Violent crimes are a subset of criminal offenses that involve violence against another person. Violent crimes can be domestic in nature or random. Specialized detective units are assigned to investigat violent criminal offenses. The following offenses are considered violent crimes and may trigger minimum mandatory sentences:
- Aggravated Assault
- Aggravated Battery
- Aggravated Stalking
- Armed Burglary
- Arson
- Simple Assault & Simple
- Battery
- Burglary of a dwelling
- Burglary with Assault or
- Battery
- False Imprisonment
- Kidnapping
- Lewd and Lascivious
- Molestation
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery, with a firearm or weapon
- Sexual Battery
The offenses that fall under violent crimes are usually very serious. As a result they are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Judges tend to show the least leniency when sentencing people convicted of violent offenses. Bond and release conditions are often restrictive for most offenses. Individuals charged with felonies punishable by life, such as armed robbery, armed burglary, sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 12, sexual battery are routinely denied bond at all.
The importance of having an experienced and quality criminal defense attorney cannot be understated. Violent crimes are prosecuted differently, and they must be defended differently. Any person accused of a violent crime should contact an experienced attorney immediately and get legal advice.
What is a punishable by life felony?
A punishable by life felony, commonly called a PBL, are certain enumerated offenses that can result in a life sentence if convicted at trial. Burglary with assault or battery, kidnapping, murder, lewd and lascivious molestation on a child under 12, robbery with a firearm or weapon, and sexual battery are all punishable by life felonies. A person charged with one of these enumerated felonies has no bond after arrest and must petition the court for release in an “Arthur” hearing. Bond is rarely granted, and these cases can take a while to resolve.
What is VFOSC?
The VFOSC statute, or violent felony offender of special concern statute, is a Florida law that requires a judge to hold an offender without a bond on a probation or community control violation if they are on probation for an enumerated violent felony offense. Typically, VFOSC will apply in all violent felonies. Another component of the VFOSC statute is that a judge is required to sentence an offender to the bottom of their guidelines under the criminal punishment code. That sentence is always a state prison sentence. As bleak as that sounds, Brian Kirlew, Esq. is experienced in VFOSC cases and has effectively mitigated countless probation violations for clients charged under the VFOSC statute.
10-20-LIFE
The 10-20-Life law has become synonymous with the State of Florida for almost 20 years. Signed into law by former Governor Jeb Bush, the 10-20-Life law imposes minimum mandatory sentences on violent felonies that involve the use of a firearm. If a firearm is brandished or displayed in a threatening manner during the commission of a felony, the offender faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years. If the firearm is discharged, even a warning shot into the air; the offender faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in state prison. If someone is seriously injured or killed by a firearm during the commission of a felony, the offender faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. Only the most experienced lawyers can properly represent someone charged under the 10-20-Life law. Brian Kirlew, Esq. has a depth of experience in successfully representing clients charged under the 10-20-Life law.
What should I do if I am accused of a violent crime?
Any person should do the first thing if they stand accused of a violent crime to contact an attorney. If that person is in custody, they should request a lawyer immediately. Do not state to any police officer, and do not send out rapid texts or phone calls to family or friends. The phone records of a recently accused or arrested person are routinely searched by the police and introduced as evidence against the accused. Remain calm and don’t panic. Contact a lawyer, even if after hours, and set up a time and place to meet to discuss your case.
Our Firm can assist immediately after an accusation or arrest. Our team and investigators will begin obtaining and preserving favorable evidence for our client. We will make sure that your rights are protected and treated fairly by law enforcement and the court system. We will be ready to defend you against any charges.
Our Areas of Specialty
The fact is, there’s always something going on in a thriving metropolis like Miami. That means it’s easier than you might imagine to find yourself facing criminal charges. Given the dynamic nature of our city, it only makes sense for Brian Kirlew and his defense team to be flexible and responsive to the needs of his clients.
Our firm represents clients charged with any and all types of offenses in Miami and the greater South Florida area. The skills of an intelligent and experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer translate to all areas of criminal law. Therefore, we do not like to be bound by one or two particular areas as our “specialty.” We find defending against a broad spectrum of crimes to be more interesting and enjoyable to our practice.
Brian Kirlew, Esq. is experienced in defending all kinds of criminal felony and misdemeanor charges in the greater Miami area, including:
- Alien Smuggling
- Appeals/Post Conviction Motions
- Assault and Battery
- Burglary
- Child Pornography
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes (Possession, Sale, Trafficking)
- Conspiracy
- Bond/Release
- Arson
- DUI/BUI Defense
- Embezzlement
- Extradition
- Federal Grand Jury Investigations
- Firearm Offenses
- Forfeitures
- Fraud
- Internet Crimes
- Juvenile Charges
- Kidnapping or False Imprisonment
- Mail/Wire/Fraud
- Medicare Fraud
- Medical Marijuana
- Murder and other Homicide offenses (Murder, DUI Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, Manslaughter)
- Nebbia requirements
- Probation Violations
- Federal/State RICO
- Robbery
- Sealing and Expungement
- Sexual Offenses
- Subpoenas (responding to or issuance of)
- Tax Evasion
- Theft
- Warrants
- Violations of Injunctions/Protective Orders
- White Collar
Don’t Wait Another Minute. Get Your Free Consultation Now.
When you’re facing criminal charges in Miami, time is of the essence. It’s important that you have the proper legal representation to ensure that you get the best outcome possible from your trial. At the Kirlew Law Firm, you, your family, and your business are what matter most to us. We want to ensure that you enjoy every advantage that our thorough and collaborative approach to criminal defense has to offer.
Brian Kirlew is here to represent you. You can schedule your free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers today to begin building a sound defense strategy.