Violent Crimes in Orlando, FL

Violent Crimes

A violent crime is defined as an intentional, aggressive act against a person or property that threatens, inflicts, or attempts to inflict physical harm. Violent crimes are severe felonies under Florida state or federal law. Violent crimes will be investigated, charged, tried, and punished under Florida law if the crime occurred within state lines and involved harm to the citizens of Florida or the government of the State. Violent crimes will be charged as federal crimes if the crime was committed against the US government, occurred in more than one State, or involves exceptional circumstances. 

Classification and Punishment of Violent Crimes 

Violent crimes carry a more severe range of punishments than non-violent ones. In Florida, violent crimes are distinguished by degree (first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree). A third-degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years, while a 3-degree felony carries a 30-year maximum prison sentence. In Florida, if the crime involves first-degree murder, felony murder, capital drug trafficking, or capital sexual battery, then the death sentence may be imposed. 

Federal crimes and felonies are distinguished by class, ranging from Class A (death penalty) to Class E (1 to 5 years imprisonment). 

Some violent crimes carrying the heaviest punishments under current state and federal law include: 

• Aggravated Assault 
• Armed Robbery 
• Arson 
• Homicide 
• Kiddnapping 
• Manslaughter
• Murder 
• Rape 
  
• Robbery
  
• Sale and Disribution of Guns 
• Sexual Assult/ Battery 
• Terrorism Charges 
  
• Terrorist Threats 
• Vehicular Homicide and Manslaughter
• Weapons Offenses 
  

Here are the definitions of common violent crimes, the full definition under Florida law can be found in the Florida State Statutes. 

• Murder/Homicide: The unlawful killing of another human being, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. 
• Assault: The unlawful and intentional threat of inflicting violence on another person with the apparent ability to do so. Aggravated assault includes using a deadly weapon or the intent to commit a felony. 
• Battery: The intentional touching or striking of another person against their will or intentionally causing bodily harm. 
• Robbery: The use of violence, force, or evoking fear while taking money or other property with the intent to permanently or temporarily keep the property from its lawful owner. 
• Kidnapping: The forcible abduction or imprisonment of another against his or her will and without legal authority. 
• Child Abuse: Any actions or failure as a legal gaurdian that result in the injury or trama of a child, including child neglect. 
• Conspiracy to commit violent crime: The planning of a violent crime, whether or not the act ever actually occurs.

Defenses to Violent Crimes 

You should immediately contact an attorney to draft a strong defense upon being investigated for violent crime charges. Your attorney should investigate your arrest and the prosecution's case against you to provide the best defense for your circumstances. Here is a list of commonly used defenses for violent crimes: 

• Defense of self or others: Deadly and non-deadly force is allowable in order to protect yourself or others from harm, so long as it is reasonable to believe that the other person's actions were likely to result in death or serious bodily harm. 
• Defense of property: Defense of property is more difficult to show, but deadly force is allowable in some cases to protect one's occupied residence against an intruder, and force can be used if there is a reasonable belief their property may be damaged. 
• Lack of intent: Typically, intent is a requirement in violent crime cases. Without proving intent, prosecutors may not have a strong case.

Defending Your Future With Hanlon Law

If you have been accused of a violent crime, you must immediately contact a criminal defense attorney to protect your future. The lawyers at Hanlon Law will mount the most vigorous possible defense in your favor. We have knowledge of the prosecutors and courts in Orlando, Florida, which we use in formulating this defense. Our attorneys will investigate the circumstances involving your arrest, the State’s evidence against you, and any other factors that could lead to your charges being dropped or prevent a conviction. 

If you are facing violent crime charges in Orlando, Florida, contact the attorneys at Hanlon today.

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Practice Areas

Sex Offenses

Federal Sex Crimes

Florida Sex Crimes

Drug Charges

Violent Crimes

• Aggravated Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Gun Crimes