Violent Offenses

Crimes of violence are aggressively prosecuted in Florida. Several different kinds of alleged actions can be considered violent crimes in the Sunshine State and convictions can result in severe penalties that may include lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Alleged offenders who have been previously convicted of violent crimes can also be subject to enhanced sentences. Even convictions or guilty pleas for seemingly minor violent offenses can have very damaging long-term consequences.

Lawyer for Violent Offenses in Pensacola, FL

If you or your loved one has been arrested for an alleged act of violence in Florida, do not waste any time in seeking legal representation. Terrezza Law can conduct a thorough investigation of your case to determine the best possible defenses and fight to get the criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza defends clients in and around Escambia County, including such communities as Pensacola Beach, Milton, and Gulf Breeze. You can receive a comprehensive review of your case during a completely free initial consultation as soon as you call (850) 764-5291 today.

Escambia County Violent Crimes Information Center

Types of Violent Offenses in Florida

Violent crimes in Florida include a very broad range of criminal offenses. Crimes of violence not only include offenses in which alleged offenders use physical violence but merely threaten to use physical violence.

The criminal penalties associated with violent crime can vary depending on the specific offense, but charges are generally more serious when an alleged victim suffers an injury or the alleged offender uses some kind of weapon. Some of the most common violent offenses in Florida include, but are not limited to:

Assault;
Battery;
Aggravated Battery;
Aggravated Assault with a Firearm;
Robbery;
Burglary;
Kidnapping and Unlawful Imprisonment;
Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO); and
Child Abuse.

Repeat Violent Offenses in Pensacola

Florida lawmakers have instituted enhanced penalties for people considered to be repeat offenders. Alleged offenders with prior violent felony convictions can face longer prison sentences with reduced or complete ineligibility for early release.

Florida’s 10-20-Life law also imposes harsh mandatory minimums on repeat offenders who are convicted of using a firearm during the commission of violent felony offenses. State law establishes definitions for the following so-called “career criminals”:

Habitual Violent Felony Offender, Florida Statute § 775.084(1)(b) — Alleged offenders who have one or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an enumerated violent felony, and the current violent felony offense was either committed while serving a sentence or court-ordered supervision for or within five years of being convicted of an enumerated violent offense.

Three-Time Violent Felony Offender, Florida Statute § 775.084(1)(c) — Alleged offenders who have two or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an enumerated violent felony, and the current violent felony offense was either committed while serving a sentence or court-ordered supervision for or within five years of being convicted of an enumerated violent offense.

Violent Career Criminal, Florida Statute § 775.084(1)(d) — Alleged offenders who have three or more prior convictions for committing or attempting to commit an enumerated violent felony, and the current violent felony offense was either committed while serving a sentence or court-ordered supervision for or within five years of being convicted of an enumerated violent offense.

Prison Releasee Reoffender, Florida Statute § 775.082(9)(a) — Alleged offenders who commit or attempt to commit an enumerated violent felony within three years of being released from a state correctional facility or the correctional institution of another state.

Florida Resources for Violent Crimes

Crime Reports | Pensacola Police Department — View an interactive map of crime and incidents reported to the Pensacola Police Department on this website. You can customize specific incident layers to include only certain types of incidents. You can also choose to search incidents by specific date ranges, receive alerts, and download an application for your mobile device.

Pensacola Police Department
711 North Hayne Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
(850) 435-1900

Victim's Services | Escambia County Sheriff's Office — Victim Advocates in Escambia County work with local social service agencies to help victims with the physical, emotional and financial impact of violent crime. This section of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office website also links to the Florida Attorney General’s Division of Victim Services. The attorney general’s website contains various links, including how to file for compensation, the Florida Crime Victims' Bill of Rights, and more information about what Florida law provides for victims.

Escambia County Administration Building
1700 West Leonard Street
Pensacola, Florida 32501
(850) 436-9630

Find a Lawyer for Violent Offenses in Pensacola, Florida

Are you or your loved one facing criminal charges relating to a crime of violence in Florida? It will be in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola as soon as possible.

John Terrezza of Terrezza Law fights to get the most favorable outcomes for clients in communities throughout Santa Rosa County and Escambia County. Call (850) 764-5291 or complete an online contact form to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will let our lawyer review your case and help you understand all of your legal options.