Violent Crimes Lawyer in Palm Beach County


A violent felony offender can face years in state prison if convicted.

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Hire an Experienced Violent Crimes Lawyer in Florida Kevin has been involved with thousands of cases in Florida.


Kevin has handled thousands of cases in Palm Beach County and the local court systems. Most of all, he knows how to defend you against violent crimes charges successfully.

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Former Prosecutor Kevin Peterford, a Violent Crime Lawyer Near You in Palm Beach County

Violent Crimes A violent crime offender can face years in state prison if convicted.

A violent crime is an intentional, aggressive act against a person or property that threatens, inflicts, or attempts to inflict physical harm. In the state of Florida, violent crimes are considered serious felonies. These crimes cover a spectrum of offenses, including homicide, arson, rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, weapons charges, aggravated assault and sexual assault / sexual battery.

A violent felony offender can face years in state prison if convicted.

If you or a loved one are facing felony charges in Florida, it’s best to have an experienced and talented violent crime lawyer on your side. Peterford Law can help fight your case and protect your rights.


Severity of Violent Crimes

Violent crimes are broadly defined and are viewed as crimes against humanity. As such, they are taken with the utmost severity.

Violent crimes can include:

Under Florida law, murder is defined as the “unlawful killing of another human being.” The degree of the homicide - first degree, second degree or the three forms of manslaughter - is determined by how the act was carried out.

Robbery is “taking the money or other property which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another, with intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person or the owner of the money or other property, when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear,” according to Florida Statutes.

Assault involves the unlawful and intentional threat by word or act of inflicting violence to another person, coupled with the ability to do so. Aggravated Assault includes the intent to commit a felony or the use of a deadly weapon.

Battery occurs when a person actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against their will, or intentionally causes bodily harm. Aggravated battery is the intentional touching of another person with the intent to inflict great bodily harm or to use a deadly weapon.

Domestic violence is a particularly serious crime that requires expert assistance when faced as a victim or an offender. These cases are inherently more emotional and stressful because, by definition, they involve someone you know and have most likely lived with. If you are facing or pressing domestic violence charges, it is important to fully understand the key definitions, potential penalties, and additional considerations that play a role in these cases.

If you are experiencing a domestic violence case, finding the right domestic violence attorney can help ease the stress of a difficult situation. You need someone by your side who thoroughly understands the law and is well-versed in the processes and requirements of a courtroom. Peterford Law has served as a prosecutor as well as a defense attorney, with over 1,000 cases handled.

Kidnapping means forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting or imprisoning another person against her or his will and without lawful authority.

Child Abuse is any actions of failure as a guardian that results in the injury or trauma of a child, including child neglect.

The offense of criminal mischief is defined by Florida Statutes as a person who “willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another.”

If an alleged offender knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs or opposes any officer in the execution of legal process or in the execution of any legal duty, then it is grounds for a resisting arrest charge. First-time offenders may be eligible for probation, but those with criminal histories or past offenses can face imprisonment and fines.

In Florida, unlawful threats or unlawful touching of police officers is forbidden. Depending on the severity of the situation, breaking this law can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Unlawful restraint occurs whenever someone is illegally deprived of their physical freedom. Also referred to as “false imprisonment,” unlawful restraint differs from kidnapping because the defendant must have moved the victim and then restrained them. Unlawful restraint does not require the victim to be moved, only feel that they are unable to leave an area due to verbal orders, threats or physical restraint.

Whether or not the event actually occurs, planning a violent crime is also illegal. Conspiracy prosecutions are most often used for serious felonies.

Violent crimes happen when violence is the main objective of the crime, or where violence is used as a means to an end.


Violent vs. Nonviolent Crimes

The primary difference between violent crimes and nonviolent crimes is that nonviolent crimes do not involve the use of force or injury. Violent crimes, as the name suggests, entail violence, and as such, carry a much more serious range of punishment than nonviolent ones.

Nonviolent crimes in the state of Florida include property crimes, white-collar crimes, cybercrime, harassment, theft and gambling.

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DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Near Palm Beach County

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Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.

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Peterford Law Top Google Rated Violent Crimes Attorney in Palm Beach County

Peterford Law Top Google-Rated DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County

Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases and tried over 25 trials to verdict. With his extensive experience in criminal and DUI prosecution, Kevin presents a winning argument every time.

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Kevin has tried over 25 cases to verdict. In 2018 he was recognized for handling the most trials in Palm Beach County.

0+ Years Former Prosecutor

Extensive knowledge of the court system which helps provide clients with the best defense possible.

0+ Cases Handled

As a former prosecutor and now defense attorney, Kevin has been involved with hundreds of cases in Florida.

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Peterford Law - Violent Crime Lawyer Near Me in Palm Beach County

First Appearance - Within 24 Hours

It’s important to move quickly when faced with violent crime charges. The First Appearance occurs within 24 hours of arrest, and it’s essential to have solid representation. Don’t hesitate to contact Peterford Law and start your violent crime defense with a knowledgeable and skilled attorney.

