West Palm Beach Violent Crime Lawyer

Violent Crimes Attorney in West Palm Beach, FL

Types of Violent Crimes in Florida

There are many different reasons you might have been charged with a violent crime; it may be a false accusation, you may have acted in self-defense, or the event might simply be an unexpected accident. Whatever the case, an experienced attorney will be an important asset to you.

Violent crimes can apply to a broad category of offenses, including:

• Child Abuse
• Conspiracy to Commit a Violent Crime
• Domestic Violence
• Homicide
• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Sexual Assault

A violent crime charge can refer to many different events. So, it is important to know what is at the basis of this kind of charge. Note that an offense is considered a violent crime when any form of violence has occurred or been attempted. To better understand why these crimes might be charged as violent, it will be useful to examine two types of violence that may be grounds for the charge – assault and battery.

West Palm Beach violent crimes lawyer Nellie L. King will take a personalized approach to your situation and craft a simultaneously aggressive and compassionate defense around your story. As a former public defender and avid social warrior, she seeks to understand every client’s side of the story and protect your rights in and out of the courtroom. Contact us today!

Florida Assault Laws & Penalties

Assault refers to a threat of harm that leads to the alleged victim’s fear of imminent harm. Note that the offense does not include physical contact between the defendant and the victim.

The prosecutor must show that the defendant:

• Intended to threaten the victim
• Caused the victim to feel fear
• Carried out a violent act

Additionally, the prosecutor must also show that the defendant demonstrated the threat through words, a gesture, or an intimidating act. The defendant must have shown an ability to carry out the threat and the victim must have feared imminent harm in that situation.

Penalties for assault depend on the type of assault you have been charged with:

• Simple assault – which is when a person has clear intent to commit an assault against another person, is considered a second-degree misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days of jail time and a fine not exceeding $500.
• Aggravated assault – is when a person has attempted to inflict serious injury without regard for the life or well-being of the victim and is considered a third-degree felony. Sentencing can result in up to 5 years of jail time and up to $5,000 in fines.

Florida Battery Laws & Penalties

When the defendant makes physical contact with the victim, Florida state laws allow for prosecution of the act as a battery. To prove a battery case, the prosecutor must show that the defendant intentionally touched or struck the victim. This physical contact must have been against the victim’s will and done without the victim’s consent.

Florida law establishes several types of battery, with varying consequences for each:

• Simple battery – only requires an intentional, unwanted physical contact between the defendant and the victim. Simple battery is convicted as a first-degree misdemeanor with up to 1 year of prison time and a fine no more than $1,000. If the defendant has a previous conviction for battery, state laws permit the prosecutor to charge the defendant with felony battery for a subsequent offense.
• Felony battery – is treated as a third-degree felony, carrying up to 5 years of jail time and a fine of up to $5,000. To prove aggravated battery, the prosecutor must show that the defendant intended to cause serious bodily injury to the victim or that the defendant used a deadly weapon, such as a firearm. The state considers this a second-degree felony, and the defendant might receive a sentence of imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Experienced Defenses for Florida Violent Crimes

The success of these defense tactics depends on how much evidence you have to prove your claim and how the state of Florida treats those circumstances. Having an experienced violent crimes lawyer like Nellie L. King will be useful for developing a strong defense, as she can better assess the facts of your case and determine strongest option for defense. For example, does your situation prove a threat of unlawful force or harm against you to argue for self-defense? Did you use reasonable force in defense of your own home under attack? Was the result an accident carrying no malicious intent?

Potential defense strategies to employ, depending on your situation, are:

• Accident
• Consent given for physical contact
• Defense of another person
• Defense against harm to property
• Lack of intent
• Self-defense

Whether you have been falsely accused of violence or had a justified reason to engage, you will need good legal representation to effectively present your case. Experienced violent crimes defense lawyer Nellie L. King will work personally with you to understand the facts of your situation and frame a tenacious and compelling defense around your circumstances.

Contact the Law Offices of Nellie L. King, P.A. by dialing (561) 833-1084 or by submitting an online form here to schedule your free initial consultation.