Davie Stand Your Ground Lawyer
Defending Your Right to Protect Yourself
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law gives individuals the right to use force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a forcible felony. While this law offers broad protections, it is often misunderstood, misapplied, or challenged in high-stakes criminal cases. At Haber Blank, LLP, we defend clients in Davie and throughout Broward County who have acted in self-defense and now face criminal prosecution. As your Davie Stand Your Ground lawyer, we are here to fight for your rights, freedom, and reputation.
How Stand Your Ground Works in Florida
Florida Statute 776.012 outlines the circumstances under which a person is justified in using or threatening to use force. Unlike other states that require a person to retreat before using deadly force, Florida law allows individuals to stand their ground if they are not engaged in unlawful activity and are in a place where they have a legal right to be.
If you are attacked or threatened with imminent harm, you may use force to defend yourself, your home, or others without retreating. The law also allows immunity from criminal prosecution if your use of force was legally justified. We help you understand how this law applies to your case and work quickly to assert your right to immunity if applicable.
What Qualifies as a Forcible Felony
Stand Your Ground protections often intersect with allegations involving forcible felonies. A forcible felony includes crimes such as robbery, burglary, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and sexual battery. If you used force to prevent one of these acts, your actions may be legally justified under both self-defense law and the Stand Your Ground statute.
However, prosecutors may try to argue that your use of force was excessive, not justified, or not truly in response to a forcible felony. We aggressively counter these claims by presenting evidence of your actions, your mindset, and the threat you faced at the time. Our goal is to show the court that your use of force was reasonable and necessary under the law.
The Immunity Hearing Process
One of the most powerful aspects of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law is the ability to seek immunity from prosecution before your case goes to trial. This process begins with a motion filed by your attorney requesting a pretrial evidentiary hearing. During this hearing, the defense presents evidence and testimony showing that the use of force was justified under Stand Your Ground. If the judge agrees, your case can be dismissed without ever going before a jury.
We prepare thoroughly for these hearings, gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, 911 calls, medical reports, and any other evidence that supports your claim. These hearings are won or lost based on preparation and presentation, and we are ready to make your case clearly and effectively.
Challenging the Prosecution’s Narrative
In cases involving serious injury or death, the State often takes an aggressive approach. Prosecutors may downplay your fear, question your motives, or claim you had the option to retreat. They may also try to paint you as the aggressor in the situation. We challenge these narratives by focusing on the facts, the applicable law, and your right to defend yourself under dangerous or threatening circumstances.
We also consult with forensic experts, use timeline analysis, and cross-examine prosecution witnesses to expose inconsistencies or assumptions in their case. Our defense is rooted in truth, context, and your legal right to protect yourself from harm.
Common Situations Where Stand Your Ground Applies
We have represented clients in a variety of scenarios where Stand Your Ground defenses were successfully applied. These include cases involving home invasions, attempted carjackings, bar fights that escalated, threats involving weapons, and confrontations in public spaces. Each situation is unique, but the central legal question remains the same—were you justified in using force based on the circumstances you faced?
We analyze every detail of your situation and advise you honestly about whether a Stand Your Ground defense is viable. If it is not appropriate, we explore other self-defense options or alternative legal strategies that best serve your case.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
If you are being investigated for a violent encounter, it is critical to speak with an attorney before making statements to law enforcement. Even if you believe your actions were justified, your words may be used to build a case against you. We step in early, protect your rights, and manage communications with investigators while preparing your defense.
Timing is especially important in Stand Your Ground cases. The sooner we can begin gathering evidence and identifying witnesses, the stronger your defense will be. Delays can lead to lost information and missed opportunities for early dismissal.
Why Choose Haber Blank, LLP
At Haber Blank, LLP, we bring a strategic, aggressive, and focused approach to every Stand Your Ground case we handle. We understand the legal complexities, emotional weight, and public scrutiny that often accompany these cases. Our team works tirelessly to protect your freedom, restore your reputation, and make sure the court sees the full context of your actions.
We believe in your right to defend yourself and those around you, and we are committed to making sure that right is honored under the law. We are experienced in presenting these cases before judges and juries, and we are always prepared to fight for the outcome you deserve.
Speak With a Davie, FL Stand Your Ground Lawyer Today
If you used force in self-defense and are now facing criminal charges, do not wait to get legal help. The consequences can be life-changing, and the law is on your side—if it is properly argued. Contact Haber Blank, LLP today to speak with a Davie Stand Your Ground attorney who will listen to your story, assess your case, and defend your right to protect yourself under Florida law.
