Violent Crimes Lawyer Melbourne, FL

Murder Charges

A Melbourne violent crimes lawyer defends murder charges by addressing the trial and sentence. In capital prosecutions, death penalty defense strategies focus on mitigating factors. When the prosecution seeks the harshest punishment, we argue for life without parole alternatives. Within Brevard County capital case procedures, our defense attorneys file motions to control pretrial publicity, contest jury selection, and challenge aggravating factors. Our defense team dissects Melbourne homicide investigations for errors. We bring in independent professionals for forensic analysis to counter state experts. We address witness credibility issues through impeachment, prior inconsistent statements, and exposure of bias to potentially help get a verdict of innocence.

Manslaughter Charges

Our Melbourne violent crimes lawyers approach manslaughter charges by focusing on the facts that separate this from murder. Arguments built on the heat of passion look at provocation, timing, and whether intent formed before the act. We raise self-defense claims in Melbourne when the accused acted out of fear of bodily harm, but the prosecution disputes the justification. In Brevard County, penalties for manslaughter vary depending on aggravating or mitigating factors, so the defense pushes for the lower end of the range. When applicable, we’ll negotiate plea deals that can reduce a felony to a lesser charge with shorter exposure.

Vehicular Homicide / DUI Manslaughter

Unless you flee the scene, most violent crimes in this setting are second-degree felonies. A Melbourne violent crimes attorney defends vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter cases by contesting Florida Statute 782.071 violations. We use independent accident reconstruction experts to test theories on speed, impact, and causation. In Melbourne traffic fatality cases, our defense attorneys probe whether police followed correct procedures. We also manage expert testimony coordination by preparing specialists to create a reasonable doubt. If you’re facing murder, manslaughter, or homicide charges in Melbourne, FL, contact our law office for a free consultation.

Armed Robbery

Our violent crimes attorneys in Melbourne, FL, defend armed robbery cases by attacking every element the state relies on for proof of use of physical force or a deadly weapon. We confront Florida’s 10-20-Life mandatory minimums that impose decades of jail time, and fight gun enhancement penalties that escalate sentences. In Melbourne commercial robbery cases, our defense attorneys investigate surveillance and identification procedures to weaken the state’s case. Within Brevard County armed robbery prosecutions, our team examines charging decisions, grand jury proceedings, and plea offers to reduce exposure and seek alternatives to a lifetime in prison.

Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill faces second-degree felony charges in Florida. Our violent crimes lawyers in Melbourne, FL, defend aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by attacking the prosecution’s use of Florida enhancement laws. These increase penalties when deadly weapons are involved. We use self-defense with firearms in aggravated assault cases to argue that the accused acted under a fear of harm. In aggravated assault related-domestic violence with weapons cases, our defense attorneys evaluate the strength of the proof, target how the incident is classified, and develop strong defenses that reduce or eliminate the enhancement. Additionally, Stand Your Ground law applications provide a path to immunity hearings. This can stop the felony charges before trial. When the state adds concealed carry issues in an aggravated assault case, we focus on how the firearm was classified.

Drive-By Shooting

A Melbourne violent crimes lawyer defends drive-by shooting charges in Florida by scrutinizing ballistics reports, confronting weaknesses in accounts, and testing police reconstructions. We fight gang enhancement penalties by disputing alleged affiliations and undermining the state’s reliance on tattoos, clothing, or social media posts. In Melbourne gang crime unit cases, our criminal defense lawyers target surveillance methods, reliability of informants, and move to suppress faulty wiretap recordings. When federal courts pursue RICO charges, we work to sever counts. In situations involving witness intimidation, we confront claims head-on by analyzing contact records, cross-examining, and filing motions that prevent the state from stretching routine contact into criminal charges.

We handle the following sex crimes in Melbourne, FL, and more:

Sexual Battery

Florida sexual battery charges carry severe consequences, especially when aggravating factors are present. Our violent crime lawyers in Melbourne, FL, build strong defenses for those accused of a violent offense. Consent defense strategies focus on prior relationship history and other evidence to show voluntary acts for those facing sexual battery charges in Melbourne, FL. We have DNA dissected by independent professionals. In Melbourne sex crimes unit cases, our criminal defense team analyzes investigative files for errors. Victim credibility analysis focuses on inconsistencies in testimony, outside motives, and conflicts between statements and evidence.

Sexual Battery by Multiple Perpetrators

Florida prosecutes sexual battery by multiple perpetrators as a first-degree felony with mandatory minimums. Our Melbourne violent crime defense attorneys develop enhanced penalty defenses to reduce exposure tied to weapons, force, or the alleged victim’s age. We manage co-defendant coordination by filing motions to sever trials and preventing one person’s statements from harming the other accused of a violent offense. In gang-related sexual assault cases, we focus on separating individual conduct from group allegations. Our law firm also scrutinizes FDLE investigations. When federal prosecutors intervene, we coordinate with federal courts to limit federal charges.

Child Sexual Abuse

Defending child sexual abuse cases often starts with examining Florida DCF coordination. DCF shares information with police and the prosecution. The Melbourne Police Department’s Special Victims Unit investigates these allegations. Here, we analyze interview methods for bias or coercion. Your violent crimes attorney in Melbourne, FL, can also bring in experts on false memories to challenge suggestive questioning. Additionally, a full family dynamics analysis helps expose ulterior motives.

Kidnapping

Prosecutors charge kidnapping as a life felony in Florida when the accused confines or abducts another person with the intent to commit or facilitate a felony, inflict bodily harm, or terrorize. Federal courts pursue interstate kidnapping when a victim is taken across state lines. In Melbourne missing persons investigations, our defense attorneys push back against early police assumptions. In parental kidnapping matters, we highlight custody rights and that parents have no intention of causing serious bodily injury to their child. Our violent crimes attorneys in Melbourne, FL, fight to narrow this to custodial interference charges for overreaches, reducing exposure from a life felony to a lesser crime.

False Imprisonment

Our Melbourne violent crimes defense attorneys fight false imprisonment charges by proving no confinement took place or a lack of intent. We counter domestic violence enhancements by narrowing the facts to assault or battery instead of confinement. In retail detention cases, we attack the length and manner of the detention. We also use citizens’ arrest authority when justified and question prosecutors’ claims of unlawful confinement.

Domestic violence covers assault, battery, or related crime against family or household members. In Florida, domestic violence is always treated as a violent offense. A conviction can bring jail time, mandatory counseling, and the loss of firearm rights. For those facing domestic violence charges in Melbourne, FL, we dispute false accusations and fight for alternatives to protect your freedom and future opportunities.

Simple assault is a misdemeanor in Florida, but it is still classified as a violent crime because it involves a threat of harm. Convictions create a permanent criminal record and can impact employment, licensing, and future sentences. Our violent crimes lawyers in Melbourne, FL, argue the credibility of the alleged threat or lack of intent. We’ll conduct negotiations for dismissal, diversion, or reduced charges to avoid long-term consequences for those accused of simple assault.