A violent crime charge can put your reputation, livelihood, freedom, and future in jeopardy. You could be facing hefty fines, time behind bars, a criminal record, and even loss of rights. You will need to hire an experienced Ponte Vedra Beach violent crimes lawyer to protect your rights and begin planning your defense immediately.
Your violent crimes lawyer will interview you to understand your case, investigate your case to build a strong defense strategy, gather evidence on your behalf, examine the evidence in the prosecutor’s case, negotiate a plea bargain, and prepare your case for trial. It is, therefore, crucial to hire the right Ponte Vedra Beach violent crimes lawyer.
If you are looking for one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Florida, be sure to get in touch with Malcolm Anthony, PA. We know how to navigate the legal system. We can protect you from serious criminal penalties. We have the skills, experience, and resources that can help your defense. We can save you both time and money.
Call (904) 285-4529 today to schedule your free case review.
What Are Considered Violent Crimes?
Violent crimes refer to crimes in which a person uses or threatens to use force against another person. The victim is threatened with or harmed by violence in a violent crime. Examples of violent crimes are homicide, robbery, assault, kidnapping, gun crimes, and more.
- Robbery: It is the crime of attempting to take or taking something of value by use of fear, threat of force, or force. So, if you attempt to take or take something of value by use of threat or force, you could be charged with robbery.
- Kidnapping: It is the unlawful restraining or confining of an individual against their will. So, if you knowingly and intentionally restrain another person without their consent, you could be charged with kidnapping.
- Assault: It occurs when someone threatens bodily harm to another person in a convincing way. Verbal assault, on the other, occurs when someone threatens another person verbally.
- Homicide: It is one of the most serious violent crimes. It occurs when someone causes another person’s death. The death could be unintentional or intentional.
- Gun Crimes: These involve the discharge, distribution, or possession of a firearm. In fact, if you unlawfully discharge your firearm in Florida, you could face serious penalties.
What Are the Potential Penalties For Violent Crimes in Florida?
Violent crimes are treated more seriously in Florida. Therefore, a conviction for a violent crime can result in hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, and a criminal record. Remember, having a criminal record can ruin both your personal and professional life.
Here are the potential penalties for violent crimes in Florida:
Prison Sentences
The number of years you will spend in prison will depend on the severity of your offense. You can spend a few years in prison. And in some cases, however, you could spend the rest of your life in prison. For instance, manslaughter or murder can lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Fines
A conviction for a violent crime can result in significant fines. Fines are monetary penalties. You will pay it to the court. In addition, you may have to compensate the victims for any losses or damages suffered as a result of the crime. This is restitution. The fines you will pay greatly depend on the severity of the offense.
Probation
Probation allows you to serve your sentence in the community under supervision. You will not spend time in jail. However, you will need to comply with the conditions of the probation order. The length of the probation is a few years to 10 years.
Losing Your Professional License
If you are convicted of a violent crime, you could lose your professional license. For example, if you are arrested for a violent crime, a licensing board may suspend your license, put you in a diversion program, put you on probation, or supervise you and/or restrict you in some way.
So, how can you minimize these consequences? You can hire a violent crime lawyer like Malcolm Anthony, PA. We not only have the necessary resources and experience to handle any case. We also have the compassion to focus on your needs. We will protect your rights and provide the support you need during this challenging time.
Are you ready to talk to a Ponte Vedra Beach violent crimes lawyer? Contact us today at (904) 285-4529.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested For a Violent Crime?
If you have been arrested for a violent crime, feelings of panic and fear might start building inside of you. Remember, your actions will have a huge impact on your case. That is why you need to take the necessary steps to safeguard your rights and develop a strong defense.
Here are the steps you should take if you have been arrested for a violent crime:
Remain Silent
You have probably heard of “You have the right to remain silent.” These are Miranda Rights. They will protect you from coercive police practices. So, you are not legally obligated to talk to the police officers. It is in your best interest to invoke your right to remain and wait for your violent crimes lawyer.
Retain a Ponte Vedra Beach Violent Crimes Lawyer
You are free to represent yourself. However, we do not recommend handling your case on your own. You do not have any experience, so you are more likely to waste time and money. And you may end up losing your losing your case. Hiring a skilled violent crime lawyer can help you navigate the legal system more effectively.
Collect Evidence
You need evidence to support your case. You may need physical evidence, documentary evidence, demonstrative evidence, and testimonial evidence. If you hire a lawyer, your lawyer will help you collect the necessary evidence. Lawyers have handled many cases. So, they know the types of evidence to collect.
Be Honest With Your Lawyer
Your lawyer is there to help you. However, your lawyer will not help you if they do not have the right information. So, be honest with your lawyer. Share everything about your charges. In fact, honesty can even save you money. And your lawyer will negotiate better.
What Are the Potential Defenses For a Violent Crime Case?
You can get a positive outcome in your violent crime case. How? By using the most effective defensive strategies. Lawyers use these strategies to defend their clients. The potential defenses for a violent crime case are insufficient evidence, lack of intent, mistaken identity, self-defense, and more.
