Orlando Violent Crimes Attorney
What This Page Covers:
- Severity: Violent crimes in Florida, such as assault and robbery, are harshly persecuted, often resulting in severe penalties, including long prison sentences, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. A conviction can drastically impact your rights and reputation.
- Defense: Common defenses against violent crime charges include self-defense, lack of intent, and mistaken identity. A skilled attorney can use these strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case and advocate for reduced penalties or acquittal.
- Process: Navigating a violent crime charge involves several legal steps, from arrest and arraignment to trial and sentencing. Having an experienced attorney by your side ensures you understand each phase and have strong representation to protect your rights.
- Experience: At The Wiseman Law Firm, we handle a wide range of violent crime cases, leveraging their deep knowledge and commitment to reduce sentences and mitigate penalties, even in challenging situations.
Defending Against Violent Crime Charges in Orange County, FL
If you have been charged with a violent crime, you must be made aware of the fact that your livelihood, freedom, and future are all hanging in the balance. Allowing the prosecution to walk all over you in court and doing nothing to defend yourself is tantamount to throwing yourself in prison. Retaining the services of The Wiseman Law Firm and our Orlando violent crime defense attorney is the wise choice.
Why Hire The Wiseman Law Firm
Take a quick moment to review our accolades and accomplishments:
- 15+ years of legal and trial experience
- Former prosecutor turned defender with unique insights into all sides of a case
- A history of beneficial verdicts
- Highly rated by past clients
- Available 24 hours a day to assist you
Attorney Wiseman is here to help you through this difficult time from the start of your case to its conclusion. With our firm handling your case, you can rest assured that you will always be informed of the important developments and defense strategies we are working on. It is this personalized touch to your legal counsel that can give you a strong advantage over the prosecution.
Have you been accused of committing a violent crime? Call The Wiseman Law Firm today at 407-420-4647 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our violent crimes lawyer in Orlando.
Violent Crimes in Florida
The State of Florida defines violent crimes as aggressive and intentional acts against an alleged victim or their property. These acts include anything that inflicts or attempts to inflict physical damage. It is also important to note that violent crimes can also include the threat of physical harm, even if those threats were not carried out.
Violent crimes are generally charged as felonies, depending on the circumstances, leading to long prison sentences, loss of rights, a permanent criminal record, large fines and restitution, and a loss of reputation. A defendant convicted of first-degree murder may even face the death penalty. Because of their serious nature, these offenses are harshly prosecuted, and the state will seek full penalties after a conviction. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Wiseman has deep knowledge and insights into the potential case the other side may make against you and can tailor his representation to proactively challenge their tactics and ensure your side of the story is heard.
Violent Crime Cases We Handle
At The Wiseman Law Firm, we hold a belief that there are no unwinnable criminal defense cases. Even when the odds are severely stacked against you, and there is ample, clear evidence that you have indeed committed a violent crime, there is room for improvement that can only be attained with the help of a highly-experienced lawyer. Sentences can be reduced and penalties minimized, such as turning a felony charge into a misdemeanor or eliminating minimum sentencing requirements. It all comes down to the level of creativity and committment in your choice of legal counsel.
Our violent crimes attorneys in Orlando have years of experience managing a variety of charges and can help you in situations that include:
Protect Your Rights and Future with an Experienced Orlando Violent Crimes Attorney
Being accused of a violent crime is a serious matter that can have long-lasting consequences on your life. It is crucial to have a skilled and experienced attorney by your side to navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights. At The Wiseman Law Firm, we understand the gravity of these charges and are committed to providing aggressive and effective defense strategies for our clients in Orlando and throughout Orange County, FL.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Extensive experience: Our team of dedicated attorneys has years of experience handling violent crime cases. We have a deep understanding of Florida’s criminal justice system and will use our knowledge to build a strong defense on your behalf.
- Personalized attention: We believe in providing personalized attention to every client. We will take the time to listen to your side of the story, answer your questions, and tailor our defense strategy to your specific needs and circumstances.
- Aggressive representation: We are known for our aggressive approach to defending our clients. We will thoroughly investigate your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and vigorously advocate for your innocence or seek the best possible outcome.
- Proven track record: Our firm has a track record of success in handling violent crime cases. We have achieved numerous dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea bargains for our clients. Our results speak for themselves.
Don’t let a violent crime accusation define your future. Contact our experienced Orlando violent crimes lawyer today to schedule a confidential consultation. We are here to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
Common Defenses to Violent Crime Charges
Facing violent crime charges in Orlando is stressful and overwhelming, but there are several defenses that a skilled attorney can employ to challenge the prosecution’s case. The following are some common defenses to violent crime charges:
Self-Defense
A commonly used defense in these types of cases is self-defense. This defense asserts the defendant used force to protect themselves from imminent harm. To successfully argue self-defense, the defendant must typically show that they believed they were in immediate danger, that the force used was reasonable and necessary to prevent harm, and that they did not provoke the attacker.
Defense of Others
Similar to self-defense, the defense of others allows a defendant to argue they used force to protect another person from imminent harm. This defense requires demonstrating the defendant reasonably believed the other individual was in immediate danger and that the force used was necessary to prevent harm. The amount of force used must also be proportionate to the threat faced by the other person.
