Tampa Violent Crime Lawyer

Violent Crime Attorney In Tampa, FL

Facing a violent crime charge like assault, armed robbery, domestic violence, homicide or an attempt of any of the same, can be one of the most overwhelming events you can ever go through. At Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., our experienced Tampa violent crime defense attorneys have spent decades protecting the rights of individuals like you from the moment of arrest through trial and, if necessary, appeal. Call a Tampa violent crime lawyer today.

Why Choose Amarosa Law Firm, P.A.?

We take pride in standing up for you and your family when you need us most, treating you like an individual rather than just another case number. At Amarosa Law Firm, our comprehensive and strategic approach to criminal defense encompasses investigating all leads, challenging illegal searches, scrutinizing witness credibility, and fighting tirelessly for reduced charges, division, dismissals and acquittals after trial.

With so much at stake, an experienced attorney can apply experience and knowledge to everything they can to get you out of trouble and keep you safe, plus they can minimize damage and provide reliable legal assistance right away.

Amarosa Law Firm, P.A. is a Tampa-based criminal defense law firm founded on a commitment to you for justice, integrity, and aggressive representation. Attorney James R. Amarosa II brings nearly two decades of experience defending clients against violent crime charges like assault, felony battery, domestic battery, robbery, and homicide.

We understand the criminal justice system, and we approach each case with empathy, clarity, and a personalized strategy. From negotiating with prosecutors to fighting tenaciously at trial, our attorneys use modern legal strategies, rigorous investigation, and relentless trial advocacy to stand up for your rights and do what we can to prove you are not guilty of the charges.

Common Violent Crime Charges in Tampa

Violent crime charges can vary significantly in Tampa, and each carries its own unique set of legal consequences. Hillsborough County’s Violent Crime rate reached 186.6 per 100,000 people in 2023. Common violent crime charges include aggravated assault, battery, armed robbery, domestic violence, and homicide including attempt charges of the same. These offenses typically involve the threat or actual use of physical force against an individual.

It’s crucial to understand the specifics of the charge you’re facing. Depending on the severity, you may face consequences if you’re convicted. Thankfully, an attorney from Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., is ready to investigate your charges, and discuss your situation and defend you in court against these accusations.

Charges like false imprisonment or resisting arrest with violence can have significant long-term consequences. Again, if you are facing charges, one of your first calls should be to your trusted criminal defense attorneys at the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., to protect your rights and walk you through your first steps.

What to Do If You’re Accused of a Violent Crime

If you’ve been accused of a violent crime in Tampa, you should take proactive steps to protect your own interests. You should: Call the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A.

• Engage with police officers only when your attorney is present during the conversation. Even if you are innocent, your words may be twisted and used against you.
• Reach out to an attorney Amarosa immediately and adhere to their guidance.
• Preserve any evidence that may be used in your defense. This could include text messages, video footage, or witness statements.
• Do not contact the alleged victim or post about your case on social media. These actions could be used against you in court.
• Stay calm and remember that early actions can have a significant impact on your case.

Florida Violent Crime Law

Florida takes violent crimes seriously, and penalties can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are convicted, you could face imprisonment by law, fines, and loss of rights. The exact penalties depend on the crime you are charged with. As we’ve said, hiring the right attorney can make or break your case. An experienced attorney can discuss your charges and help you avoid serious consequences by defending your case.

An attorney can discuss potential consequences, but they may be able to get charge reduced division, or they may even be able to work zealously to have your case dismissed outright after speaking with the State Attorney’s Office. You need an attorney to protect your rights, reach out to our office right away. Our lawyers can discuss your situation, case-specific evidence, and tailor a defense strategy to build a solid defense case on your behalf.

How Florida Defense Attorneys at the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A. Build a Criminal Defense Strategy

An effective defense against violent crime begins with an accurate understanding of the facts and the law. Experienced defense lawyers begin by reviewing the arrest report, evidence, and witness statements. They examine these materials for errors, constitutional violations, or other indications of bias that could help weaken the prosecution’s case. In some cases, the alleged incident may be the result of mistaken identity, self-defense, or simply a lack of credible evidence.

Defense strategies may include filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, consulting with professional witnesses, or challenging the methods used to gather evidence. Your attorney’s role is not only to challenge guilt but also to identify reasonable doubt, negotiate lesser charges, or even seek dismissal. Your attorney can build a strong case to help resolve your charges.

Understanding Florida’s Stand Your Ground and Self-Defense Laws

Florida’s self-defense laws can have a significant impact on violent crime charges. The most well-known of these laws is the Stand Your Ground law, which allows a person to use force, including deadly force, if they believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person.

Unlike traditional self-defense laws, the Stand Your Ground law removes the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense in certain places. The legal standard for self-defense in Florida is complex and subject to interpretation by the courts. To successfully assert self-defense, there must be evidence to show that your actions were reasonable and proportionate to the threat you faced.

Misunderstanding or misapplying these laws can have unintended legal consequences. When properly asserted, self-defense laws can lead to dropped charges or acquittal, making them an important part of many cases involving violent crimes. Contact a knowledgeable attorney to discuss Stand Your Ground more.

Can a Felon and Use a Gun to Stand Your Ground?

