Violent Crimes Defense Attorney, South Florida

What Florida Classifies as a Violent Crime

Florida's violent crime statutes cover a broad range of offenses: murder and manslaughter, armed robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, aggravated assault and battery, home invasion robbery, and any crime involving a firearm or deadly weapon. Many of these offenses trigger Florida's Prison Releasee Reoffender statute or the Violent Career Criminal Act, which impose mandatory sentences and restrict early release options.

Violent crimes are classified from second-degree misdemeanors to capital offenses, but even the lower-level felonies carry prison terms measured in years. The presence of a firearm changes everything, Florida's 10-20-Life mandatory minimum sentencing law applies to a long list of violent felonies.

The 10-20-Life Law

Under Florida's 10-20-Life statute (§ 775.087), using a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, including robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, and sexual battery, carries mandatory minimum sentences. Possessing the firearm during the crime: 10 years minimum. Discharging the firearm: 20 years minimum. Shooting someone: 25 years to life. These minimums are non-negotiable and cannot be suspended, deferred, or withheld by the judge.

Robert challenges the application of 10-20-Life at every stage, contesting whether the firearm actually qualified under the statute, whether you actually "possessed" it in the legal sense, and whether the underlying felony was properly charged.

Murder and Manslaughter

First-degree murder in Florida is punishable by life in prison or death. Second-degree murder carries up to life. Manslaughter, killing without premeditation, carries up to 15 years as a second-degree felony, but up to 30 years if a weapon was used. Robert has tried serious violent felonies in South Florida courts and understands what it takes to present a credible defense at trial.

In homicide cases, Robert examines the autopsy and toxicology reports, crime scene evidence, witness accounts, and any prior relationship between the parties. Self-defense, imperfect self-defense, and issues of intent are all viable avenues depending on the facts.

Jury Trial Strategy

Violent crime cases frequently go to trial. The prosecution's case may look strong, but "strong-looking" is not the same as proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Robert prepares every violent crime case as if it is going before a jury, because the client's freedom depends on leaving no stone unturned. He challenges eyewitness identifications, forensic evidence, the credibility of cooperating witnesses, and the legal sufficiency of the charges themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions