Orlando Attorney Skilled in Defense of Violent Crime Cases

Proven experience in cases ranging from assault to homicide

Violent crimes have always sparked outrage over and above mere property crimes. State authorities aggressively seek convictions and maximum sentences. If you’re charged with a violent crime, you need a defense attorney who believes in you and is willing to fight to deliver a positive outcome.  When you retain The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A., you get a skilled, accomplished advocate who has fought successfully for more than 27 years on behalf of clients accused of violent crimes.

Violent crimes prosecuted under both Florida and federal law

Most violent crimes are prosecuted under state law, but the U.S. Code does allow the Department of Justice to charge some violent offenses as federal crimes. Common violent crimes in Florida are:

  • Arson — Defined as willfully or unlawfully causing damages by fire or by explosion, arson is considered a violent crime even when the offender does not intend to harm a person.
  • Assault and battery — Assault is a threat of violence accompanied by the apparent ability to carry it out. Battery is the actual offensive contact. The crimes are commonly charged together.
  • Carjacking — The difference between this crime and grand theft auto is that in a carjacking, violence is used to get the car away from the person in lawful possession.
  • Domestic violence —Certain crimes, when committed against a present or former member of one’s family or household, are considered domestic violence
  • Homicide — Causing the death of a human being is a homicide. The degree of the charge depends on whether there was intent to commit a crime and/or to cause death specifically.
  • Kidnapping — The abduction of another person by force or threat of force is a federal offense if the offender crosses state lines with the victim.
  • Robbery — This is the intentional theft of money or property from a person through the use of force, violence, assault or putting in them fear, with or without use of a deadly weapon.
  • Sexual assault — Forcible sexual offenses are crimes of violence that are aggressively prosecuted in state court.

Conviction of a violent crime can draw a heavy prison sentence and a hefty fine. It also creates a permanent record that can mean injury to one’s career, loss of custody of children, forfeiture of a professional license and loss of lawful immigration status. With so much at stake, it’s critically important that you retain a skilled, dedicated defense attorney.

Defenses to violent crimes in Florida

Persons charged with violent crimes can plead self-defense, defense of others or defense of property under certain circumstances. When police respond to a report of an altercation, it is common for all participants to be charged. A skilled criminal defense attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances to assemble the evidence necessary to determine fault.

Another important defense to most crimes is lack of intent. A good faith belief that your actions were legitimate or that no harm was intended, if proved, can weaken or defeat the prosecution’s case.

Mr. Yates knows how to challenge the specific elements of a crime. If the offense should not have been charged as a violent crime, he can often negotiate a reduction in charges. If a client has a justifiable reason for using force, it is possible to get the charges dropped altogether.

Contact a violent crime defense attorney in Orlando for a consultation

Conviction for a violent crime can damage your reputation, compromise your freedom and expose you to civil liability for another person’s injuries. If you face such charges, call The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

 Learn More

Contact us

Please fill out form below and one of our attorneys will contact you.

!
!
!

Our Office

Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

    ...
    Show More

  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

    ...
    Show More

  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

    ...
    Show More

  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

    ...
    Show More

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

    ...
    Show More

Choose a location to review

Law Offices of Tad A. Yates locations:

Orlando

Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
    Show More

    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
    Show More

    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
    Show More

    — Farrell Gordon

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
    Show More

    — Brenden McDaniels

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
    Show More

    — Leah

See More Reviews
Review Us