Compassionate Advocacy in Violence Matters

We understand the sensitive and complex nature of violence cases including the dynamics of a broken family unit, the trauma of serious violence and related allegations, and fear of retaliation. Our experienced attorney provides compassionate and strategic representation for individuals facing charges involving violence. Whether you are falsely accused, your actions were legally justifiable, or you just need help getting through the system, we are here to guide you through the legal process with empathy and expertise.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases involve significant consequences outside of the legal process. Following a domestic violence arrest, people often must find a new place to live, need assistance obtaining their personal property, and will need the assistance of a family law court to gain access to their children. We believe that representation in domestic violence cases goes beyond developing a legal defense.  We help our clients get back on their feet and prepare for the often-lengthy legal process of defending their rights. Clear communication, patience, and compassion are essential elements of our service in these very emotional cases.  

Our experienced criminal defense attorney has a long history of successful trial defenses, settlement negotiations, and pretrial litigation successes in domestic violence cases.  We believe domestic violence cases are some of the most defensible allegations in the Florida criminal courts, and we regularly encourage our clients to exercise their constitutional right to trial.

Disorderly Conduct

Sometimes aggressive or offensive behavior can be criminalized, even when it doesn’t rise to the level of actual physical violence. Often these situations arise when a person is drinking or otherwise intoxicated. Other times the behavior is the result of a mental health emergency.  But often simple disagreements can intensify and rise to a level where a person faces an accusation of disturbing the peace of the public.  Disorderly conduct or intoxication is often used as a catch-all charge for criminalizing a person for not getting along with others. However, it can also be a tool attorneys use for obtaining reduced charges when a client is facing more serious violence charges.

Serious Violent Felonies

The most serious violence cases involve death or serious bodily injury to a victim.  These include murder, battery with a deadly weapon or serious injury, and robbery or burglary with battery.  Often people charged with these types of offenses face lengthy terms of incarceration and may be held without bond before trial.  It takes very careful planning, extreme attention to detail, and constant diligence to develop a thorough defense in these cases.  Unlike less serious charges, these cases include extensive discovery including:

• Depositions of police and eyewitnesses,
• Background research performed by the attorneys and private investigators,
• Fact specific research to develop strong legal defenses,
• Expert witness assistance and testimony.

In addition to the extensive discovery process, these cases involve significant motion practice before trial which can include:

• Motions to suppress evidence,
• Motions for immunity based on Florida’s stand-your-ground law,
• Motions to exclude hearsay evidence or improper character evidence,
• Motions to avoid pretrial detention or revoke pretrial release,
• Other case-specific motions.

Guardline Law offers representation by an attorney with more than just extensive experience handling jury trials.  Mr. Pillsbury has handled substantial pretrial motion practice in serious violent felony cases, including successfully obtaining immunity for clients on appeal with the Second District Court of Appeals.

Potential Defenses

Violence cases can be defended in court using a variety of strategies .  These include:

1. Self Defense
2. Defense of another person
3. Mistaken Identification
4. Outright denial of the allegations

If you or someone you know is being accused of a violent crime in Florida, complete the form at the bottom of this page to schedule a free confidential consultation. Our dedicated legal team is here to provide the skilled and compassionate representation needed during fight these cases.

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