Criminal defense lawyers ensure their clients’ rights are upheld throughout the legal process using detailed knowledge of the law and various legal strategies. A skilled criminal defense attorney can assess the details of a case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and ensure that defendants receive a fair trial. Being arrested and facing criminal charges, whether they are for a misdemeanor or a felony is serious. If convicted, a person can face serious jail time, hefty fines, and significant restrictions on their liberty and other rights.
Each state in the U.S. has its own criminal law code. However, Florida has a few unique criminal laws that can dramatically affect the outcome of a case. One, the 10-20-Life Law, can lead to much harsher criminal penalties for an accused. On the other hand, Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law provides a strong defense. If you or a loved one is facing charges and is impacted by one of these laws, reach out to one of our experienced Ft Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys today.
The “10-20-Life” Law
The first important Florida criminal law to understand is called the “10-20-Life” law. Codified in Florida Statute § 775.087, lawmakers passed this law to address a surge in gun-related crimes. The 10-20-Life law mandates harsh penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences, for people who use firearms while committing certain felonies. These may include violent crimes like murder, sexual battery, robbery, or assault, but can also include property crimes like burglary, carjacking, arson, or even drug-related offenses.
Possessing a firearm while committing one of these crimes can result in a minimum 10-year prison sentence, even if the gun was not used. If the firearm was fired, even if no one was hurt, the minimum sentence doubles to 20 years. If firing the gun resulted in great bodily harm or death, the minimum sentence is 25 years, and the accused faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Usually, these sentences are handed down with no chance of parole or early release, and are added on to any other sentence resulting from the underlying crime.
The complexities of the 10-20-Life law require the expertise of a Ft Lauderdale criminal defense attorney. A skilled attorney can significantly alter the outcome of a case through the effective management of various legal matters, such as filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and challenging the prosecution’s case. This experience is essential to ensure that defendants facing hefty prison sentences due to mandatory sentencing laws receive a fair trial and that the court considers any relevant mitigating circumstances.
The “Stand Your Ground” Law
Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law has been a topic of national attention since its inception. The law grants individuals the right to use force, including deadly force, in self-defense without the obligation to retreat, provided they have a reasonable belief that such force is necessary to prevent imminent serious bodily harm or death.
Many states have laws related to the use of self-defense, but they often require that the defendant retreat from a confrontation before using force as a last resort. Florida’s law differs by removing the obligation to retreat, making this defense relevant in many more cases. The law also applies wherever the confrontation takes place, whether it is in the home, in a vehicle, or even in a public space.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Ft Lauderdale can thoroughly investigate and gather evidence of a self-defense claim. This may include reviewing surveillance footage, obtaining witness statements, or hiring experts to provide support for the claim.
Types of Criminal Charges
Any time an individual is accused of breaking the law or doing something illegal, it can result in a criminal charge and prosecution. The penalties for committing that crime will vary depending on the severity of it.
While Disorderly Conduct (breach of the peace) is technically a crime in the state of Florida, it is one that will likely only come with a minor consequence of a fine. However other crimes, such as violent crimes that are more severe and result in injuring or harming someone else or extensive damage or loss of property would be considered felonies. These have much more severe penalties.
Some of the most common types of crime in Florida, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are:
- Drug violations
- Liquor law violations
- Theft
- Assault and battery
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Domestic Violence
- Fraud
- Vandalism
Any time a person is charged with any of these or other crimes, they should speak with a criminal lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale right away.
How a Criminal Attorney Can Help
It is impossible to build a good defense, or even supply information on what could be a good defense, without knowing the full details of any one criminal case. Statutes of limitations vary depending upon the crime, and the defenses available will also vary depending on the circumstances.
Individuals who have been charged with a crime in Florida face serious consequences, but there are defenses available. And in all cases, accused individuals have rights that need to be protected along every step of the way.
Contact a Ft Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney For Help With Your Case
Facing criminal charges can be discouraging and isolating. You may feel that you are on your own, with no one on your side. But your criminal defense attorney is there to be your advocate and demonstrate any relevant defenses or mitigating circumstances to the court.
If you are involved in a legal situation where the 10-20-Life or the Stand Your Ground laws may come into play, you need to reach out to a Ft Lauderdale criminal defense attorney for help. Your lawyer can advise you about your case and investigate any possible defenses to make sure you are treated fairly.
Location
507 SE 11th Ct
#500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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Phone: (954) 523-9600
