Violent Crimes

According to the FBI, a violent crime occurs in the United States approximately every 25.9 seconds, making these offenses a central focus of law enforcement and prosecutors. In Florida, violent crimes are prosecuted for crimes as assault, battery, robbery, and homicide related offenses including assault and battery offenses under Chapter 784, homicide offenses under Chapter 782, and robbery-related offenses under Chapter 812 of the Florida Statutes. Political pressure to appear tough on crime has led to aggressive charging practices, and studies estimate that between 1 and 4 percent of individuals imprisoned for violent crimes are victims of wrongful conviction. These cases often rely on incomplete investigations, unreliable witnesses, emotional testimony, or assumptions made in chaotic situations. Once charged, individuals can face immediate incarceration, high bond amounts, and long term consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.

Violent crime allegations also carry the risk of sentence enhancements and related charges that significantly increase exposure. Prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties based on alleged use of a weapon under Florida Statutes section 775.087, prior convictions under habitual offender laws, claims of great bodily harm, or allegations involving domestic relationships. In some cases, charges may be reclassified to higher degree felonies, mandatory minimum sentences may apply, or multiple counts may be stacked from a single incident. 

The Ishak Law Firm represents individuals facing violent crime allegations throughout West Palm Beach and South Florida. We understand that these cases often involve self defense claims, misunderstandings, false accusations, or rapidly escalating events. Our role is to slow the process down, protect your rights, and ensure your side of the story is fully heard. If you have been charged with a violent crime or believe charges are coming, contact our law firm for a consultation as early intervention can make a critical difference.

Assault

In Florida, an assault allegation can stem from words, gestures, or actions that caused another person to reasonably fear imminent harm. These cases frequently arise during arguments, traffic disputes, workplace conflicts, domestic disagreements, or emotionally charged encounters.

Context is critical in assault cases. Tone, proximity, body language, and prior interactions all influence how a situation is interpreted. A raised voice or sudden movement may be perceived very differently depending on the circumstances. Prosecutors often rely on subjective fear rather than objective harm, which makes careful analysis essential.

Defending assault charges requires examining whether the alleged fear was reasonable, whether the accused intended to cause fear, and whether alternative explanations exist. In many cases, witness credibility and inconsistencies play a significant role.

Battery

Battery allegations involve claims of unwanted physical contact or harm. These charges range widely in severity, from minor contact to serious bodily injury. Battery cases often occur between people who know each other, including family members, partners, coworkers, or acquaintances.

Unlike what many people expect, battery does not always require significant injury. Even minimal contact can form the basis of a charge if it was intentional and unwanted. These cases frequently hinge on competing narratives, especially when no independent witnesses are present.

A thorough defense focuses on issues such as consent, self defense, mutual confrontation, and the reliability of witness statements. Medical records, photographs, and timing of reports can all influence how a battery case unfolds.

Robbery

Robbery allegations involve accusations of taking property from another person through force, violence, or intimidation. Because robbery combines elements of theft and violence, it is treated as a serious felony with severe penalties.

Many robbery cases rely heavily on identification evidence. Eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and circumstantial evidence are often central to the prosecution’s case. Unfortunately, stress, fear, and poor lighting can affect memory and perception, leading to mistaken identification.

Defending robbery charges may involve challenging the accuracy of witness descriptions, examining whether force or threat was actually used, and analyzing how evidence was collected. The distinction between robbery and other property offenses can significantly affect potential outcomes.

Homicide

Homicide cases are among the most complex and emotionally charged criminal matters. They involve the death of another person, but not every homicide is criminal. Some deaths result from accidents, self defense, or other lawful conduct.

Investigations in homicide cases are often extensive and invasive. Law enforcement may rely on forensic evidence, expert testimony, and circumstantial timelines to build their case. Early assumptions can shape the direction of the investigation and overlook alternative explanations.

A strong defense requires meticulous examination of forensic findings, cause of death determinations, and investigative methods. Understanding what happened before, during, and after the incident is essential to presenting an accurate picture.

Attempted Murder

Attempted murder charges allege that someone took a substantial step toward killing another person with specific intent. These cases do not require a fatal outcome, but they do require proof of intent, which is often inferred from actions or statements.

Prosecutors may point to weapons, injuries, or prior disputes as evidence of intent. However, intent is rarely straightforward. Emotional reactions, panic, intoxication, or self defense scenarios can complicate the analysis.

Defending attempted murder charges often centers on challenging whether the accused truly intended to kill or whether the conduct reflects a different offense or lawful behavior. The difference can dramatically alter the course of a case.

False Imprisonment

False imprisonment involves allegations that a person unlawfully restrained another individual against their will. These cases can arise in domestic situations, workplace disputes, or confrontations where someone felt unable to leave.

Physical barriers are not always required. Claims may involve blocking exits, threats, or implied force. As a result, false imprisonment cases often depend on subjective perceptions rather than clear physical evidence.

A careful defense examines whether restraint actually occurred, whether the alleged victim had reasonable means of escape, and whether the accused had lawful justification for their actions.

Carjacking

Carjacking allegations involve accusations of taking a motor vehicle from another person through force or fear. These cases are treated as serious violent felonies and often carry mandatory sentencing considerations.

Carjacking cases frequently rely on fast moving events and high stress situations. Victims may have limited opportunity to observe the person involved, which can lead to identification challenges. Surveillance footage, license plate readers, and digital data are often used to support the investigation.

Defending carjacking charges requires close review of identification procedures, timelines, and whether the elements of force or intimidation are truly supported by the evidence.

Moving Forward After a Violent Crime Allegation

Violent crime accusations can feel isolating. The legal process can move quickly, and there is significant stigma facing those who are accused of serious crimes, especially crimes involving domestic battery. Even in cases where a violent charge is dropped or proven to be groundless, the reputational and career damage lingers, leaving broken relationships and changed lives in its wake. That’s why it’s important to act fast.

The Ishak Law Firm approaches violent crime defense with diligence, care, and strategic focus. We recognize the human side of these cases and the importance of protecting not only legal rights but also dignity and future opportunity.

If you are facing a violent crime investigation or charge, contact our law firm for a consultation. It is important to consult with an attorney before you speak with police or make any statements about your case, since police are trained to close cases quickly and may use your words against you.