Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, while controversial, is an important tool in the criminal defense attorney’s tool box. For many violent crimes, this is the only defense available. Criminal defense lawyer Adam Bantner is prepared to use this law to help you defend your case.
Commonly referred to as Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, section 776.032(1) “confers immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability, without the 
obligation to retreat, on those who use deadly force reasonably believing that the use of such force is necessary to either prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to self or others or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.” Mobley v. State, 132 So. 3d 1160, 1164 (Fla. 3d DCA 2014).
Fla. Stat. sec. 776.012 allows a person to use non-deadly force to defend against another’s imminent use of unlawful force against them and to use deadly force against another to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or the imminent commission of a forcible felony. There is not a duty to retreat before the use of such force.
The Hearing
At a pretrial hearing, once we present a prima facie claim of self-defense immunity from criminal prosecution, the burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence shifts to the State to prove that the use of force was unlawful. If the State cannot meet this burden, the charges will be dismissed. Fla. Stat. 776.032(4).
For the defense to meet it’s burden, it must produce some evidence that, at the time of use of deadly force, the defendant (1) reasonably believed that using such force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony, (2) was not engaged in a criminal activity, and (3) was in a place he had a right to be. State v. Chavers, 230 So.3d 35 (Fla. 4th DCA 2017).
Forcible Felony
“Forcible Felony” means treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual. Fla. Stat. 776.08.
Call Adam today at 813.397.3965 to discuss your case for free!
Adam Bantner – Criminal Defense Attorney at Law
If you are in need of an expert criminal defense attorney specializing in legal defense against DUI, traffic, criminal, violent crime charges, or a personal injury – you’ll find it here.
Adam L. Bantner, II is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney representing those accused of crimes in Hillsborough and Polk counties. He is the Past President of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys., is a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and AVVO rated “Superb.” Adam is a member of Valrico Law Group.
Request a Consultation
Adam Bantner, II is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Law Attorney representing those accused of crimes in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. When you are facing criminal charges, you want an expert in your corner. The Florida Bar has recognized Adam as an expert criminal defense attorney.
I have been defending the accused since 2006 and am Past President of the Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
I have tried over 30 jury trials, on charges ranging from driving on a suspended license to murder.
In addition, I am a Brandon personal injury attorney. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, give me a call to see how we can help!
I approach each case on the principle that every client deserves zealous representation, with attention to detail and to their individualized needs. My mission is to get the best possible result for every client, in every case, every time. Give me a call to see how I can assist you to get the best results in your case. I are here to help.