Two suspects are facing felony charges after a recent purse-snatching incident in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which targeted an elderly woman. If convicted, the suspects could receive lengthy prison sentences and be required to pay hefty fines. It is the role of a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney to assist those charged with such crimes. This type of assistance is available from the law firm of Hassett & Associates.
The purse-snatching incident reportedly occurred on a recent Saturday afternoon in the parking garage of a mall located on Sunrise Boulevard. According to the police report, the purse was forcefully removed from the woman’s shoulder, after which the victim was knocked to the ground. A few days later, local police took into custody the two suspects after spotting a vehicle that matched the description provided by the victim. The suspects were identified as a 30-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man.
Robbery is a criminal offense that combines both a theft and an assault on a person. The assault can come in the form of a threat or actual violence inflicted upon the victim, as was the case involving the elderly woman. In Florida, a robbery of this type can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Since it was the female suspect who allegedly knocked down the victim during the snatching incident, she has also been charged with an assault on a senior citizen. In Florida, this offense is automatically considered a felony assault, which will increase the penalty if the suspect is convicted.
Fortunately, those charged with crimes in the United States have many legal rights and protections. Everyone so charged is considered innocent until either being convicted or pleading guilty, and everyone who pleads not guilty is entitled to a fair and speedy trial. A Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney understands the workings of police and prosecutors, and will serve as the defendant’s advocate throughout the legal process. A robbery criminal defense lawyer can help a defendant arrange a plea bargain, which can result in a reduced sentence, or will argue the facts before a jury if necessary.
If you or someone you known has been charged with a crime, you need the dedication of a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney in the vein of Kenneth Hassett to ensure your fair treatment under the law. This is why you should call the law firm of Hassett & Associates at 954-791-3939.
