Violent Crime Attorney in Stuart

Don't Let a Single Allegation Destroy Your Future—Reach Out to ADL Law, P.A.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a violent offense in or around Stuart, your freedom and future may feel uncertain. Florida treats allegations involving force, threats, or weapons very seriously, and a conviction can lead to jail or prison, probation, and a lasting criminal record.

During a situation like this, you need more than general legal information. You need a legal team that understands how violent crime cases are built, how they move through the Martin County Courthouse, and what can be done to protect your rights. At ADL Law, P.A., we provide criminal defense representation for people facing serious charges, and we work to give every client a fair chance at justice.

Our team is led by Attorney Adam Less, a former police officer who now defends the accused, and Attorney Molly McCaffrey, a respected defense and family law attorney with strong community ties. Together, we draw on both legal training and real-world insight into law enforcement to examine the evidence, guide you through each hearing, and help you make informed decisions about your case.

Take the first step toward clearing your name. Call (772) 280-5052 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated violent crime attorney in Stuart. We offer payment plans and the aggressive defense of a former prosecutor.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in Florida

Florida law defines violent crimes broadly, encompassing any act where physical force is used, attempted, or threatened against another person. These offenses are categorized primarily under Chapters 782 (Homicide) and 784 (Assault and Battery) of the Florida Statutes. Because the penalties vary wildly based on the specific charge, it is essential to understand the distinctions between the different offenses our Stuart violent crime lawyer defends:

• Assault and Aggravated Assault: Simple assault is a threat that creates a fear of imminent violence. It becomes "aggravated" under § 784.021 if a deadly weapon is used or if there is an intent to commit a felony.
• Battery and Aggravated Battery: While assault is a threat, battery involves actual, intentional physical contact. Aggravated battery involves the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of "great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement."
• Robbery: Governed by Chapter 812, this involves taking property from another person through the use of force, violence, or putting the victim in fear. If a firearm is used, it is reclassified as a first-degree felony punishable by life in prison.
• Homicide and Manslaughter: These are the most severe violent crimes, ranging from second-degree murder to DUI manslaughter. Florida law was updated in 2024 to impose even stricter mandatory minimums for these offenses.
• Domestic Battery: These cases can carry additional consequences in court, including no-contact orders, restrictions on returning to the residence, and long-term effects on family law matters.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Violent Crime Convictions in Florida

Florida is known for its "tough on crime" stance, and the penalties for violent offenses reflect that reputation. Under the "10-20-Life" law (§ 775.087), using a firearm during a violent crime triggers mandatory minimum sentences: 10 years for possession, 20 years for firing, and 25 years to life if someone is injured or killed.

Beyond mandatory prison time, you face:

• Felony Reclassification: Many violent crimes are reclassified to higher degrees if the victim belongs to a protected class (such as law enforcement or the elderly), significantly increasing the maximum sentence.
• Habitual Offender Designations: If you have prior convictions, you may be labeled a "Habitual Violent Felony Offender," which can double your prison exposure.
• Loss of Civil Rights: A felony conviction in Florida means losing your right to vote, serve on a jury, and legally possess a firearm for life.
• Permanent Criminal Record: Unlike some minor offenses, a conviction for a violent crime cannot be sealed or expunged in Florida, meaning it will follow you on every background check for the rest of your life.

What To Do After An Arrest in Stuart

First, it is important to protect your right to remain silent. You are not required to explain your side of the story to officers or detectives, and anything you say can be used against you later. Even if you feel you have nothing to hide, it is safer to wait until you have spoken with an attorney who can advise you about what to share and when.

Second, avoid discussing the incident on social media or through text messages, and do not contact the alleged victim or witnesses about the case. Messages can be saved and shown in court, and contact with certain people can violate bond conditions or no-contact orders set by the judge. Respecting these limits can help you avoid new charges or more restrictive conditions.

If you or a family member is in custody, you can expect to appear at a first appearance or bond hearing, often at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart. The specific timing depends on when the arrest occurred and court scheduling, but these hearings usually happen quickly. Decisions made at this stage can affect whether you are released, what conditions are imposed, and how soon you can return to work or home.

Here are immediate steps to help protect yourself after a violent crime arrest:

• Do not discuss the details of the incident with law enforcement without a lawyer present.
• Avoid posting about the case or those involved on any social media platform.
• Follow all bond conditions and no contact orders set by the court.
• Keep any paperwork you receive, including charging documents and court notices, in a safe place.
• Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible so your rights are protected from the start.

Our firm regularly works with people who have just been arrested or whose family members are trying to help from the outside. When you reach out to us, we can review the situation, talk about what is likely to happen next, and start planning the best way to move forward.

Why Choose Our Violent Crime Defense Team in Stuart

When you are facing a violent felony or misdemeanor, the lawyer you choose can affect every part of your case, from bond conditions to plea negotiations and trial strategy. Our goal is to give you a defender who understands how the other side thinks and who treats your case as more than a file number.

Before practicing criminal defense, Attorney Adam Less served as a police officer. That experience helps us read reports, body camera footage, and investigative steps with a critical eye. We understand how investigations are supposed to be conducted, and we can often identify when procedures may have been rushed, when statements were taken under pressure, or when assumptions were made that do not match the full picture.

Attorney Molly McCaffrey brings years of experience in both criminal and family law in this part of Florida. Many violent crime cases begin in the context of family or domestic conflict, and her background helps us appreciate how a criminal case can affect issues such as parenting time, contact with children, and access to the family home. When those concerns arise, we look at the bigger picture rather than treating the criminal charge in isolation.

Our commitment to client service has been recognized by organizations that focus on how lawyers treat the people they represent. Our firm has received Avvo's Client's Choice Award and recognition from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, and a Top 10 Lawyer for Client Satisfaction award in 2018. These honors reflect the way we strive to combine thorough legal work with personal attention, clear communication, and respect for every client.

How We Build Your Defense

Every violent crime case is different, and a strong defense starts with understanding what actually happened, how the investigation unfolded, and what the state can prove in court. Our role is to examine each of those pieces carefully and to look for opportunities to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's story.

Legal issues can arise in many parts of a violent crime case. There may be questions about whether an officer had a lawful basis for a stop or entry, whether a search followed proper procedure, or whether a statement was truly voluntary. In some situations, self-defense, defense of others, or misidentification may be central issues. We work to identify the legal and factual arguments that fit your specific circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

We take a deep dive into the "Stand Your Ground" defense (§ 776.012). In Florida, you have no duty to retreat and have the right to use force, including deadly force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. We also analyze "Defense of Others" and "Defense of Property" strategies. By gathering surveillance footage, forensic data, and independent witness statements, we build a comprehensive narrative that demonstrates you were acting out of necessity rather than malice.

Talk With Our Violent Crime Lawyer in Stuart About Your Case

If you or a loved one is facing violent crime charges in Stuart, you do not have to face the court system alone. Speaking with our team can help you understand the charge, the possible consequences, and the steps we can take to protect your rights.

When you contact ADL Law, P.A., you speak with a firm that brings former law enforcement insight, local courtroom experience, and a commitment to personal attention. We will listen to your concerns, answer initial questions, and explain how we can assist so you can decide whether we are the right fit for you.

To schedule a confidential consultation with our violent crimes lawyer in Stuart, call (772) 280-5052 or reach out online now.