Given that a conviction for a violent crime leads to severe punishments that can change your life as you know it, you should make sure to enlist the help of a skillful criminal attorney who has experience handling these types of cases.
No matter how severe the accusations against you might seem, there are different legal paths that you could use to mitigate your charges and penalties. Speak to the Pinellas County violent crimes lawyers at Goldman Wetzel to explore your different options.
Violent Crimes Law in Pinellas County
If you are accused of a violent crime in St. Petersburg or Pinellas County, it means that law enforcement has probable cause to believe that you harmed or threatened to harm either another person or property.
In simple terms, violent crimes are illegal offenses that imply the use of violence. Mistakenly, people assume that there has to be physical injuries or violence to be charged with these types of offenses. Nevertheless, a simple threat of committing violence is enough to face criminal charges.
To put it simply, violent crimes is a very broad definition that encompasses numerous offenses and penalties. In addition to helping you understand the charges that you are facing, the criminal lawyers at Goldman Wetzel will also inform you about the legal options available for your case.
Given that they imply the threat or actual harm to another, violent crimes in Pinellas County carry severe penalties including fines and imprisonment. The gravity of these punishments depends on the nature of the crime committed.
But even if you face a misdemeanor charge, you will still have a criminal record which can be detrimental for your future personal and professional opportunities. For this reason, it is essential to retain the services of a violent crime lawyer early in the process.
Contacting a Pinellas County attorney when you have been arrested does not mean that you are guilty of a violent crime. But it does mean that you would have better chances to protect your rights, negotiate with the prosecutor and prepare your defense. In order to explore the legal ramifications and potential solutions of your case, book a free appointment with our defense attorneys.
Examples of Violent Crimes
As established before, a violent crime occurs when the alleged offender inflicts or threatens to inflict physical harm upon another person. Since this is a very broad definition, there are plenty of crimes that can be charged as a violent offense.
The lawyers at Goldman Wetzel have experience handling violent crimes in Pinellas County. Some of the most common violent offenses that we handle include:
- Arson
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Child abuse
- Hit and run
- Sexual battery
- Domestic violence
- Aggravated stalking
- Murder and manslaughter
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Kidnapping or false imprisonment
Is DUI manslaughter a violent crime in Florida?
In Florida, a DUI manslaughter offense can be classified as a violent crime since it involves the killing of another person or unborn child. According to the Florida Statute 316.93, depending on the circumstances of the case, a DUI manslaughter can be charged as a felony in the second or the first degree.
DUI manslaughter convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years imprisonment. Additionally, the culprit may also face expensive fines. Determining the sentencing depends on numerous factors such as the blood-alcohol level and whether the offender failed to provide information or render aid.
Given that they imply the harm of another human being, violent offenses are severely punished and prosecuted. Dealing with criminal charges when knowing the potential consequences of a conviction, can be a very overwhelming and stressful experience.
Our defense attorneys have been representing clients facing criminal charges since 2009. If you are seeking aggressive legal representation, contact the Pinellas County violent crime attorneys at Goldman Wetzel.
Penalties for Violent Crimes
Determining the penalties of a violent crime depends on the type of offense, the culprit’s past criminal record and aggravating factors that contributed to the offense. In general, most violent crimes are charged as felonies. However, a few of them can be classified as misdemeanors.
Simple assault or battery, as well as domestic violence offenses, are usually charged as misdemeanors. More severe crimes such as murder, kidnapping, sexual battery, child abuse, and aggravated battery can be charged as felonies.
Thus, depending on the severity of the offense and the effectiveness of a lawyer’s defense, the penalties for a violent crime in Pinellas County can range from 60 days in jail to 30 years or life imprisonment. As for the fines, they could also vary from $500 to $15,000.
In addition to these penalties, a person convicted for a violent crime may also face other penalties such as:
- Probation
- Community service
- Counseling or treatments ordered by the court
- Loss of right to vote
- Loss of right to own and carry a gun
How Goldman Wetzel Can Help
With your freedom and rights on the line, you want to put your case in the hands of a team that will invest the time and resources to give you the effective defense you need.
We are committed to providing top quality representation and legal defense for each of our clients in Pinellas County and could help mitigate your violent crime charges. When you work with us, we will:
- Listen to your side of the story in full confidence and with zero judgment
- Help you understand the charges being brought against you
- Gather information and evidence
- Scrutinize the state’s reports and evidence for potential errors or tampering
- Explain your defense options to you
- Look for holes, inconsistencies, and weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case
- Represent you at all your hearings
- Consult experts to obtain testimony favorable to your case
Our objective is to secure the best possible outcome for you. In some cases, we can bring evidence to light early on and prevent the state from filing formal charges altogether. When that is not achievable, we can work towards other solutions, such as a plea bargain, lesser charges, a reduction of penalties, or an acquittal.
Violent Crimes Useful Resources in Pinellas County
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office: Provides services to victims of violence such as crisis intervention, assistance with filling compensation, and information about centers and agencies that provide physical and emotional assistance.
Suncoast Center: Sexual Assault Services of Pinellas County: Offer support to people that have suffered sexual assault in Pinellas County. Among their services, they provide support groups, 24-hour sexual assault services helpline, counseling, and free forensic medical exams.
Pinellas County Crime Viewer: Allows people to check recent data about crimes committed in Pinellas County. Users can filter by crime type, location, and dates.
St. Petersburg Police Department: Victim Assistance:Provides assistance to people that suffered as a result of a crime in St. Petersburg. They offer counseling services, help during the court process, and assistance completing compensation and insurance claims.
Contact a Violent Crimes Attorney in Pinellas County
A violent crime in St. Petersburg is harshly pursued by the prosecutors. If the judge finds you guilty of the charges, you will face different penalties that can include imprisonment and expensive fines. Thus, enlisting the help of an aggressive criminal lawyer might be key to preparing a strong defense for your case.
Goldman Wetzel is a criminal defense law firm with an office in St. Petersburg, FL that represents clients facing charges for violent offenses in Pinellas County, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Bradenton, Tampa and surrounding areas.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a violent offense, speak to our attorneys to know the potential penalties that you could face as well as some possible defenses for your case. Speak to our Pinellas County violent crime lawyers to schedule a free consultation.