Here are the potential defenses for a violent crime case:
Self-Defense
You have a legal right to self-defense. So, you are justified in the use of force to defend yourself from an attacker. That is why you can use self-defense as a defense in your violent crime case. However, you still need to provide proof of the need for protection. You will, therefore, need to present a strong case for the use of force.
Insufficient Evidence
You can use insufficient evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case. The prosecution will present the evidence against you. Your lawyer will, then, challenge the evidence through a motion to suppress, expert testimony, or cross-examination. If you can challenge the evidence, your charges could be reduced or even dismissed.
Lack of Intent
You can use lack of intent as a defense strategy. If there is no intent to commit a crime, then it cannot be classified as a violent crime. Remember, a crime cannot be committed by accident. So, you can defend yourself by showing that you had no criminal intent.
Unreliable Witnesses
Your lawyer can use unreliable witnesses to weaken the case of the prosecution. The testimonies of some witnesses might not be reliable. Or they might not be accurate because of ulterior motives, poor memory, fear, or biases. So, they cannot provide reliable testimony.
Your Ponte Vedra Beach violent crime lawyer can use their experience, knowledge, and resources to weaken the prosecution’s case and increase your chances of getting a positive outcome.
Can Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Violent Crime Cases?
Yes, charges can be reduced or dismissed in violent crime cases. For example, pursuing legal strategies and negotiating plea deals can help reduce your charges or even get your case dismissed. But you will still need a skilled Ponte Vedra Beach violent crimes lawyer to talk to the prosecutors and negotiate a plea deal.
What is the Legal Process of a Violent Crimes Case?
Have you been arrested for a violent crime? Then, you need to understand the legal process of violent crime crime cases. The legal process can be long, challenging, and stressful. In fact, it is much better to hire a good lawyer to help you handle your case and guide you throughout the whole process.
Here is an overview of the legal process of violent crime cases:
- Investigation: The accuser reports the crime. The police officers will, then, gather evidence and interview witnesses. You can be arrested immediately. Or they might seek an arrest warrant before arresting you.
- Arrest and Booking: You are arrested, taken into custody, and booked. This is where the police officers will get your information and fingerprints. And you might be held in jail.
- Arraignment: You will appear in court for the first time. You will be informed of the charges by the charge. If applicable, the judge will set bail.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your Ponte Vedra Beach violent crime lawyer may file motions to seek a change of venue, challenge the case of the prosecution, or suppress evidence. Remember, your trial can be moved to a different location.
- Plea Negotiations: Do you want to take a plea bargain and accept a penalty? If yes, your lawyer will talk to the prosecution and negotiate a plea deal.
- Trial: If you do not reach a plea deal, your violent crime case goes to trial. Both sides will present evidence and arguments in front of a jury and judge.
- Sentencing: If you are found guilty at trial, the judge will sentence you based on a variety of factors, such as the type of the crime, the severity of the crime, and more.
You do not have to go through these stages alone. Malcolm Anthony, PA can guide you through each of these steps.
Why Choose Malcolm Anthony, PA for Your Violent Crime Defense?
Do not ignore a violent crime accusation. Why? You are probably facing hefty fines, lengthy prison time, loss of professional license, and more. You need a team of experienced, knowledgeable, and hardworking violent crime lawyers to represent you.
Here is why you should choose Malcolm Anthony, PA for your violent crime defense:
Specialized Violent Crime Defense
We have successfully handled a wide range of violent crime cases. We, therefore, know the laws inside and out. We can use our knowledge and expertise to provide relevant, tailored solutions. We can help you get the most favorable outcome. We can even get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Aggressive & Thorough Approach
Violent crime cases demand a thoughtful investigation of facts and a superior strategy. We will not leave any stoned unturned. We will dig deep to examine the evidence and build a strong defense strategy on your behalf. We are aggressive, and we are committed to helping our clients get the best results.
Experienced Violent Crimes Attorneys
We have a proven track record. We have successfully defended our clients against violent crime charges. Therefore, we have the expertise and experience to handle a violent crime case. We know what it takes to win in court. And we are ready to help you.
Client-Centered Approach
We do not ignore our clients during the legal process. We do not even respond late. We value open communication. So, we provide the best possible support. We are always ready to fulfill our client’s needs. In fact, we will meet our clients so we can better understand their cases and circumstances.
Let Malcolm Anthony, PA Handle Your Violent Crime Case
If you are facing violent crime charges in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy. Remember, you may be facing severe penalties, including huge fines and time behind bars. That is why you need strong legal representation.
Hiring a skilled violent crime lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence, minimize the consequences, and help you navigate the criminal justice system. Having strong legal representation can reduce your stress, save you money, and make a significant difference in the outcome.
Malcolm Anthony, PA understands all types of violent crimes, the potential penalties of these crimes, and potential defense strategies. We are, therefore, qualified to handle your violent crime case. We can protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Contact us today at (904) 285-4529 to schedule a FREE initial consultation with a Ponte Vedra Beach violent crime lawyer.
