Fort Myers Violent Crime Lawyer

Fort Myers Violent Crime Attorney

Violent offenses can carry serious consequences on your life, including hefty fines, years in prison, and lasting restrictions. From simple assault to homicide, your Fort Myers violent crime lawyer can represent you in all violent criminal charges. They can advise you on your defense strategy and guide you through the process.

About Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC

Our team at Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC has decades of experience representing the people of Naples, Fort Myers, and cities throughout the region in their violent crime cases. Founding attorney Donald Day worked as a prosecutor for Broward and Collier County before his private practice. His legal accomplishments earned him an AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale-Hubbell, and Gulfshore Life named him one of Southwest Florida’s Top Lawyers.

Awards and recognition by institutions do not guarantee future results, and selection criteria vary between organizations.

What Counts as a Violent Crime in Florida?

Violent crimes cover a variety of offenses related to attempting or causing physical harm to another person. In 2024, there were 685 index violent crimes in Lee County, or a rate of 83.7 per 100,000. These include murders, rapes, aggravated assaults, and robberies. The most common offense was aggravated assault with 487 instances, followed by 136 robberies, 32 rapes, and 26 murders. This does not include more frequent violent charges, such as simple assault.

Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC, represents a broad range of violent offenses. Examples of charges we handle are explained below.

Assault

Assault is defined as saying or doing something that threatens violence, combined with the ability to cause harm. These charges do not require any injuries or action. If you are charged with simple assault, a conviction could result in a misdemeanor of the second-degree. Offenders charged with this crime could be sentenced to jail for up to 60 days and to pay up to $500 in fines in jail. Aggravated assault is a third-degree felony that carries a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Battery

Battery involves actual contact with another person. Simple battery involves any unwanted touching, ranging from grabbing someone’s wrist to throwing a punch, and is a first-degree misdemeanor that carries up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Felony battery is a third-degree felony and occurs when someone causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or lasting disfigurement.

Robbery

Robbery is when physical force is used or implied while taking another person’s property. Robbery without a weapon is a second-degree felony punishable by 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Armed robbery is a first-degree felony, which carries the same fine amount but increased prison time of either 30 years or life in prison.

Manslaughter and Murder

The difference between manslaughter and murder is the intent. Manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person through reckless conduct or in the heat of passion. Standard manslaughter is a second-degree felony, while aggravated is a first-degree felony. Murder is the intentional killing of someone. It is a first-degree felony, which results in either life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Aggravating Factors

Aggravating factors are details that escalate the severity of a crime. Some examples of common aggravating elements are listed below:

• A deadly weapon or firearm was involved.
• The crime caused someone serious bodily injury.
• The victim was a protected person, such as a police officer, firefighter, EMT, or public transit worker.
• The defendant has a prior violent criminal record.
• The violent offense occurred while the defendant was committing or intending to commit a separate felony.
• The incident was a hate crime.
• The victim was of a vulnerable age or was disabled.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer with Knowledge of Florida Violent Crime Laws

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, it is recommended that you hire a violent crime lawyer who is well-versed in Florida’s violent crime laws. When you hire a violent crime lawyer who is knowledgeable about the charges and penalties you are facing, not only can they better explain your potential options, but they can also apply the laws in your favor. This can significantly benefit a violent crime defense case.

Your Fort Myers violent crime attorney can provide many key services, including advising you on defense strategies, highlighting procedural errors, and representing you in all court appearances. If a conviction seems likely, they can negotiate with the prosecution to lower penalties and the offense on your record.

FAQs

When Should You Contact a Violent Crime Attorney?

You should contact a violent crime attorney as soon as you are under investigation or accused. The more time your lawyer has, the greater impact they can have on the outcome. Early legal aid can gather evidence before it’s lost, protect against manipulative law enforcement tactics, and grant more time to negotiate with the prosecution. If you are in the late stages of a case, you should still consult legal counsel, as they can benefit your defense at any point.

How Long Does a Violent Crime Take to Resolve in Florida?

The length of a Florida violent crime case is based on several factors. First is the charge’s severity. Serious offenses like murder typically take longer than a misdemeanor assault. Second, there is the need for a trial. An early plea deal may end a case in a few weeks or months, while a jury trial could take months or years. The third main determining element is complexity, such as the amount of evidence or the number of alleged victims.

What Courtroom Handles Fort Myers Violent Crime Cases?

The court that handles your violent crime case depends on the severity of the charges. Misdemeanor matters go through the Lee County Court, while felony-level offenses go through the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. The main location for both systems is located inside the Lee County Justice Center, located downtown on Main Street at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Do All Violent Crime Convictions in Florida Result in Prison Time?

In Florida, a conviction for a violent crime does not automatically result in someone serving prison time. Misdemeanor offenses, such as simple battery or assault, carry lower odds for imprisonment. Convictions for felony offenses like armed robbery often involve some prison sentence. Criminal records also play a role in determining penalties, with repeat violent offenders likely to be imprisoned for misdemeanors.

Speak With a Fort Myers Violent Crime Lawyer Today

At Day, Gorman & Hopkins, PLLC, we know that allegations of violent crimes can be sensitive matters. Reach out to our legal team and schedule a free initial consultation. This meeting allows us to hear your side of the story and explore various defense strategies that may fit your situation.

We have five locations to serve our clients, including our Naples office, located on Tamiami Trail east, a few blocks south of the Coolidge County Courthouse, east of Halderman Creek, and north of Naples Botanical Garden.