Tampa Law Firms Break Down Florida Violent Crime Punishments
Violent crimes like murder, assault, robbery, and rape carry serious penalties here in Florida. As Tampa defense attorneys, we often counsel clients facing charges for violent offenses. While the facts of each case are unique, it helps to understand the statutory guidelines and potential defenses.
Murder and Manslaughter
In Florida, first-degree murder is premeditated killing, punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole. Second-degree murder lacks premeditation but has a depraved mind regardless of human life. It carries up to life in prison. Voluntary manslaughter involves intentional killing due to provocation and carries up to 15 years. Involuntary manslaughter stems from reckless actions leading to death and carries up to 15 years.
Possible defenses to murder or manslaughter charges include self-defense, defense of others, lack of criminal intent, false accusations, or mistaken identity. An experienced Tampa violent crimes attorney can assess the evidence and build an effective legal strategy.
Assault and Battery
Assault involves creating fear of violence without physical contact. Battery requires unlawful physical contact. Penalties vary based on the severity of injury and use of weapons. Simple assault is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or resulting in serious injury is a felony with up to 15 years in prison. Battery has similar gradations from misdemeanors to felonies.
Defenses for assault or battery may include self-defense, consent of the victim, lack of intent, or no reasonable fear from alleged threats. Skilled Tampa assault lawyers thoroughly investigate the context and evidence from all sides.
Robbery
Robbery requires taking property by force, violence, assault, or putting in fear. Armed robbery involves a deadly weapon. Strong-arm robbery uses physical force. Carjacking is robbery of a motor vehicle. Penalties range from 15 years to life in prison depending on injuries and weapons used.
Robbery defenses can challenge the use of force or fear, false accusations, misidentification, or an unlawful search leading to evidence discovery. Tampa robbery defense lawyers know how to fight these charges.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes like rape, sexual battery, sexual assault, lewd conduct, and indecent exposure call for experienced criminal defense. Penalties vary based on the age of victims, use of force or violence, authority over victims, and other factors. Even false accusations require skilled legal guidance.
Defenses for sex crime charges may dispute consent, intentions, mistaken identity, or credibility of accusers. Skilled Tampa sex crime lawyers have succeeded in getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence covers violent crimes between family or household members. Florida has strict penalties for domestic battery, assault, sexual battery, and even violations of restraining orders. Charges can escalate from misdemeanors to felonies.
Defending domestic violence charges involves understanding relationships and patterns of behavior. False accusations occur in contentious divorces and breakups. An experienced Tampa domestic violence attorney can challenge the evidence and tell your side of the story.
Juvenile Violent Crimes
Florida prosecutes juveniles as young as 14 as adults for violent felonies like murder, sexual battery, armed robbery, carjacking, and other serious offenses. An experienced juvenile crimes lawyer can sometimes get charges reduced or transferred to juvenile court.
Defenses for juveniles include mental competency, peer pressure, lack of criminal sophistication, and amenability to rehabilitation over harsh punishment. Skilled Tampa juvenile lawyers fight to protect children and young teenagers.
Get an Aggressive Tampa Violent Crimes Lawyer Today
Facing violent crime charges in Tampa, FL is extremely serious. False accusations also require experienced defense counsel. For personalized guidance on your case, contact our Tampa violent crimes lawyers for a free consultation. An aggressive defense lawyer can make the difference between prison and dismissed charges.