St. Lucie Violent Crimes Attorneys

If you or someone close to you has been charged with a violent crime in St. Lucie County, including Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie West, Tradition, Fort Pierce, Lakewood Park, and the surrounding areas, contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. today. Being charged with a violent crime can be scary and stressful for both you and your family. Violent crime convictions have a far-reaching impact that can affect your reputation, your ability to later get a job, and your ability to secure housing, among other things. A conviction for a violent crime can also mean years in prison and exorbitant monetary fines. You do not have to go through this difficult period alone.

Knowing and understanding your rights is important if you want to reach the best possible outcome. Do not enter a plea or try to negotiate a deal without first fully understanding what violent crime you have been charged with and what the potential outcomes are if convicted of such a crime. If you or a loved one has been accused of a violent crime, contact the St. Lucie violent crime defense attorneys at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. today by calling 772-336-4357.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Violent crimes are serious and are accompanied by serious consequences. If you are convicted of a violent crime, you will likely face huge fines, years in prison, restitution, community service, and a permanent criminal record which will follow you for the rest of your life. Your reputation, livelihood, and relationships can all be compromised by this accusation. To protect yourself and your freedom, you need a criminal defense lawyer who understands your rights, the law, and how to best defend you.

Why Choose The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A.?

At The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A., we have been defending clients accused of violent crimes for over 20 years. We understand that not all accusations are accurate and that there may be mitigating factors to consider in a given set of circumstances. That is why we strive to provide each client with individualized representation and zealous defense. We will investigate your circumstances to determine what the best possible line of defense is for you, and aggressively fight for your freedom.

Types of Violent Crimes in Florida

Violent crimes generally happen when either violence was the objective of a crime or violence was used to carry out another crime or to produce the desired result. At The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A., we have decades of experience defending people who have been accused of violent crimes, including the following:

• Murder – Under Florida law, murder can be of the first or second degree. First-degree murder is when it is premeditated with the intent of causing death to another human being. Second-degree murder is when the life of another human being is taken without premeditation, but the death is caused by another human being’s lack of concern for human life. Additionally, Florida has codified the common-law felony murder rule, which states that a murder committed during the commission of another underlying felony, like robbery, is considered felony murder. Felony murder can be charged as a capital felony or a felony of the first degree. A capital felony is punishable by the death penalty, a first-degree felony is punishable by up to life in prison, and a second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• Aggravated Assault – Aggravated assault is an assault with a deadly weapon used without the intent to kill or without the intent to commit another felony. Aggravated assault is a felony of the third degree. If convicted, it carries a potential punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Domestic Violence – Under Florida law,  domestic violence is any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal offense that results in the physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member. Depending on the circumstances of each specific case, domestic violence can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony (including a capital felony), so it can have a wide variety of potential punishments.
• Rape – In Florida, rape is referred to as sexual battery. Rape occurs when, without consent, physical intercourse ensues by the use of physical force, threat of force or duress, or because the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated. Depending on the age of the accuser and the accused, whether a weapon was used, and what physical injuries the victim suffered, the charge for rape can be a life felony, a capital felony, or a felony ranging from the first to third degree. All these charges carry with them varying amounts of prison time, and a capital felony is also punishable by the death penalty.
• Robbery – Robbery is the taking of the property of another with the use of force, including physical force or use of a deadly weapon. The charge for robbery can be a first- or second-degree felony, depending upon the circumstances. A felony in the first degree carries a potential punishment of up to 30 years in prison, and a felony of the second degree is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• Manslaughter – Manslaughter can be considered voluntary or involuntary, depending on whether the accused intended to kill the victim or not. Voluntary manslaughter differs from murder based on the circumstances; if a person became mentally or emotionally disturbed which led to a death, they would be charged with manslaughter, not murder.
• Arson – Damaging buildings through fire or explosives is considered arson. Arson can be charged with heavy fines and long prison sentences, which increase if people inside the building were harmed when it caught fire.
• Burglary -Entering a property with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft, is considered burglary.
• Hate Crimes– If you attack another person because of their race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation, you can be charged with a hate crime. Hate crimes can be especially serious to defend against because they often attract more media attention and can be met with more severe penalties.
• Kidnapping – Kidnapping refers to abducting and imprisoning someone against their will. There is a three-prong test in Florida to determine whether a specific case qualifies as kidnapping.
• Child Abuse – Child abuse encompasses a wide range of crimes. Physical child abuse charges are often accompanied by assault and battery charges, making the penalties especially severe.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime, there may be facts specific to your case that can help prove your innocence or offer a justifiable defense. The best defense is always that you did not, in fact, commit the crime. If that defense is unavailable to you, there may be other defenses that can help you get the charges dropped, give you alternative options for punishment, or lessen the charges against you. Some common defenses for violent crimes can include self-defense, involuntary intoxication, and others. Getting the guidance and assistance of an experienced violent crimes defense attorney from The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. is the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your future.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime, contact the knowledgeable Port St. Lucie criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. today. In order to be convicted of a violent crime, the prosecution must show that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced attorney can highlight the weaknesses in a prosecution’s case and offer defenses for your actions. Knowing how to navigate the criminal justice system can be complex and overwhelming, but at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A., we are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today by calling 772-336-4357 to schedule a free consultation.

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