Lack of Intent
Many violent crime cases require the prosecution to prove the defendant had intent to commit the crime. If the defendant can show they did not have the required intent, they may be able to avoid conviction. For example, in a case of assault, the defendant might argue that their actions were accidental and not intended to cause harm. Showing a lack of intent is a powerful defense, especially in cases where the defendant’s actions were misinterpreted or where there is no clear evidence of intent.
Insanity or Mental Health Defenses
The insanity defense involves arguing that the defendant was not in a sound state of mind at the time of the crime and, therefore, cannot be held legally responsible for their actions. This defense requires comprehensive medical evidence and often involves expert testimony to establish the defendant’s mental state. Additionally, some jurisdictions allow for diminished capacity defenses, which argue that the defendant’s mental state, while not meeting the criteria for insanity, significantly impaired his or her ability to understand or control their actions.
Alibi
This type of defense asserts the defendant was not at the scene of the crime and, therefore, could not have committed the offense. To support an alibi, the defendant must provide evidence, such as witness testimony or physical evidence, that confirms their presence elsewhere at the time of the crime. A credible alibi can create reasonable doubt about the defendant’s involvement in the crime, potentially leading to an acquittal.
Mistaken Identity
Mistaken identity occurs when a witness or victim incorrectly identifies the defendant as the perpetrator of the crime. This defense focuses on challenging the reliability of the identification process, such as the conditions under which the identification was made, the witness’s ability to accurately recall details, and any suggestive procedures used by law enforcement. Demonstrating that the identification was flawed or unreliable can cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Defending against violent crime charges requires a comprehensive understanding of the law and the specific details of the case. A criminal defense attorney at The Wiseman Law Firm can evaluate the evidence, identify the most effective defenses, and advocate on behalf of the defendant. By employing these common defenses, we help mitigate the charges, reduce potential penalties, or achieve an acquittal.
What Is the Legal Process Following a Violent Crimes Arrest?
Understanding the steps in the legal process following an arrest can help you navigate the legal system more confidently and prepare for what lies ahead. The following is an overview of the typical legal process following a violent crime arrest:
Arrest and Booking
The process begins with the arrest, where law enforcement officers detain an individual suspected of committing a violent crime. The arrest can occur at the scene of the crime or later, based on evidence collected during an investigation. During the arrest, the officer will read the suspect their Miranda rights, informing them of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney.
After the arrest, the suspect is transported to the police station for booking. This involves recording the suspect’s personal information, taking fingerprints and photographs, and conducting a search. The suspect’s personal belongings are confiscated and held until their release. The booking process also includes checking for any outstanding warrants and entering the arrest into the system.
First Court Appearance
The initial appearance, also known as an arraignment, generally is set within 24 to 48 hours of the arrest. During this initial hearing, the judge will inform the defendant of the charges, his or her legal rights, and the possible penalties. The judge will also address bail, which can be granted, denied, or set at a specific amount based on the severity of the crime, criminal history, and flight risk.
Discovery
During the discovery phase, the prosecution and defense trade evidence and information relevant to the case. This can include police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and forensic evidence. Discovery allows both sides to prepare their cases and identify any potential weaknesses in the opposition’s arguments.
Motions
An attorney may file pre-trial motions to address various legal issues before the trial begins. Common motions include motions to dismiss the case, suppress evidence, or change the trial venue. These motions significantly affect the course of the trial and the admissibility of certain evidence.
Plea Bargaining
In many cases, the prosecution and defense may engage in plea negotiations. A plea bargain involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser criminal charge or obtain a reduced sentence to avoid a trial. Plea bargains expedite the legal process and provide a more predictable outcome for both parties.
Trial
First, the prosecution presents its case, calling witnesses and introducing evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense then has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. After the prosecution rests, the defense presents its case, which may include calling witnesses and presenting its own evidence.
The prosecution presents its case first, calling witnesses and introducing evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense then has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. After the prosecution rests, the defense presents its case, which may include calling witnesses and presenting its own evidence.
After both sides have presented evidence, they make closing arguments. These arguments summarize the case, highlight key evidence, and try to sway the jury to render a verdict in their favor.
Jury Deliberation and Verdict
The jury deliberates in private to come to a verdict. The jury must unanimously agree on the defendant’s guilt or innocence. If a unanimous verdict is not reached, the judge may declare a mistrial, potentially leading to a retrial.
Sentencing Hearing
If the defendant is found to be guilty of the crime, a sentencing hearing is scheduled. During this hearing, the judge considers the severity of the crime, criminal history, and any mitigating circumstances. Both the prosecution and defense can present arguments and evidence regarding the appropriate sentence. The judge imposes the sentence based on the legal guidelines and the specific circumstances of the case. Sentences for violent crimes can range from probation and community service to lengthy prison terms depending on the severity of the crime.
If you are arrested for a violent crime in Orlando, seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney at The Wiseman Law Firm, who can guide you through each step and advocate for your rights.
Contact Our Violent Crimes Lawyer in Orlando Today
You should not make the mistake of thinking that the criminal justice system has your best interests in mind. Quite the opposite may be true in situations where judges or prosecutors are pressured to get more convictions, prompting them to look for guilt where it never even existed. Taking down these prejudices, which are also held by average members of society, and replacing them with fairness and justice, requires our Orlando violent crimes attorney, Mr. Simon Wiseman.
Contact The Wiseman Law Firm today to get started on your defense with our Orlando violent crimes attorney.
