What Will Happen If You’re Convicted Of A Violent Crime In Florida?
The penalties for a conviction of a violent crime in Florida are harsh, especially for felony offenses. If you have been charged with a violent crime, you need an experienced violent crime attorney on your side as soon as possible.
I am attorney Cory Chastang. I have been practicing law for nearly 20 years, and I am board-certified in criminal trial practice in Florida, so I am considered a specialist in criminal law. My career also includes seven years as a prosecutor, with three of those years as a division chief. This experience provided me with insight into how the prosecutor’s office works and how certain prosecutors tend to handle cases. This knowledge can be invaluable when building a defense against violent crime charges. Contact me today to get started on your defense with a violent crime attorney.
Defining Violent Crimes In Florida: Which Offense Are You Facing?
Aggravated assault: When someone commits assault with a deadly weapon, the intent to commit a felony or intent to kill, it is aggravated assault. This is a felony offense.
Domestic assault and battery: Florida law considers the following people “family” in domestic assault cases: current or former spouses, people related by marriage or blood, people who lived together as a family and people who share a child.
Battery and felony battery: Battery involves striking, touching or causing bodily harm to someone. Felony battery occurs when the assailant causes great bodily harm, disfigurement or disability to someone.
Manslaughter: In Florida, involuntary manslaughter is an unintentional killing of another person due to recklessness or negligence. Voluntary manslaughter is the killing of another person that is not premeditated.
Murder: In Florida, first degree murder can be committed in two separate ways: by premeditation, known as premeditated murder, or by killing during the course of the commission of certain felonies, known as felony murder.
The Long-Term Consequences Of Violent Crimes Will Change Your Life
In addition to the criminal penalties you incur, which may include a jail/prison sentence, fines, probation, restraining orders (injunctions for protection), restitution and loss of your right to own firearms, there are tangential consequences to contend with. These may include:
- The loss of any professional license you have
- Losing visitation rights and/or custody of your children
- Your spouse divorcing you
- Lifetime sex offender registration
- Restrictions on where you can live
- Permanent damage to your reputation
- Trouble finding employment
- Losing your right to vote
- Having a permanent criminal record
An experienced Florida violent crime attorney can explain these consequences. If you have questions about any of these issues, please call my office.
Your Defense Begins With A Phone Call Or Email
To set up a consultation to discuss your case with a violent crimes attorney, just contact the Law Office of Cory Chastang, PA, by phone at 863-600-8596 or online through this website. Your consultation is confidential.
It is important to act quickly when facing criminal charges. The earlier we get started, the better chance there is to access evidence and interview any witnesses. I represent people from Polk and Highlands counties.