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Florida Penalties for Violent Crimes

Penalties for violent crimes vary depending on the crime. In addition to imprisonment, those convicted of a violent crime also face a criminal record and may incur fines, restitution and probation.

If the crime is committed within Florida state lines and involves harm to the State of Florida, its government or citizens, a violent crime will be investigated, charged, tried and sentenced under Florida law. However, violent crimes will be charged as felonies under federal law if the crime is committed against the United States government anywhere the U.S. government has jurisdiction, the crime took place in more than one state, or under special circumstances.

The state of Florida has the discretion to pursue the death penalty in four situations. Where the defendant has been charged with:

  • First-Degree Murder
  • Felony Murder
  • Capital Drug Trafficking
  • Capital Sexual Battery

After homicide, the most severe violent crimes carry potential punishments of lifetime prison sentences or prison sentences of more than 30 years.

In defense against these penalties, an experienced and skilled Florida violent crime lawyer like Kevin Peterford will work to rebut testimonies and provide evidence in favor of the innocence of the defendant.


Violent Crime Law In Florida

Being charged with a violent crime is a serious matter. They can damage reputations, disrupt lives, and bring years of prison time with a conviction. If you or a loved one is facing violent crime charges in Palm Beach County, you need a talented and experienced lawyer on your side.


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Kevin Peterford is an experienced Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney with years of legal experience. His background in both prosecution and criminal defense gives him extensive knowledge of both sides of the courtroom. Kevin Peterford knows how to defend you against criminal charges and protect your rights.

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DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney Near Palm Beach County

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Kevin Peterford is a former prosecutor and has been on the other side of the courtroom. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases and tried over 30 trials to verdict.

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Kevin Peterford Provides Legal Defense For Most Criminal Charges

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very good experience
— karina marquez, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Kevin is such an experienced attorney! THANK YOU MR Peterford
— Antony Perez, Posted May 24th 2023 on google
I’ve collaborated with several attorneys over the years and they do not hold a candle to the steadfast, capable approach Mr. Peterford offers his clients and colleagues. He is nothing but efficient and professional; he does not make empty promises nor does he send you on a goose chase in order to communicate the nuan...
— O Cas, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Kevin is the best Attorney for criminal cases he is friendly I can not just call him an attorney but a Friend! If you get a DUI Kevin is you best choice!
— Jimmy Guzman, Posted May 23rd 2023 on google
Working with Kevin at Peterford Law has been such a great experience. From the get go he was confident and transparent with his plans and what was needed from me. His secretary Erika was also such a pleasure to work with and very attentive and polite. Finding a lawyer is daunting and not always what we plan on doing ...
— Erin Nolan, Posted May 2nd 2023 on google
Kevin added a level of insight & knowledge of the Justice system unparalleled to any other lawyer that I have had the pleasure of working with! He is truly one of the best! Can’t recommend him enough.
— Matthew Sweeney, Posted April 28th 2023 on google
Kevin is a highly skilled attorney, and is well qualified in criminal defense. I have seen him in the court room and he is aggressive, detail oriented and respected by the Judges. Outside of the court room, he is also on point. He is very timely and always takes the time to listen and explain things. Kevin is humble, ...
— Rochelle silver, Posted April 20th 2023 on google
Great with communication and very helpful.
— Jesus Becerra, Posted March 24th 2023 on google
Kevin is so great! And I feel lucky to have had his representation. He handled my situation in Palm Beach County for me, even though, I’m currently residing states away. He was very professional and kept me updated throughout the entire process. My issue was extremely time sensitive, and Kevin made it/me a priority. ...
— Thea Puliatti, Posted March 16th 2023 on google
Kevin is a highly skilled and professional lawyer , who is on point and very attentive with all matters in his work. He is sharp, fast paced and always attended to whatever was presented to him; and He did this without any hesitation. He is down to earth, friendly and genuinely listens. He is also very ethical, str...
— Rochelle silver, Posted March 16th 2023 on google
I highly recommend Peterford Law. Kevin was professional, quick to respond at any time of the day, answered any and all questions and was motivated with the best intentions to ensure my family’s case was taken care of. If you’re looking for someone you can trust, rest assured that Peterford Law will take on all the...
— Nichole Hannifin, Posted March 10th 2023 on google
I will definitely recommend Peterford law to anyone in need of a lawyer they were very helpful and professional on explaining to me all my options on handling my case.
— Reggie Damus, Posted February 28th 2023 on google
My experience with Kevin was nothing less than exceptional! His communication was amazing and he was there through every step of the process.
— Nick LeBeau, Posted February 18th 2023 on google
I had the opportunity to observe the exceptional skills of Mr. Peterford in action during my time as a prosecutor. While we were on opposite sides of the courtroom, I was impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to his client's cause. Kevin is a true advocate for his clients and works tirelessly to d...
— Rocco Scarfone, