West Palm Beach Violent Crime Lawyer
Being convicted of a violent crime can follow a person around for the rest of their lives, impacting their ability to secure employment, seek educational opportunities, and even maintain relationships. If you have been charged with a violent crime, you have the right to seek legal representation so that you can properly defend yourself. Our West Palm Beach violent crime lawyer can help.
Types of Violent Crimes
For a crime to be considered violent, there must be actual physical harm or a threat of physical harm to an individual where there was a reasonable probability that physical harm would ensue. According to the Violent Offenses List provided by Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice, the following are examples of violent offenses that result in varying degrees of felony convictions:
- Assault and battery;
- Aggravated child or elder abuse;
- Aggravated stalking;
- Arson;
- Murder;
- Poisoning a drink;
- Robbery;
- Rape;
- Terrorism;
- Vehicular homicide;
- Vehicular manslaughter;
- Weapons sales; and
- More.
Is it a State or Federal Crime?
If a violent crime was committed against the State of Florida or a Florida resident, the charges will be brought up in a state court. If, however, the crime took place on federal property or across multiple states or was a crime against the U.S. government, the case may be tried under federal law. In general federal crimes see more severe penalties than crime prosecuted in state courts.
What Penalties Come with a Violent Crime Conviction?
A third degree felony in Florida carries a maximum of five years imprisonment while a first degree felony, which is a more severe charge, carries a maximum of 30 years imprisonment. For Florida state capital felonies, such as felony murder, first degree murder, capital drug trafficking, or capital sexual battery, there will be a second sentencing to determine if the death penalty is instituted. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, a 2017 Florida law requires a jury to unanimously recommend the death penalty for it to be considered as a punishment, otherwise the convicted could face life in prison.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Defense
An experienced criminal defense attorney will assist you in creating a solid defense for your case. We may help you debunk what witnesses claim to have seen, explain extenuating circumstances such as you fighting to protect yourself, or have fabricated or untrustworthy evidence thrown out. The criminal justice system is stacked against defendants, who are pressured into taking plea deals by prosecutors who stack multiple offenses–sometimes a dozen or more—against the defendant from a single event. An attorney will help even the odds, and give you advice about when to accept a plea deal, and when to fight it out in court.
Contact a West Palm Beach Violent Crime Lawyer Today
No matter what violent crime you have been charged with, the consequences of a conviction can destroy your life. That is why you need a strong defense attorney who can advocate for your rights and fight for your freedom. Contact William Wallshein, a skilled West Palm Beach violent crimes attorney at 561-533-1221 for a free consultation today.
