In July, a new law was passed that has significant implications for anyone who has been arrested for a crime in which mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines would be in effect.
This specifically relates to mandatory minimum sentences for aggravated assault. This could have significant consequences for you if you have recently been arrested for or convicted of assault in Florida. It is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Florida as soon as possible after you have been accused in order to fully understand your rights.
The laws surrounding not just assault but other types of criminal cases can be extremely complex and confusing. After being arrested and accused of a crime, the experience can be overwhelming for someone who is not sure what to expect. It is strongly recommended that you exercise your rights to remain silent and consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Police officers interrogating you may wish to give you the impression that all hope is lost and that there is nothing you can do to help your case. This is because they are trying to encourage you to cooperate with them. But it is often not in your best interests to cooperate with the police officers who may simply be trying to glean more information from you.
Although they may promise you that speaking to them will make your life easier, this is not always the case. The only person who can truly help you in this situation is an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney.
Whether you have been accused of assault or any other crime in the state of Florida, you need an attorney who understands the full extent of the law and how to protect you within it.
Developing a defense strategy as soon as possible and exploring all possible avenues for a meaningful defense on your behalf can give you a great deal of peace of mind and also increase the chances of your success.
What the New Law Says
Aggravated assault is now no longer included on the list of gun associated crimes that come with an automatic mandatory minimum prison sentence of 2 decades or 20 years, if either one of the following situations applies:
- The individual possessed a semiautomatic firearm during the commission of the offense and a high capacity detachable box magazine or a machine gun.
- The convicted individual possessed a destructive device/ firearm while committing an offense.
The new law is one example of an increasing shift away from mandatory minimum sentencing laws which have been viewed by many experts in the field as leaving unjust penalties for those who have suffered.
The 10-20 life law was on the books as a result of a series of gun related crimes in the 1990s. Judges were given very little to no discretion when it came to sentencing in certain crimes.
This means that they were responsible for handing down 10 year minimum sentences to any defendants who displayed a gun during an assault commission and 20 year sentences in the event that the gun was fired while a crime was being committed.
This even included situations where a homeowner might have fired a warning shot from their gun not at an individual. Unfortunately, this was seen as a very arbitrary situation that removed the discretion from the judges itself. Florida’s harsh minimum sentencing laws have led to many women and men being sent to prison for long periods of time even though they have committed or plead guilty to non-serious felonies.
Get in Touch with Miami Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Being accused of any crime, including misdemeanors, is a serious matter. Don’t wait to request an attorney. A lawyer can help you figure out the appropriate next steps to protect yourself during this critical time. Exercise your right to remain silent in the interim and wait until you have a chance to talk directly with your lawyer.
The new law will help to ensure fairer sentences but it is still important to ensure that you have someone representing your best interests as soon as possible after you have been accused of a crime. Do not hesitate to take your future seriously. Reach out to a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been accused.
What seven things to do to not make your arrest worse: https://thehansenlawfirm.com/2016/11/15/seven-things-to-keep-in-mind-while-getting-arrested-miami/
