Miami Law Firms List the Most Common Violent Crimes and Possible Defenses

As Miami attorneys, we often have to defend clients accused of violent crimes like murder, assault, robbery, and more. While the details vary case-by-case, there are some common defenses we present based on the specific circumstances. In this article, we’ll overview some of the most frequent violent crimes we see, as well as potential defense strategies.

Murder and Manslaughter

Murder charges are obviously very serious, carrying potential life sentences or the death penalty here in Florida. The state must prove intent to kill the victim, premeditation, and other elements. Some ways we defend murder suspects include:

• Lack of intent – we argue the killing wasn’t intentional
• Self-defense – if our client feared for their life when they killed
• Provocation – sometimes “crimes of passion” lead to reduced charges
• Insanity – if mental illness made them unable to understand their actions

Manslaughter is a lesser charge alleging a killing that occurred without prior intent to kill, often during commission of a lesser felony. Involuntary manslaughter applies when someone is killed due to reckless actions without malice. We may argue our client acted lawfully given the circumstances when defending these charges.

Assault and Battery

Assault refers to credible threats of violence or actions putting people in immediate fear of harm. Battery requires unlawful physical contact, even minor touching. Many bar fights and domestic disputes lead to such allegations. Some of our common assault and battery defenses include:

• Self-defense – arguing our client only fought back to protect themselves
• Defense of others – if they were defending someone else from harm
• Consent – sometimes alleged “victims” actually consented to the physical contact
• Misidentification – we contest it was our client who committed the assault/battery

Often the exact sequence of events is unclear in chaotic situations leading to these charges. We thoroughly investigate to build the best defense saving our clients from conviction.

Robbery

Robbery refers to theft by force or threat of force. It’s more serious than simple theft because violence is used against victims to take their property. Robbery defenses can include:

• Duress – arguing our client only robbed under threat to themselves or loved ones
• Misidentification – contesting our client wasn’t the actual robber
• False allegations – in rare cases, “victims” lie about being robbed

Sentences depend on exactly what happened during the robbery, type of weapon involved if any, value of property taken, and harm to victims. Skilled Miami robbery lawyers thoroughly investigate the evidence and build strong trial strategies.

Sex Crimes

Sex charges like rape, sexual battery, molestation, indecent exposure and others are complex cases where both the accused and accusers deserve justice. Beyond the obvious defenses disputing allegations, consent and mistaken identity sometimes factor in. Harmful stereotypes should never deny due process to those accused. Immigration status also comes into play for some of our clients. Miami sex crime lawyers manage these cases delicately.

Domestic Violence

Florida has strict laws on domestic violence arrests and prosecutions when alleged victims and perpetrators live together, share a child, or are intimate partners. Self-defense arguments arise frequently – abusive partners often both claim they were defending themselves when police get involved. Witness accounts, medical records, and honest victim interviews help reveal the truth. As Miami domestic violence attorneys, we also connect clients to counseling and anger management resources in some cases.

While every violent crime case has unique details, we hope this overview was helpful explaining some common charges and defenses. Get in touch if you or a loved one need caring legal advocates on your side.