Bulletproof Vests and Criminal Charges
State statutes are put in place to help protect citizens from harm, not to promote further harm. There are circumstances in which a disagreement or quarrel can become violent, and you have certain rights in protecting yourself against such harm. One of these is the right to own and possess a bulletproof vest that may serve to protect you from violence. These devices can protect your life against assault from another person, but they can also put you at risk for harsher punishment in some criminal cases.
If you have been charged with a violent crime, your possession or use of a bulletproof vest may alter the way your case is handled and may increase your potential penalties. Criminal charges can have lifelong effects that must be taken seriously. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights and freedoms. Contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., by calling 561-353-2800 for a free consultation.
The Right to Protect Yourself
A person cannot ensure his or her complete safety in every situation. The use of a bulletproof vest may have been a necessary protective measure and not an indication of intent to commit a crime. It is important to establish the facts of your criminal conviction to avoid unjust consequences. Florida statutes allow for a person to be charged with a third-degree felony if a bulletproof vest meeting specific standards is used in any of the following types of cases:
- Murder
- Sexual battery
- Robbery
- Arson
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Kidnapping
These charges carry significant penalties, and the presence of a bulletproof vest in such situations may increase the severity of these penalties.
Contact Us
If you are in need of experienced criminal defense for your case, please contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., by calling 561-353-2800.
