Violent Crime Lawyer

At Hanlon Law, we aggressively represent people throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties who have been charged with a wide range of offenses, including violent crimes. These are serious charges that may result in consequences that change your life. You should not hesitate to put an experienced Clearwater violent crime lawyer in your corner. Founding partner Will Hanlon has been fighting for the rights of his clients for more than two decades. He can help guide you through the criminal justice system while working tirelessly to get your charges dropped or reduced at every step of the journey. Mr. Hanlon also represents Florida residents who need a sex crime attorney or representation against charges of DUI, drug offenses, or other felonies and misdemeanors.

Violent crimes cover a wide range of offenses that involve the threat or use of force. This may include the use of a gun to steal money or other property in an armed robbery. It may also include the actual striking of another person in an assault and battery. These offenses are often considered felonies, which means that they come with stiffer penalties, a stronger likelihood of jail time or probation, and a criminal record that may make it harder to find or keep a job.

In particular, violent crimes that involve the use or attempted use of a firearm are subject to enhanced penalties under Florida's "10-20-Life" law. The state imposes mandatory minimum sentences for crimes in these cases. A person who is convicted of producing a gun while committing a felony - even if it is a first-time offense – can expect to face a mandatory minimum of 10 years behind bars. If you fire a gun while committing a felony, you will face a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence. If someone is actually shot during the commission of a felony, the punishment increases to 25 years to life in prison.

In order to convict a person of a violent crime, prosecutors need to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the person charged actually committed the crime and did so with the required level of intent. This is not an easy standard to meet, and a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can identify and exploit any flaws in the prosecution’s evidence or theory of the case. For example, violent crime cases often raise questions about whether the defendant was acting in self-defense. The law protects a person who uses violence or the threat of violence to try to diffuse a situation in which the person reasonably believes that they face an imminent threat of death, serious harm, or a forcible felony. That protection also extends to situations in which another person faces the same type of threat. These cases often rely on the facts of the incident and how they are presented to a jury. It is important to consult a skilled lawyer who can determine which defenses may apply to your situation and craft a strategy accordingly.

We understand how much is at stake for people who have been charged with a crime. Clearwater violent crime attorney Will Hanlon works diligently to build strong defenses for the people whom he represents. He can investigate the circumstances of the incident and make sure that police and prosecutors play by the rules. You should not take a chance with your freedom. Hanlon Law is ready to help you fight for your rights. We serve defendants throughout the region, including in Clearwater. Call us at 727.897.5413 or contact us online if you are facing prosecution for a violent crime or if you need a DUI attorney or assistance with fighting a sex crime charge, a drug prosecution, or another criminal allegation