If you’ve been charged with a violent crime in Bradenton, Sarasota, or the surrounding areas, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner. These charges are among the most serious in Florida’s legal system, often carrying mandatory prison time, steep fines, and long-lasting consequences.
At McNary Law, we understand what’s at stake. We approach every violent crime case with the urgency and precision it deserves—because your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line.
Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Florida
Violent crimes encompass a broad range of offenses that involve force, the threat of force, or serious bodily harm. Florida Statutes define and penalize these offenses with increasing severity based on the circumstances of the alleged incident.
Common Violent Crime Offenses
Some of the most frequently charged violent crimes include:
Assault and Aggravated Assault
Battery and Aggravated Battery
Domestic Battery by Strangulation
Manslaughter and Murder
Robbery and Armed Robbery
Kidnapping
Stalking and Aggravated Stalking
Each of these charges has specific legal definitions under Florida law and varying degrees of punishment depending on the severity of the act, use of a weapon, and the victim involved.
Penalties for Violent Crimes in Florida
Florida law takes violent offenses extremely seriously, with many offenses carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences—even for first-time offenders. Under Chapter 775, felony charges are classified as:
Capital felony – punishable by death or life in prison without parole
Life felony – up to life imprisonment
First-degree felony – up to 30 years in prison
Second-degree felony – up to 15 years in prison
Third-degree felony – up to 5 years in prison
Additionally, if a weapon or firearm is used, charges may be reclassified under Florida Statute §775.087, known as the “10-20-Life” law, leading to mandatory minimum sentences of 10, 20, or 25 years to life, depending on the circumstances.
Florida Definitions of Assault and Battery
Under Chapter 784 of the Florida Statutes:
Simple Assault (784.011): a second-degree misdemeanor
Aggravated Assault (784.021): a third-degree felony involving a deadly weapon or intent to commit a felony
Battery (784.03): intentional touching or striking of another against their will; can be upgraded to a felony for repeat offenders
Aggravated Battery (784.045): includes causing great bodily harm or using a deadly weapon, classified as a second-degree felony.
Understanding the nuances of these definitions can be critical to your defense.
Defenses to Violent Crime Allegations
Every case is unique, and the right defense strategy will depend on the specific facts and evidence. However, some common legal defenses include:
Self-defense or defense of others
Lack of intent
False accusations or mistaken identity
Stand Your Ground laws
Consent (in limited cases)
Insufficient evidence
Our criminal defense attorneys at McNary Law will review the police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence to challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
Why You Need a Violent Crimes Attorney
Without skilled representation, you could face the full force of the legal system. Prosecutors are aggressive in these cases, and without legal advocacy, the outcome can drastically affect your job, relationships, and freedom. At McNary Law, we bring:
Decades of combined experience in criminal defense
Deep familiarity with Manatee and Sarasota County courts
A track record of success in serious felony trials
Compassionate, nonjudgmental legal guidance
Arrested in Bradenton or Sarasota? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’ve just been arrested or you’re facing trial, you need a seasoned attorney who knows how to navigate violent crime charges in Florida. We’re located in Bradenton and serve clients throughout Sarasota and the surrounding communities. Our goal is always to reduce or dismiss charges, negotiate favorable plea deals when necessary, and—when the facts support it—fight aggressively at trial.
We Handle Related Criminal Matters Too
Violent crime charges often overlap with other criminal matters, and we’re ready to help with:
If your case includes any of these related issues, we can build a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your situation.
Take the First Step Toward Your Defense
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact McNary Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
Click here to send us a message or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a consultation.
