Facing a violent crime charge is one of the most serious and terrifying experiences a person can endure. The legal system can be confusing and intimidating, and the thought of a potential conviction can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone.
The Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law are here to help you navigate this difficult time, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome. We understand what is at stake, and we will be your trusted advocate throughout the entire legal process.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime, contact us today for a confidential and no-obligation consultation with our skilled Cocoa Beach criminal defense attorneys. We’re in this together.
What Are Violent Crimes?
Violent crimes in Florida cover a wide range of offenses that involve the use or threat of physical force against another person. Because these crimes often result in serious injury or even death, the law treats them with the utmost seriousness.
Common examples include:
- Assault and Battery – Assault refers to the threat of harm, while battery involves actual physical contact.
- Robbery – Taking property from someone through force, violence, or intimidation.
- Manslaughter – The unlawful killing of another person without premeditation.
- Murder – The unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought.
- Domestic Violence – Any assault, battery, or other violent act committed against a family or household member.
Florida courts take a hard line on violent offenses, especially under the state’s well-known 10-20-Life Law, which imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain crimes involving firearms:
- 10 years for possessing a gun while committing a crime
- 20 years for firing a gun during a crime
- 25 years to life for shooting someone while committing a crime
The law also sets mandatory minimums for other violent acts, leaving little room for leniency. If you’ve been charged under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law, your freedom and future are at stake. Working with an experienced Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer is critical to building a strong defense and protecting your rights.
What Are the Potential Consequences for Violent Crimes in Florida?
In Florida, the penalties for violent crimes depend on several factors, such as the nature of the offense, who the victim was, and the extent of the harm caused. Most violent crimes are prosecuted as felonies, meaning they can carry long prison sentences. Offenses involving weapons, child victims, or serious injury or death are punished especially harshly.
In many cases, the outcome hinges on proving criminal intent. For example, the difference between a manslaughter conviction and a murder conviction often comes down to whether the prosecution can prove you intended to kill.
The penalties can be severe and can impact every area of your life. A conviction can lead to:
- Prison sentences: Depending on the severity of the crime, a conviction can result in a prison sentence ranging from a few years to life.
- Significant fines: Fines for violent crimes can be tens of thousands of dollars or more.
- Mandatory minimum terms: For certain offenses, especially those involving firearms, there may be a mandatory minimum prison sentence that the judge is required to impose.
- Collateral consequences: A felony conviction can strip you of your civil rights, make it difficult to find employment or housing, and, for non-citizens, lead to immigration issues.
A strong, custom defense is absolutely essential to mitigate—or even avoid—these severe outcomes. An experienced Cocoa Beach criminal defense attorney can work to create reasonable doubt about intent and help you avoid the most serious charges.
If you’ve been accused of a violent crime in Florida, contact the skilled Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law today for a free, confidential consultation.
What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested for a Violent Crime?
The moments after an arrest are critical. What you do or say can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
It is vital to remember these things:
- Stay Calm and Comply: Even if you believe your arrest is unlawful, do not resist. Under Florida Statutes § 843.02, resisting—whether verbally or physically—can lead to additional charges. Keep your composure and avoid confrontations with law enforcement.
- Invoke your Miranda rights: The police are required to read you your Miranda rights, including your right to remain silent. It is crucial that you explicitly state that you will not speak to them without your lawyer present.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without counsel: All you say could and might be used against you. Do not try to explain your side of the story or answer any questions. Politely but firmly state that you will not speak without your lawyer.
- Contact your Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer immediately: The sooner you contact me, the sooner we can begin to build your defense. We take crucial steps from the outset, such as preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and ensuring your rights are protected.
Do not hesitate to enlist the help of a knowledgeable Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer.
What Are Potential Defenses for a Violent Crime Case?
