but it was actually someone else who did it, a lawyer can fight to prove you weren’t the shooter.
Intoxication – If you were voluntarily intoxicated on drugs or alcohol when you fired the missile, this can be a mitigating factor to get charges reduced.
Mental Illness – Like intoxication, if you can show you were having a mental health crisis or break with reality, this may reduce the charges.
There are other more technical defenses too, like getting evidence or confessions suppressed because of police misconduct. But these are some of the most common ways a lawyer fights these charges.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Facing criminal charges is scary. But a good lawyer can guide you through the process and give you the best chance of a good outcome. Here’s how they can help:
- Analyze the evidence and figure out the best defense strategy
- Negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dropped
- Suppress evidence that was obtained illegally
- Hire expert witnesses to support your defense
- Work out a plea deal if you want to avoid trial
- Defend you aggressively in court if it goes to trial
Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer makes a huge difference. Most people try to defend themselves to save money, but this often backfires. A lawyer knows how to get charges dismissed or reduced.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
This varies a lot, but expect to pay $5,000 – $20,000+ for a shooting or throwing deadly missiles case. The more serious the charges, the more complex the defense, the higher the cost.
Seems crazy expensive. But a felony conviction stays on your record forever. And jail time means missing work and wages. Compared to those huge life consequences, legal fees are a worthwhile investment.
Many lawyers offer payment plans so you don’t have to pay the full amount upfront. There are also legal financial assistance programs that can cover costs if you qualify. Don’t let the fees stop you from getting a lawyer.
Finding the Right Miami Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles Lawyer
Not all lawyers are created equal. You want someone who specifically focuses on gun and weapons charges. Ask friends for referrals or search online for “Miami shooting defense lawyer” or “Miami weapons crime lawyer”.
Look for these key traits:
- Decades of experience with firearms cases
- High rate of charges dismissed or reduced
- Strong relationships with judges and prosecutors
- Affordable payment plans
- Good reviews from past clients
Meet with a few lawyers before deciding. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in their skills. This is a serious situation, so take the time to find the right legal help.
Don’t Wait to Get a Lawyer
The biggest mistake people make is waiting to call a lawyer. Or thinking they can handle it themselves. Don’t go that route.
The earlier you get an experienced lawyer guiding you, the better the outcome will likely be. Evidence can be lost over time. Witnesses forget details. Prosecutors get harder to negotiate with.
So don’t delay. As soon as you or a loved one is charged, start researching lawyers. Sit down with a few and find one you connect with. Then let them start building the strongest defense to get these life-changing charges reduced or dismissed.