Punta Gorda Violent Crime Lawyer

Punta Gorda Violent Crime Attorney

A criminal conviction can have life-altering consequences for the person accused of committing a crime. Having a criminal record can make finding employment and housing incredibly difficult. If you are facing criminal charges, you can rely on the services of a Punta Gorda violent crime lawyer to help you navigate the criminal justice system. A criminal defense attorney from Ruhl & Lux, P.A., can get your side of the story across and possibly reduce the criminal charges that you are facing.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Arrested in Punta Gorda?

Being accused of committing a crime in Punta Gorda and being arrested can be upsetting experiences. It is important to remember that you are legally innocent while facing criminal charges, but the actions you take immediately after being arrested could have serious consequences for your case.

Resisting or evading arrest can add aggravated circumstances to your criminal charges. In some cases, those charges may be even more serious than your initial cause of arrest. Remain calm and cooperative. You should be compliant with lawful requests, but do not answer questions related to your criminal charges. You have the right to remain silent on those matters.

Sometimes, investigators, police, or jailers may ask questions that are intended to trick you into self-incriminating yourself. As soon as possible, contact an attorney so they can begin representing you and speaking on your behalf.

The Process of Resolving Criminal Charges

No matter what type of crime you are facing, the process is largely the same. The first step is to post bail so you can prepare for your defense outside of jail and resume work and life. Depending on the type of crime that you are charged with, there may be stipulations and requirements that you have to meet as a condition of staying out of jail. These may include monthly meetings with someone assigned to monitor your supervised pretrial release.

You may be required to submit to regular drug testing, comply with no-contact orders, participate in substance use disorder treatment, or comply with another court order.

During your initial court appearance, you will be asked to submit a plea of guilty or not guilty. Your attorney can do this on your behalf. You may be required to attend court hearings throughout the year as your case moves forward.

Soon after you hire an attorney, they may begin an independent investigation of your case by reviewing the state’s evidence and looking for new sources of evidence. Evidence could be based on the defendant’s testimony, witness testimony, video recordings, DNA testing, and other sources that could strengthen your case.

Plea Bargain Settlement or Trial

The majority of cases are resolved through the plea bargain process. By gathering evidence that supports your innocence, your lawyer can help you receive a favorable plea bargain offer. These offers are given by the prosecutors in exchange for an admittance of guilt. While many defendants hope for exoneration, accepting a lesser charge or lower penalties can sometimes resolve the criminal case with favorable terms.

When the evidence shows that you did not commit the crime that you are charged with, your lawyer can present the evidence and request that your criminal charges be dropped. There are no guarantees that the prosecution will voluntarily agree to drop the charges. If needed, your criminal defense lawyer can take the case to trial, where they can work to convince a judge or jury of your innocence.

Violent Crimes FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: A criminal lawyer in Florida either charges by the hour or charges a set fee for representing defendants. When an attorney charges by the hour, they may ask for an upfront sum of money, known as a retainer. As the retainer is depleted, the lawyer may ask for another lump-sum payment to continue providing legal counsel. Other firms charge set fees based on the amount of work that may need to be done.

Q: Where Does Florida Rank in Violent Crime?

A: For violent crime, Florida ranks slightly below average among U.S. states. Most violent crimes are committed by males aged 20-39. Like other states, crime rates are higher in Florida’s large cities. Package theft remains disproportionately high in Florida. Gun violence is slightly higher than the national average.

Q: How Likely Is Jail Time for a First-Time Offender?

A: Someone who commits a low-level, non-violent crime for the first time in their life is less likely to serve jail time than someone who has a lengthy criminal record. There are no guaranteed outcomes in court. However, you can improve the chances of a favorable outcome to your case by working with a criminal attorney who has helped clients achieve favorable outcomes to their criminal charges.

Q: What City in Florida Has the Highest Homicide Rate?

A: Daytona Beach is the most dangerous city in Florida. Daytona Beach has an average violent crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000 people. Miami Beach ranked as the third most dangerous city in Florida, recording nearly 1,000 crimes per 100,000 residents annually. It also had the second-highest rate of robberies, averaging 352.5 incidents. Fort Myers was identified as the fourth most dangerous city, while West Palm Beach ranked fifth.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney in Florida?

A: Attorneys and lawyers are generally the same profession in Florida. To be either, the legal counselor must complete law school. Once they do so, the individual is licensed to practice law in Florida and can be referred to as a lawyer. However, an attorney can also represent clients once they pass the bar exam in Florida. Not all attorneys practice the same areas of law, though. If you are looking for someone to represent you in a criminal matter, you will want to find someone who practices criminal law.

Schedule Your Punta Gorda Criminal Defense Consultation Today

If you are facing criminal charges of any kind, the penalties could include fines, restitution orders, probation, or even jail or prison time. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can improve the chances that your case can be resolved on terms, allowing you to return to life and put the past behind you.

The attorneys at Ruhl & Lux, P.A., understand that facing criminal charges can be very stressful. You do not have to go through the process alone. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office today.