Violent crimes are often the most serious in terms of law enforcement’s utilization of resources, the quality of prosecution, and the severity of sentences. Violent crimes can range from simple battery to more serious felonies such as child abuse, aggravated battery, manslaughter, and murder. Several defenses are available to these serious charges, and an experienced and skilled lawyer will explore all of them. Violent crimes are often the target of “enhancements” which could increase the potential sentences if convicted. The use of a weapon or gun/firearm, the age of the alleged victim, and the motive behind the crime are just some examples of factors that could be used to enhance a sentence for a violent crime in Florida.
Domestic Violence
Although usually a misdemeanor charge, a domestic battery charge can have far-reaching negative impacts on a person’s life. Injunctions, loss of use of the residence, loss of the company of one’s own children, and gun ownership are just a few examples of how life-changing the consequences of a domestic battery charge can be.
Robbery
The taking, by force, of another person’s property. The force requirement can also be satisfied by putting the alleged victim in fear of violence. Robbery can be a second-degree or first-degree felony depending on certain enhancements such as the use of a gun/firearm or weapon.
Manslaughter
The killing of a person when it is not legally justified or excusable. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony, but it can be enhanced to a first-degree felony if the alleged victim is a child, or a deadly weapon is used.
Murder
Premeditated or felony murder are capital crimes that can result in the state seeking the death penalty or life in prison. Second-degree murder requires the state to prove the accused had a “depraved mind” at the time of a sentence and can result in prison for a term of years, or as high as life in prison.
Bob Sombathy Has Over 31 Years of Experience in Criminal Law
As a criminal defense lawyer, Bob Sombathy has represented thousands of clients charged with felonies. As a former Chief Homicide Prosecutor, Bob Sombathy was trusted with the most important and high-profile cases in all of Criminal Court. Pre-trial motions and skilled negotiation are often useful strategies in obtaining a positive result for a client, but a lawyer must also have a proven track record in the courtroom so the client gets the best possible representation. Bob Sombathy has tried over 150 felony jury trials and is among the 1% of Florida lawyers who have earned Board Certification as a Criminal Trial Law Specialist as designated by The Florida Bar.
If you, or someone you know, has been accused of committing a felony charge, contact Bob Sombathy call at 850-769-5532.
