North Port Violent Crime Lawyer

North Port Violent Crime Attorney

The legal consequences for being charged with a violent crime in North Port, Florida, can be far-reaching and follow you for life. As these are considered to be among some of the most severe types of criminal offenses in the Florida justice system, they commonly come with long periods of incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and hefty fines. If you are facing accusations, a North Port violent crime lawyer from Ruhl Law, P.A., is ready to fight for you.

Why do you need a Violent Crime Lawyer

Ruhl Law, P.A. is a leading law firm helping individuals facing accusations for violent crimes receive the experienced, aggressive legal representation they deserve. Serving individuals throughout Sarasota County, we come to each case with more than two decades of criminal defense experience, deep local connections, and a commitment to defending your rights and freedoms.

Founded by Richard Ruhl, who was born and raised in southern Florida and has a strong personal commitment to fighting for his community, we are eager to make sure that you receive fair and just treatment in the criminal justice system. From calling into question the evidence brought forward by the prosecution to challenging the legality of bureaucratic or legal procedures, we exhaust all options to push for positive case outcomes.

Violent Crime in Sarasota County – What the Numbers Are Saying

There is no data that specifies violent crime incidents in North Port, but analyzing data from greater Sarasota County can contextualize the situation. According to 2023 data from the Florida Department of Health, Sarasota County reported 439 violent crimes among a total population of 462,728 residents, resulting in a violent crime rate of 94.9 per 100,000 people. That same year, the violent crime rate statewide was 150.7 per 100,000.

Based on the numbers, Sarasota County is generally considered to be safer than many other parts of Florida, with accusations and charges for violent crimes being lower compared to the rest of the state. It’s important to note, however, that hundreds of residents are still facing charges for violent crimes each year, such as assault and aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, robbery, homicide, and domestic violence.

Violent Crime Charges in Florida

North Port is one of Sarasota County’s fastest-growing cities, making violent crimes a leading priority for law enforcement in the area. Even if witness accounts are conflicting or there’s limited evidence, prosecutors are still aggressively pursuing these cases. This makes it crucial to work with an attorney who can mount an equally aggressive defense on your behalf.

North Port’s violent crime laws in Florida cover any type of offense that involves either the threat of force or actual force against another individual. Examples of common types of violent crimes that Ruhl Law, P.A. commonly represents in Sarasota County are:

• Aggravated assault. This type of crime includes threatening an individual with a deadly weapon without the intention to use deadly force.
• Aggravated battery. This involves the causation of severe bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon during an incident of battery.
• Homicide. Homicide charges can be both intentional or unintentional, and include both manslaughter and murder.
• Robbery. Robbery is defined as permanently attempting to remove someone’s property from them by intimidation or force.
• Sexual battery. This involves nonconsensual sexual contact, such as attempted rape or rape.
• Domestic violence offenses. In Florida, this applies to assault or battery cases that involve spouses, family members, or household members.

Each of these charges comes with unique risks for violent crime penalties, although some require mandatory prison time under statutes like Florida’s 10-20-Life law. Even without a conviction, all of these charges can have long-lasting or even permanent consequences.

How Ruhl Law, P.A. Fights Violent Crime Charges

Whether you have been detained by the North Port Police Department or have a loved one in Sarasota County Jail, our dedicated team of criminal defense lawyers in North Port is ready to help. We work closely with our local network of forensic experts, investigators, and witnesses to call into question the evidence and arguments presented by the state.

Defense strategies we can help you leverage include citing Florida’s stand your ground laws, arguing lack of intent, claiming mistaken identity or false accusations, or showing that there have been constitutional violations or insufficient evidence. When appropriate, we can also advocate for diversion programs, negotiate plea agreements, and seek lesser charges.

FAQs About North Port, FL Violent Crime Law

What Should I Do After Being Arrested for a Violent Crime in North Port?

If you’ve been arrested for a violent crime in North Port, Florida, it is crucial to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney as soon as possible. Any statements you make can potentially be used against you in a court of law. By working with an experienced attorney, you can start building up your case and monitor the situation to ensure your rights are not breached.

Can I Claim Self-Defense in a Violent Crime Case?

Yes, you can claim self-defense in a violent crime case. Under Florida self-defense and stand your ground laws, individuals may use force when facing imminent threats, but valid self-defense claims require proving you reasonably feared grave harm or death. A dedicated attorney can examine the details of your case to determine whether this option may be applicable to you.

Will a Violent Crime Conviction Stay on My Record Forever?

Yes, it is not possible for most violent felonies to be sealed or expunged, meaning that if you are convicted of a violent crime, it will permanently appear on your background checks. This can significantly impact your ability to gain meaningful employment, housing, and education opportunities. Therefore, it’s crucial to fight the charges before they become permanent on your record.

Can Violent Crime Charges Be Dropped?

Violent crime charges can be dropped in Florida. This is particularly true for cases that involve witnesses who do not cooperate, weak or inaccurate evidence, or robust offenses such as self-defense. By working with an experienced lawyer before going to court, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your case dropped or, if this is not possible, negotiate an optimal plea deal.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer Today

A single accusation should not be able to define the rest of your life. Whether you are dealing with charges for robbery, assault, or a severe violent offense, a North Port violent crime attorney from Ruhl Law, P.A. can support you. Contact us today to get started.