Facing criminal charges in Florida can be overwhelming, but understanding your legal defenses can make a significant difference. At Brunvand & Wise Law Group, our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Tampa are dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case. With decades of combined legal experience, we employ a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, utilizing strategies tailored specifically to your unique situation.

Constitutional Challenges and Pre-Trial Motions

One effective method of defense involves challenging the admissibility of evidence through pre-trial motions. If evidence was obtained through illegal searches and seizures, lacked proper probable cause, or was gathered without informing you of your rights, our attorneys can file motions to suppress it. Excluding improperly obtained evidence often significantly weakens the prosecution’s case, potentially leading to reduced charges or dismissal altogether.

Holding the Prosecution to Its Burden of Proof

In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys meticulously examine every aspect of the prosecution’s case, identifying inconsistencies or gaps in evidence. By highlighting these weaknesses, we can effectively create reasonable doubt, which is frequently sufficient for an acquittal or dismissal of charges.

Affirmative Defenses

Sometimes, the most strategic approach involves acknowledging the alleged act but offering a lawful justification for your actions. Affirmative defenses, such as self-defense, defense of others, or necessity, can entirely absolve you of criminal liability if successfully proven. Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law is a prime example—it allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm.

Alibi and Mistaken Identity

Proving that you were elsewhere at the time a crime occurred can be a powerful defense. We work tirelessly to secure supporting evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimonies, or digital records that corroborate your alibi. Additionally, mistaken identity is a common defense, particularly when the prosecution relies heavily on eyewitness identifications, which are notoriously unreliable. Challenging these identifications helps to protect you from wrongful convictions.

Entrapment and Coercion

If law enforcement officials encouraged or coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise would not have committed, entrapment may serve as a valid defense. Similarly, coercion or duress defenses apply when you acted out of fear for your safety or the safety of others, effectively arguing that your actions were involuntary and therefore not criminal.

Mental Health Defenses

In some cases, mental health issues contribute significantly to criminal behavior. Defenses based on insanity or diminished mental capacity address whether you fully understood the consequences or nature of your actions at the time of the incident. Successfully employing a mental health defense requires careful preparation, detailed evaluation, and expert witness testimony, all of which our firm can facilitate.

Why Choose Brunvand & Wise Law Group?

Brunvand & Wise Law Group is committed to delivering personalized, aggressive representation for individuals facing various criminal charges, including DUI, drug crimes, white-collar offenses, and violent crimes. We understand the far-reaching consequences a criminal conviction carries and are dedicated to fighting to protect your rights and future.

If you are facing criminal charges in Tampa or nearby areas, don’t navigate this challenging legal landscape alone. Contact Brunvand & Wise Law Group today for a free consultation and put our dedicated team to work protecting your freedom and future.