Jacksonville Violent Crime Lawyer

Jacksonville Violent Crime Attorney

When you’re charged with a violent crime in Jacksonville, the stakes are incredibly high. If you’re convicted, you can face penalties ranging from jail time and restraining orders to hefty fines and negative social impacts. If you’re facing a violent crime charge in Florida, do not wait to contact a skilled Jacksonville violent crime lawyer who can advocate for your rights both in and out of court.

Why Choose Gates Law Firm?

At the Gates Law Firm, we understand just how daunting facing a violent crime conviction in Jacksonville can be. That’s why our experienced team is dedicated to protecting the rights of Jacksonville residents. We work to examine every detail in your case and build a powerful defense strategy that aggressively advocates for your innocence.

Our compassionate legal team can walk you through your upcoming legal proceedings, ensuring you understand the charges against you, your rights, and how each process will go. Do not postpone seeking representation from a violent crime lawyer you can trust in Jacksonville.

What Is a Violent Crime in Jacksonville?

A violent crime refers to any action that inflicts harm or threatens to inflict harm upon another individual. Examples of common violent crimes seen in Jacksonville include:

• Assault and Battery. Assault and battery refer to the threatening and carrying out of a violent act. Assault refers to the intent, while battery refers to the completion of the act. For instance, if you raise your hand to slap someone and they duck, this is assault. However, if they do not duck and you slap them across the face, this is considered battery in Florida.
• Robbery. Robbery refers to taking another person’s property by using violence or force.
• Homicide. Homicide involves taking another person’s life. This is a serious offense that ranges in levels of severity, considering the level of premeditation and amount of violence used. Homicide can include first-degree murder and vehicular homicide, among other severe charges.
• Domestic Violence. Domestic violence in Florida refers to violent acts committed against a person with which the offender shares an intimate relationship. An intimate relationship can include a partner, spouse, or person that an individual shares a child with.
• Kidnapping. Kidnapping is the forcible taking of another person against their will and without legal authority in Florida.
• Sexual Assault. Sexual assault in Florida involves non-consensual sexual acts inflicted upon an individual.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Jacksonville

The penalties for violent crimes in Florida tend to be severe, as they often involve both legal and personal consequences. If convicted, a person can face lengthy jail or prison sentences in addition to having to pay fines and restitution. Depending on the circumstances, the convicted individual may also be served with a restraining order against the victim. They may also be required to participate in anger management classes or other treatment programs.

If convicted, the defendant will then have a criminal record in Florida if they did not already. This can make it more difficult to secure adequate housing and employment opportunities in the future. An offender may also be denied certain rights, such as their right to possess firearms.

In lieu of jail time, an offender may be subject to probation or various alternative sentencing methods.

Common Defenses Against Violent Crimes in Jacksonville

If you are charged with a violent crime in Jacksonville, your attorney may use a number of defenses depending on the circumstances of your case. Some common defenses against violent crimes include:

• Self-Defense. If you were acting in self-defense, or in defense of others, your attorney can use this to prove your innocence. This defense could involve stopping the alleged victim from inflicting harm on someone else, especially those who cannot defend themselves, like small children.
• Mistaken Identity. Cases that hinge on eyewitness testimony can use mistaken identity as a solid defense. If you can prove that you were not at the scene of the crime when it occurred, such as using video surveillance that shows you elsewhere, you have a strong chance of getting your charges dropped.
• Violation of Rights. If your rights were violated during the arrest process, such as law enforcement performing an unlawful search and seizure, your attorney can use this defense and fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Florida?

A: In Jacksonville, Florida, a violent crime is considered any act that inflicts harm or intends to inflict harm onto another person. Examples of these include assault, battery, homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, and burglary. These crimes carry severe penalties, including potential felony charges. You should contact an experienced defense attorney who can protect your rights if you’re facing violent crime charges in Florida.

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer for a Violent Crime Case in Florida?

A: It is highly recommended that you work with an experienced Jacksonville violent crime lawyer when you are facing violent crime charges. Working with an adept attorney gives you the strongest chance of securing a favorable outcome and potentially getting your charges reduced or dismissed. A lawyer can not only help you understand your rights and the charges against you, but they can also defend you aggressively throughout every legal proceeding.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: The cost of a criminal lawyer in Florida depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. Typically, more complex cases will cost more. Additionally, each lawyer has their own pay structure. Some may charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Speaking with your lawyer upfront about fees is highly recommended so that you know how much you will pay and what it will cover.

Q: What Are the Most Common Violent Crimes in Florida?

A: The most common types of violent crimes in Florida include assault (threatening to harm someone), battery (physically harming someone), homicide (causing the death of another), and robbery (forcibly taking another person’s belongings). While there are many other violent crimes seen throughout the state, these tend to be the most common and carry intense consequences for those convicted.

Gates Law Firm: Your Jacksonville Violent Crime Lawyers

If you or someone you know is facing violent crime charges in Jacksonville, don’t wait to seek help. At the Gates Law Firm, our team works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of Florida residents, no matter the charges they are facing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can represent you during a violent crime case in Jacksonville.