Defending Against Aggravated Assault with a Firearm Charges in Pinellas County

When facing allegations of aggravated assault with a firearm, your St. Petersburg defense attorney with The Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier may consider several defense strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case and achieve the most favorable outcome for you. These defense strategies can include, but are not limited to:

Stand Your Ground Law/Self-Defense

Florida’s Stand Your Ground law permits individuals to use force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a forcible felony against themselves or others. If it can be demonstrated that you acted in self-defense or defense of others, it could result in a reduction or dismissal of an aggravated assault charge. 

Insufficient Evidence

Another defense strategy that is often employed in these cases is to critically analyze the character and believability of the alleged victim. For example, if the alleged victim has a history of being dishonest, or is a convicted felon, his or her credibility may be called into question. If the prosecution fails to substantiate its claims beyond a reasonable doubt, it could result in the reduction or dismissal of the aggravated assault with a firearm charge. 

Lack of Intent or Knowledge

A key element of aggravated assault charges is the defendant’s intent to cause harm or instill fear in the victim. If the defense can establish that the defendant lacked intent or was unaware of the presence of a firearm during the alleged incident, it could potentially weaken the prosecution’s case and demonstrate that the defendant’s actions were either misconstrued or misinterpreted.