Fighting For You, Every Step of The Way
Violent Crimes
Tampa Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer
Violent crime charges are among the most serious offenses in Florida. A conviction can bring years in prison, steep fines, and a lifelong criminal record. Even before trial, you may face public scrutiny, loss of employment, and restrictive bail conditions. If you have been accused in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or Pinellas County, you need an experienced violent crimes lawyer who understands how Florida courts handle these cases.
At Haworth Criminal Defense, we fight to protect clients from the harshest penalties under Florida violent crime law. Our attorneys are trial-ready and committed to building the strongest possible defense for every client.
Call our violent crime defense attorney in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, or Tampa at (727) 610-8114 or contact our firm online to schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation.
What Crimes Are Considered Violent in Florida?
Violent crimes are defined as those where force, or the threat of force, is used against an alleged victim, possibly resulting in bodily injury or death. These types of offenses may involve weapons, such as guns, knives, clubs, or brass knuckles, or may involve a vehicle.
Haworth Legal defends those charged with any violent crime. In Florida, examples include:
- Assault and aggravated assault
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Battery and aggravated battery
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Homicide, manslaughter, or attempted murder
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Kidnapping or false imprisonment
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Carjacking and burglary with assault
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Firearm-related offenses
- Murder, vehicular manslaughter, and homicide
- Assault and battery
- Domestic violence offenses
- Robbery and armed robbery
- Sex crimes like sexual assault and rape
The type of crime committed, along with pertinent facts, circumstances, and evidence, will dictate the charges brought against you. Offenses are generally charged as felonies punishable by up to life in prison or the death penalty. Any felony conviction will also incur the potential for a year or more of incarceration along with large fines, restitution, and a loss of reputation and all the consequences of that. Furthermore, a conviction will land you with a permanent criminal record that can damage your ability to find employment, housing, loans, and more.
Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions
Depending on the charge, a conviction may result in:
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Jail or prison sentences ranging from 1 year to life
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Mandatory minimum terms for firearm offenses
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Heavy fines and restitution orders
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Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or possess a firearm
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Long-term probation, monitoring, or mandatory counseling
Because of these life-changing consequences, working with a Florida violent crimes attorney as soon as possible is essential.
Defense Strategies for Violent Crimes
Our firm evaluates every detail of your case to build a tailored defense. Common strategies include:
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Self-defense or defense of others – demonstrating that force was justified.
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Challenging witness credibility – exposing inconsistent or unreliable testimony.
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Lack of intent – arguing that the act does not meet Florida’s violent crime statutes.
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Mistaken identity – disputing faulty identifications or police errors.
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Suppressing evidence – excluding illegally obtained statements or searches.
Our attorneys are prepared to fight aggressively in Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and federal courts across Florida.
Why Choose Haworth Criminal Defense?
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Focus on Tampa Bay metro courts: Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, Pinellas County
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Extensive trial experience in felony and violent crime cases
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Strategic, aggressive defense tailored to the facts of your case
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Commitment to protecting your rights, freedom, and future
FAQs: Common Questions About Violent Crimes
What is considered a violent crime in Florida?
Violent crimes in Florida include offenses such as assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, robbery, armed robbery, kidnapping, manslaughter, and homicide. At Haworth Legal, our Florida violent crimes lawyers defend clients facing all levels of violent crime charges statewide.
What does “violent” mean in criminal law?
A violent crime typically involves intentional harm or the threat of harm to another person. These offenses carry severe penalties in Florida courts.
Can I claim self-defense if accused of a violent crime in Florida?
Yes. Florida law recognizes self-defense and “Stand Your Ground” protections in many cases involving violent crimes. Our violent crime lawyers at Haworth Legal carefully evaluate the circumstances to determine if self-defense applies and use it as part of your defense strategy.
Can violent crime charges in Florida be reduced or dismissed?
Depending on the evidence and circumstances, charges may be reduced through negotiation or dismissed if constitutional violations or weak evidence are present. Haworth Legal reviews every detail of your arrest and the prosecution’s case to pursue dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Why should I hire Haworth Legal to defend against violent crime charges in Florida?
Violent crime accusations can carry life-changing consequences, including long prison terms and a permanent record. Haworth Legal provides aggressive statewide defense for clients accused of violent offenses, from assault to homicide. Contact our Florida violent crime attorneys today for a confidential consultation.
How can a violent crimes attorney help?
An experienced violent crimes lawyer near me can challenge evidence, argue self-defense, and work to reduce or dismiss charges.
Timing Is Essential for Your Violent Crime Defense
In most cases, crimes that involve violence are addressed by responsive, instead of investigatory, means. This means that arrests are usually abrupt so the accused never has a chance to explain their side of the story. Mastering the art of timing in this regard is essential because you have to know when and how to explain your version of the incident to the right people. Our attorney will guide you through the judicial process from start to finish in order to ensure you do not fall short in this regard.
No matter what type of violent crime accusation you face, whether you are currently being questioned or have already been charged, now is the time to acquire legal support. Haworth Legal applies years of experience to every facet of your case, from investigation and arrest to all court appearances and trial.