When our attorneys take on a violent crime case, the first step is a thorough investigation into every detail surrounding the charges. We review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and crime scene findings to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Any inconsistencies, procedural errors, or rights violations can become powerful tools to reduce charges or even seek a full dismissal. While every case is unique, our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers rely on proven defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
These may include:
Self-Defense
Florida law allows both non-deadly and deadly force when protecting yourself from an attack, provided there is reasonable evidence that the other person intended to cause you harm.
Under Florida’s Castle Doctrine (enacted in 2005), you are not required to retreat from your own home if attacked—you have the right to defend yourself. We may argue that your actions were taken solely to protect your safety.
Defense of Others
Deadly force may also be justified if you were protecting another person—such as a family member—from imminent harm. Our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers and team can work to show that your actions were necessary to safeguard others from serious injury or death.
Defense of Property
In some cases, deadly force may be legally justified to protect your occupied residence from an intruder. While this defense can be more challenging to prove, our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers can argue that you had a reasonable belief that your property and safety were at risk.
Lack of Intent
Intent is a key element in most violent crime cases. If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to commit the alleged offense, their case weakens significantly. Our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers may challenge the evidence to show there was no criminal intent.
Can Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed in Violent Crime Cases?
Absolutely. A skilled Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer can often negotiate with the prosecution to have charges reduced or even dismissed.
Some of the ways this can be achieved include:
- Plea negotiations: We may be able to negotiate a plea deal for a reduced charge, a lesser penalty, or an alternative disposition like a diversion program.
- Suppressible evidence: If your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation (for example, if there was an unlawful search or seizure), key evidence may be excluded from the case. This could weaken the prosecution’s case to the point of dismissal.
- Dismissal: If the prosecution’s case is weak or there are significant issues with the evidence, we can file motions to have the case dismissed before it ever goes to trial.
At DeGraff Hicks Law Group, our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers and legal team are committed to ensuring the best outcome for you.
What is the Legal Process of a Violent Crimes Case?
The legal process can be long and complex, but the general timeline often looks like this:
- Investigation / Arrest: The police gather evidence, and a suspect is taken into custody.
- Initial Appearance / Arraignment: The charges are read, and bail may be set.
- Discovery: My office and the prosecution exchange evidence.
- Pre-trial Motions: A Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer may file motions to challenge evidence, request disclosure, or suppress evidence.
- Plea Negotiation: If it is in your best interest, we will explore the possibility of a plea deal.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea is not accepted, we will prepare witnesses, evidence, and arguments for trial.
- Trial / Resolution: The case is resolved either through a verdict or a plea deal, followed by sentencing if applicable.
You don’t have to go this alone; call an experienced and skilled Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer today.
Why Choose DeGraff Hicks Law for Your Violent Crime Defense?
Facing violent crime charges can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. A conviction doesn’t just mean the possibility of jail time or heavy fines—it can follow you for years, affecting your job prospects, housing opportunities, and personal reputation.
That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced defense team on your side from the very beginning. At DeGraff Hicks Law, our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers are committed to providing both aggressive representation and compassionate support.
We know Florida’s criminal justice system inside and out, and we fight relentlessly to protect your rights and your future.
Why Work With Us?
Many clients have trusted Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers and legal defense team to represent them during some of the hardest times of their lives because:
- Extensive Experience – We have handled a wide range of violent crime cases and understand the complex legal issues involved.
- Tailored Defense Strategies – No two cases are the same. We develop defense plans specifically designed for your unique situation.
- Proven Results – Our track record includes case dismissals, reduced charges, and not-guilty verdicts for clients facing serious allegations.
If you or someone you care about has been accused of a violent crime in Cocoa Beach, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact our Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyers today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your freedom and your future.
Don’t Hesitant to Contact an Experienced Cocoa Beach Violent Crimes Lawyer
Violent crime allegations are undeniably serious and can change your life forever. With a knowledgeable and tenacious Cocoa Beach violent crimes lawyer in your corner, you gain the advocacy and care you need to fight for your future.
You don’t want to face these charges alone. Contact us at (321) 44-SHARK for a confidential consultation at DeGraff Hicks Law Group.
