Resisting With Violence Attorney Tampa
A conviction for Resisting an Officer With Violence in Florida can carry severe and life-changing penalties, including jail or prison time, probation, substantial fines, a permanent felony record, and the loss of important civil rights such as the right to vote or possess firearms. Prosecutors often pursue these charges aggressively, especially when allegations involve physical contact or alleged threats against law enforcement officers. If you have been arrested or charged, it is critical to speak with an experienced resisting with violence attorney Tampa residents can trust as soon as possible. An experienced Tampa criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and work to protect your freedom and future. Contact Hunt Law today for a confidential consultation and begin building your defense immediately.
What is Resisting Officer With Violence in Florida?
Whoever knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any officer, who is engaged in the lawful execution of a legal duty, by offering or by doing violence to the person of such officer commits a felony of the 3rd degree.
Potential Prison Time
Resisting Officer With Violence is a 3rd degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.
A conviction for Resisting Officer With Violence can result in a fine of up to $5,000.
Why Hiring a Resisting With Violence Attorney in Tampa Is Critical
If you have been charged with resisting an officer with violence in Florida, you are facing a serious felony offense that can expose you to jail or prison time, probation, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. These cases frequently arise during traffic stops, arrests, bar incidents, protests, or other encounters with law enforcement where officers allege that force or violence was used to resist an arrest or lawful duty. Because these allegations often depend heavily on officer testimony, body camera footage, witness statements, and rapidly developing situations, it is essential to work with an experienced Resisting with violence attorney Tampa defendants can rely on for aggressive and strategic representation.
At Hunt Law, we understand that every arrest story has two sides. In many cases, individuals are charged with resisting with violence after misunderstandings, chaotic confrontations, unlawful police conduct, or situations where a person acted in self-defense or reacted instinctively during a stressful encounter. An experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney can carefully review the evidence, analyze whether the officer was acting lawfully, examine whether excessive force was used, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
A conviction for resisting an officer with violence can have consequences far beyond the courtroom. A felony conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licenses, firearm rights, housing applications, and your reputation in the community. For some individuals, a conviction may also impact immigration status or future educational opportunities. That is why early intervention by a knowledgeable Resisting with violence attorney Tampa clients trust can make a major difference in the outcome of a case.
Hunt Law aggressively defends clients charged with resisting with violence throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. Depending on the circumstances, potential defenses may include lack of intent, self-defense, unlawful detention or arrest, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, or inconsistencies between witness accounts and video evidence. In some cases, it may be possible to seek a reduction of charges, dismissal, diversionary options, or a favorable negotiated resolution that minimizes the long-term impact on your life.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for resisting an officer with violence, do not wait to seek legal representation. The earlier a defense attorney becomes involved, the sooner critical evidence can be preserved and a defense strategy can begin. Contact Hunt Law today to speak with an experienced Resisting with violence attorney Tampa residents can depend on for dedicated and aggressive criminal defense representation.
What Are The Elements Of Resisting Officer with Violence?
To prove the crime of Resisting Officer with Violence, the State must prove the following four elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Note to Judge: An issue arises when the State charges that the defendant resisted more than one officer in one count. Under the current law, a defendant can commit only one count of Resisting With Violence even if several officers are involved in the same event. See Wallace v. State, 724 So. 2d 1176 (Fla. 1998). One possible remedy for this problem would be to instruct:
To prove the crime of Resisting Officer with Violence, the State must prove all of the following four elements beyond a reasonable doubt as to at least one of the alleged victims named below:
1. (Defendant) knowingly and willfully [resisted] [obstructed] [opposed] (victim) by [offering to do [him] [her] violence] [doing violence to [him] [her]].
2. At the time, (victim) was engaged in the [execution of legal process] [lawful execution of a legal duty].
3. At the time, (victim) was [an officer] [a person legally authorized to execute process].
4. At the time, (Defendant) knew (victim) was [an officer] [a person legally authorized to execute process].
In giving the instruction below, insert the class of officer to which the victim belongs, e.g., law enforcement officer, correctional officer. See Wright v. State, 586 So. 2d 1024 (Fla. 1991). See §843.01 Fla. Stat. for the type of officer covered by this statute.
The court now instructs you that every (name of official position of victim designated in charge) is an officer within the meaning of this law.
Note to Judge:
A special instruction incorporating § 776.051(1) Fla. Stat. should be given when the defendant is charged with resisting an arrest by a law enforcement officer or with resisting a law enforcement officer and the defense claims the officer was acting unlawfully.
A special instruction incorporating instructions 3.6(f); 3.6(g); and/or 3.6(h) should be given when the defense claims the police used excessive force.
Definition. Give if applicable.
“Offering” to do violence means threatening to do violence.
Walker v. State, 965 So. 2d 1281 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2007).
Call Now For A Free Consultation
If you've been charged with Resisting Officer With Violence in Hillsborough County, it's important to act quickly. A conviction can result in jail time, prison time, probation, fines, a permanent criminal record and the loss of valuable rights such as the right to vote and possess firearms. Call now to speak with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney and take the first step towards building a strong defense.
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