In the case of Aaron Little versus the State of Florida, Mr. Little was charged with committing the crime of second-degree murder with a firearm.  Little’s attorney’s filed a stand your ground motion to dismiss his case in which they argued to the court that Mr. Little shot the victim in self-defense and was therefore entitled to claim immunity from prosecution because of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law which authorizes the use of deadly force when a person “reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself.”

In court the trial judge who heard Mr. Little’s stand your ground motion to dismiss denied the motion because in the judge’s decided that Mr. Little removed himself from the imminent threat of death or great bodily harm by going inside of house that was of proximity. While in the house Mr. Little armed himself with a gun and reengaged himself with the person whom he shot.  It was that action, according to the judge, that prevented Mr. Little from claiming immunity under the Stand Your Ground law.

Mr. Little’s attorneys appealed to the higher court; the court of appeals reviewed the facts of Mr. Little’s argument and disagreed with the lower-court judge’s decision. The court of appeals opined that there was no evidence that Mr. Little made any threatening moves towards the person he shot or that Mr. Little made any threatening words to him.  Instead, the person Mr. Little shot raised his guns and pointed them at Mr. Little, and Little, in turn, responded to that threat by shooting and killing the person who pointed the guns at him.  The appeals court ruled Mr. Little was entitled to claim immunity under Florida Stand Your Ground law.

The State of Florida argued that Mr. Little’s Stand Your Ground Motion to dismiss the case should be denied because Mr. Little was a felon who was in illegal possession of the gun when he shot and killed the victim, the prosecutors further argued that anyone who is engaged in unlawful activity cannot claim immunity under the Stand Your Ground law.

The court of appeals rejected the prosecutor’s argument as well.  The court opined that Mr. Little’s status as a felon and being in possession of a firearm did not preclude him from making a claim of immunity under the Florida Stand Ground law where the evidence showed that Mr. Little’s use of force was justified to prevent his imminent death or great bodily harm.

Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Violent Crimes

Florida divides violent crimes into misdemeanors and felonies based on their severity. Misdemeanors, such as simple battery, are less severe and typically result in reduced consequences when compared to felonies.

Felonies like aggravated assault, attempted murder or homicide can have serious consequences. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge may impact the defense strategy utilized by your lawyer. Thankfully, the team at Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., has extensive experience helping people facing serious charges positively resolve their cases.

What to Expect in Tampa Violent Crime Cases

A violent crime case in Tampa can be complex, and the criminal justice system can be confusing. The specific procedure varies with each case, depending on the nature of the offense. Once you have been arrested, you will be brought before a judge for arraignment. You may also need to participate in pretrial motions, plea deals, negotiations, and, if necessary, a trial.

Lawyers need to handle restraining orders and manage hearings for evidence evaluation, as well as take witness depositions before proceeding to trial. Understanding the progression of a violent crime charge in Hillsborough County will equip you with knowledge about the legal process and how to develop your defense plan.

How Evidence Can Make or Break a Violent Crime Lawsuit

When it comes to any violent crime lawsuit, the outcome typically hinges on the evidence. Will the collection of the information be enough to convict, or will a lack of evidence get your case tossed in the court of law? The State typically draws evidence from multiple sources throughout its investigations. These can include police reports, security camera videos, medical records, and witness testimony.

Not all evidence is reliable or admissible. A skilled violent crime attorney can scrutinize how the evidence was collected, whether your rights were violated during searches or arrests, and whether witness accounts hold up under cross-examination.

Sometimes, a discovery process of this nature can lead to an integral piece of evidence being suppressed, which can dramatically weaken the State’s case. It is essential to understand how physical evidence, digital data, and witness testimony are utilized in Tampa violent crime cases.

Protecting Your Rights from Arrest to Trial

If you have been accused of a violent crime, the period between your arrest and your court date is one of the most critical times to protect your rights. You have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a fair trial. Police officers must follow specific procedures for searches, interrogations, and arrests.

If your rights are violated, an attorney can work hard to have key evidence suppressed or charges dismissed. It is essential to have someone knowledgeable about these rights on your side during all pretrial hearings, negotiations, and even a trial if it progresses to that point. The sooner you contact an attorney; you can protect your rights. Also, you have an increased likelihood of avoiding severe penalties and getting a good result when you hire a knowledgeable attorney.

Why Hiring a Tampa Violent Crime Lawyer Matters

Hiring a local Tampa violent crime lawyer offers several advantages. Local attorneys understand the nuances of Hillsborough County courts, judges, and prosecutors. This helps create a more informed and effective defense. A local attorney is more familiar with law enforcement tactics and can be instrumental in challenging the validity of a search or arrest.

A seasoned local attorney can be present and responsive to all court matters and address any developments as they occur. Moreover, a Tampa attorney can respond quickly to court pleadings and conduct investigations more efficiently. Being nearby means they can visit crime scenes, interview witnesses, and stay hands-on throughout your case. That way, you can rest assured you have a solid attorney working on your defense.

FAQs

Contact a Trusted Tampa Violent Crime Lawyer – Call Amarosa Law Firm, P.A.

If you’re facing criminal charges, you need an attorney who has plenty of experience helping Tampa locals. At Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., our criminal defense attorneys use their experience and local legal knowledge to provide an aggressive defense on your behalf.

With so much at stake, you shouldn’t have to face the criminal justice system alone. Call Amarosa Law Firm right away to speak to a skilled Tampa violent crime attorney who can fight for you.