Because of the impact on the alleged victim, violent crimes are zealously prosecuted, and the penalties are severe. So, it’s crucial that you retain legal counsel the moment you are arrested — or even if you suspect you are under investigation — for a violent crime.
Largey Law is immediately available to represent you. Our Mount Dora violent crimes lawyers are former public defenders who relentlessly pursue justice for each and every client. We have the resources and experience to gather and challenge physical evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, fiber analysis, ballistics, blood splatter and autopsy findings. Our criminal defense team also has special training in death penalty defense, many of the principles of which we apply in the defense against any violent crime with which you have been charged.
What Does State Law Define as a Violent Crime?
“Violent crime” is defined differently by the numerous agencies involved in the criminal justice system. The Florida Department of Corrections classifies an offense as violent if it meets of these criteria:
- Causes physical harm
- Involves a threat of physical harm
- Has a reasonable probability of resulting in unintended physical harm
- Has a reasonable probability of resulting in the threat of physical harm
Under any State standard, some crimes are automatically classified as violent, such as murder, assault, forcible rape and armed robbery. A seasoned Mount Dora attorney could help determine whether their client is facing charges for a violent or non-violent crime.
Common Defenses Against a Homicide Charge
Even when there is no dispute that a defendant killed another person, homicide is not always a crime. Our lawyers investigate whether you have a valid defense that the homicide was justifiable or excusable under Florida’s statutes:
- Justifiable homicide — Homicide is justifiable if the defendant committed the killing to prevent a felony — such as battery, rape or murder — to the defendant or in her or his home.
- Stand Your Ground Law — Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law allows a person to use deadly force to defend herself or himself, with no duty to try to retreat from the dangerous situation. Sanford resident George Zimmerman’s 2013 acquittal in the fatal shooting of an unarmed youth, Trayvon Martin, has focused national attention on this Florida law.
- Accidental killing while acting lawfully — The homicide is excusable if the defendant were acting lawfully, exercising reasonable care and had no unlawful intent when the death occurred.
- Accidental killing in the heat of passion — Killing by accident in the heat of passion because of a sudden and sufficient provocation may be excusable in certain situations.
- Accidental killing during sudden physical altercation — If the defendant accidentally killed a person during sudden, unplanned physical combat, without the use of a weapon and not in a cruel or unusual manner, the homicide may be excusable.
Contact a Mount Dora Violent Crimes Attorney for Dedicated Assistance
If you believe you are under investigation for a violent crime or already have been arrested, call Largey Law immediately to schedule a free consultation. Our Mount Dora violent crimes lawyers can make after-hour appointments and can meet you in the jail or at your home. Se habla español.
