Tallahassee Assault & Violent Crime Attorney

Crimes of violence and assault typically include robbery, battery on a law enforcement officer, home invasion, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, murder, manslaughter, resisting arrest, and other crimes that involve the serious injury or even death of another person. Violent crimes are not taken lightly in the State of Florida, and almost always result in prison time, restitution, and large fines.

If you were charged with a violent crime in Florida, the Tallahassee assault & violent crime attorneys at Zelman Law have over a decade’s worth of experience in defending individuals against criminal charges brought against them. With an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell since 2011, our principal lawyer, Joshua Zelman, possesses the skill and determination necessary to succeed in the courtroom. When it comes to criminal legal defense in Tallahassee, Zelman Law is unparalleled and will do everything possible to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Florida

The penalties for violent crimes in Florida vary significantly, and are dependent upon the crime committed, how it was committed, to whom it was committed against, and the outcome of the violent act. For instance, simple assault in Florida is usually charged as a second degree misdemeanor and carries a sentence of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. However, domestic abuse is typically charged as a first degree misdemeanor and carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Assault can quickly become aggravated assault, or domestic abuse aggravated battery, if it is learned that a weapon was used or if the actions were meant to cause a felony, such as a bank robbery. Aggravated assault is punishable by no more than five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Aggravated assault is considered a third degree felony. Aggravated battery, on the other hand, is a second degree felony and carries a punishment of up to fifteen years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

If the defendant commits a robbery with a deadly weapon, they may be charged with a first degree felony, which can carry up to a life sentence and up to $10,000 in fines. However, if the weapon is not considered a deadly one, the prison sentence may be reduced to 30 years.

Individuals charged with domestic violence stand to be convicted of any of these types of misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of their actions and the end result.

Of course, premeditated murder and felony murders are the worst types of violent crimes that one can be accused of. If convicted of either or in Florida, the defendant faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole. If the defendant was the accomplice to a felony murder, they are just as responsible as the person who actually pulled the trigger. Depending on the circumstances, one guilty of second degree murder can be sentenced up to 30 years in prison. Manslaughter – or the unintentional killing of another individual during a non-violent felony – can be charged as a second degree felony and is punishable up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Your Defense to a Violent Crimes Charge in Tallahassee, Florida

The Tallahassee assault and violent crimes attorneys at Zelman Law have extensive experience in helping those accused of violent crimes see that the charges against them are reduced or dismissed. Oftentimes, this requires the skill and knowledge of a veteran criminal defense lawyer. When you work with Zelman Law throughout your criminal case, you can expect us to build a sound legal defense to the charges brought against you. In regards to assault and violent crimes, some strategies we might employ include:

• Disproving intent, meaning showing that there was no intent on the your part to harm or kill the victim;
• Proving self-defense, which involves proving that you took the course of action you did because you reasonably believed that someone was attacking you and was likely to kill or seriously injure you;
• Arguing that the violent act was committed in the context of an emergency and to prevent injury or death to the accused or another person; or
• Arguing that you were justified in your actions because you were only doing what you had to do to protect your home or vehicle from an attacker.

Work with a Tallahassee Assault & Violent Crime Attorney

At Zelman Law, we have been practicing criminal law for over a decade, and have achieve a successful outcome for hundreds of cases. As a reputable law firm headed by an AV rated lawyer we will present you with your best legal options and aggressively fight on your behalf to obtain a positive outcome. To make an appointment with one of our Tallahassee assault and violent crimes attorneys, call our office at (850) 765-5948 between 8:00 and 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. If it is after hours, contact us online to reserve your appointment.