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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Violent Crimes Lawyer in Orlando, FL

Violent crimes involve a violent action or the threat of violence against another. Due to the danger that comes with violent crimes, there are heavy penalties for a violent crime conviction, including a lengthy prison sentence, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record that may harm your future. Knowing the damaging fallout from a violent crime conviction, you should contact a violent crime attorney immediately if you are being investigated or have been arrested for one. The lawyers at Hanlon Law understand the burden of the threat you are facing and will work hard to form the most robust defense in your case.


What are Violent Crimes in Florida? 


A variety of offenses fall under the definition of a violent crime. These offenses can be either a misdemeanor or felonies, depending on the crime's nature and the defendant's prior convictions. 


Felony Violent Crimes 


Here is a list of violent crimes that are considered felonies in Florida. 


  • Robbery: Robbery consists of using force, violence, or threats to steal from another. Depending on the amount of violence involved in a robbery, the penalties can range from 5 years to life in prison. 
  • Child Abuse: Child abuse involves intentionally physically or mentally harming a minor or encouraging another person to do so. Child abuse starts as a third-degree felony, but various aggravating factors can escalate the charge. 
  • Aggravated Assault: Assaulting another with a deadly weapon or intending to perpetuate a felony is aggravated assault. This crime is a third-degree felony, resulting in 5 years in prison and a maximum of $5,000 in fines. 
  • Kidnapping: Using threats or force to imprison or abduct another person against their will is the first-degree felony of kidnapping. A conviction for kidnapping can result in 30 years or life in prison. 
  • Aggravated Battery: An aggravated battery in Florida uses a deadly weapon in a simple battery offense, striking a person to cause severe injuries, or battering a pregnant woman. Aggravated battery starts as a third-degree felony but can be elevated in certain circumstances. 
  • Sexual Battery: Illegally performing a physical act or contact of sexual nature without the other person’s consent is the crime of sexual battery or rape. This offense begins as a second-degree felony with the possibility of an increase punishable by 15 years to life in prison. 
  • Arson: Arson is the intentional damage or attempt to damage property by using fire or an incendiary device. This crime is considered a third-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if the offender knew or had reasons to believe that the property was occupied. 
  • Murder/Manslaughter: Causing the death of another is a very severe crime with charges and penalties depending on the offender’s intent.

 

Misdemeanor Violent Crimes


Here is a list of common violent crimes that are considered misdemeanors in Florida: 


  • Domestic Violence: Harming or threatening to harm a family member is considered a domestic violence offense. In general, simple forms of domestic violence are considered first-degree misdemeanors. 
  • Stalking: The offense of stalking in Florida is repeatedly following or harassing a person without having a legitimate purpose for doing so. Simple forms of stalking are classified as first-degree misdemeanors. 
  • Simple Assault: A conviction for threatening to harm another is a second-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 
  • Simple Battery: A simple battery offense is a more severe offense than assault because it involves striking or touching another person. A battery conviction is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 


Defenses to Violent Crimes 


Typically, defenses to violent crimes fall into one of the three following categories: 


  • Defenses that admit to certain facts of the charges but deny that those facts amount to the crime the accused has been charged with. 
  • Affirmative defenses in which the defendant admits to committing the acts they have been charged with but claims they committed said actions for a good reason. 
  • Defending the accusation by denying the facts as charged.

 

Protect Your Future Against a Violent Crime Conviction 

The Florida laws involving violent crimes are complex and involve various aggravating factors that can increase the offense to a higher degree. The complexity of these offenses makes it essential you contact a violent crimes lawyer as soon as possible upon being assessed for a violent crime to avoid conviction. The attorneys at Hanlon Law have valuable experience defending the rights of those accused of violent crimes in Orlando, Florida. We will investigate the circumstances of your arrest, review the prosecution's evidence against you, and contact experts that could help in your defense. 


If you are in need of a violent crimes lawyer in Orlando, FL, contact the attorneys at Hanlon Law today.

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