A Vero Beach man faces criminal charges of aggravated assault. Police responded to the man’s home after reports of a confrontation with neighbors over a loose dog. The man may request the assistance of a Vero Beach aggravated assault lawyer to respond to the charges.

The charged man allegedly fired a BB gun during the standoff. He also pointed it at neighbors. The confrontation resulted in a standoff with police that lasted for hours. Hostage negotiators were called in to diffuse the situation. The man faced eventual arrest and charges of aggravated assault. A person may have the assistance of a Vero Beach criminal lawyer whenever they face criminal charges.

The man and his neighbors engaged in a heated exchange before police arrived on the scene. One neighbor took a video of the man with his weapon. That prompted the police to rope off the man’s home and communicate by phone and loud speaker.

In the State of Florida, aggravated assault is a felony in the third degree. It is a violation of Florida statutes 784.021. The law says that a person commits an aggravated assault when they assault someone with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. It is also aggravated assault to commit an assault with the intent to commit a felony.

A Vero Beach aggravated assault lawyer understands that any crime against a person is a serious offense. The offender faces significant jail time. The courts take crimes involving victims very seriously. A defendant must work aggressively to build a defense. They may request a jury trial. A Vero Beach criminal lawyer may assist them with questioning witnesses and making arguments to the jury.

Aggravated assault is an example of a specific intent crime. The police have to show that the person had the purposeful intent to assault someone when they committed the offense. An assault cannot be an accident. Proving intent can be a challenge for the police. There may be an innocent explanation for the person’s actions that may be a viable defense.

Charges of aggravated assault often depend on witness testimony. This kind of testimony may not be reliable. A witness may not be impartial, and their recollection of events may not be sound.

As a defendant, it’s critical to aggressively respond to the evidence presented by the prosecution. A Vero Beach aggravated assault lawyer can assist you with preparing a strategic defense based on the charges and the evidence against you. If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200.