Violent Crime Lawyer West Palm Beach
If you're facing violent crime charges in Florida, such as homicide, manslaughter, sexual battery, or worse, you could be confronting serious consequences including felony charges, lengthy prison sentences, and lifelong impact on your record and reputation. These cases are taken seriously by prosecutors and often involve complex evidence, witness testimony, or prior history. The Suskauer Law Firm P.A. in West Palm Beach represents clients across Florida facing a wide range of violent crime charges in state court.
We will fight to protect your rights, reputation, and future every step of the way.
We Will Fight For Your Rights
Being accused of / arrested for a violent crime is an extremely serious charge and can turn your life upside down. You may wondering about about the seriouness of the charges, the strength of the evidence, and the long-term impact on your freedom and future.
Violent crimes carry the heaviest penalties in the criminal justice system. It is very important that you understand the laws and the process involved with violent crimes. Violent crime charges include homicide, manslaughter, and sexual battery. Each carries severe penalties and requires a strong legal defense.
You’re may be asking what you're really up against, how the evidence stacks up, and whether you can keep your record clean and your freedom intact.
At The Suskauer Law Firm P.A., we offer experienced, strategic, and focused representation in these high-stakes cases. We are committed to giving you a clear understanding of your options and fighting aggressively to defend your rights at every stage of the of the Florida criminal justice process.
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If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Florida, and have questions or would like to schedule a free consultation to review your case, please complete the form below, and someone from our legal defense team will get back to you immediately.
Types of Violent Crimes in Florida
- Murder / homicide
- Attempted murder
- Manslaughter
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Sexual battery, rape
- Robbery, home invasion
- Kidnapping
- Carjacking
- Aggravated assault or battery
- State or federal weapons offenses
- Assault/Battery
- Child Abuse
- Kidnapping
- Resisting Arrest
Potential Punishments for Violent Crimes
Most violent crimes are felonies. Repeat offenders with previous violent crimes on their record face the most severe penalties. Punishment can include fines, jail time, imprisonment, and the death penalty as well as additional civil prosecution.
Frequently asked questions about violent crime charges in Florida
Can I get bond on a violent felony in West Palm Beach?
Bond is not automatic on a violent felony in West Palm Beach. Florida law holds anyone arrested for a first or second degree felony, and specifically for robbery, sexual battery, homicide or domestic violence, until a judge sets bail individually at first appearance (Fla. Stat. 903.011), and most violent felonies are also "dangerous crimes" that cannot be released on your own recognizance. First appearance is held within 24 hours at the Palm Beach County jail on Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach. Murder and other capital or life felonies carry no right to bond when the proof of guilt is evident; the defense has to ask for an Arthur hearing, where the State must show that the proof is evident and the presumption great, before release is even considered.
What is a "dangerous crime" in Florida and how does it affect my case?
A "dangerous crime" in Florida is one of more than two dozen offenses that take a case off the standard bond schedule. The list is in the pretrial detention statute (Fla. Stat. 907.041) and includes arson, aggravated assault and battery, robbery, burglary of a dwelling, kidnapping, sexual battery, domestic violence, manslaughter and murder. Being charged with one means no release on the bond schedule, a possible pretrial detention motion by the State, and, since July 1, 2026, immediate custody after any plea or guilty verdict under Missy's Law (House Bill 445), with no release pending sentencing or appeal. The list grew in 2026 to include computer pornography and child exploitation offenses.
What is Florida's 10-20-Life law?
Florida's 10-20-Life law is a set of mandatory minimum prison sentences for using a gun during certain felonies. It is found at Fla. Stat. 775.087. Carrying a firearm during the crime: 10 years. Firing it: 20 years. Shooting and injuring or killing someone: 25 years to life. The minimums apply to robbery, burglary, aggravated battery, kidnapping, sexual battery, murder, manslaughter and other listed felonies, and the judge cannot go below them or award gain time. Aggravated assault was removed from the list in 2016. In a 10-20-Life case, whether the object was a working firearm and who possessed it are often the whole fight.
What is the difference between manslaughter and murder in Florida?
The difference between manslaughter and murder in Florida is intent and circumstances. First degree murder is a premeditated killing, or a killing during certain felonies, and is a capital felony punishable by death or life without parole (Fla. Stat. 782.04). Second degree murder is a killing by an act "imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind" without premeditation, a first degree felony punishable by life. Manslaughter is a killing by culpable negligence or by an act without lawful justification, with no intent to kill, a second degree felony with up to 15 years (Fla. Stat. 782.07). Whether a death is charged as murder or manslaughter often comes down to what the State can prove about the accused's state of mind.
Does Stand Your Ground apply to a murder or manslaughter charge in Florida?
Yes, Stand Your Ground applies to murder and manslaughter charges in Florida. The law (Fla. Stat. 776.012, 776.032) applies to deadly force when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony, with no duty to retreat. The defense can ask for a pretrial immunity hearing, and the State has to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the force was not justified. If it fails, the case is dismissed before a jury is ever picked. The hearing is a trial in miniature and has to be prepared like one, with the forensic evidence, the witnesses, and the accused's own account.
Should I talk to detectives if they say I am just a witness?
No, do not talk to detectives without a lawyer even if they say you are just a witness. In violent crime investigations, people who are told they are witnesses become suspects after the interview, and the interview is recorded. You have the right to decline, and declining cannot be used against you at trial. If detectives want to speak with you, or a homicide detective has left a card, a lawyer can find out whether you are a witness or a target, and can arrange any statement on terms that protect you. This applies to family members too: a parent's or spouse's statement about where someone was that night becomes evidence.
Contact an Experienced, Aggressive Violent Crime Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
If you have questions regarding violent crimes or criminal defense litigation, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation. We are happy to meet or speak with you anytime.
Our legal team is experienced, aggressive, compassionate, and will fight for your rights!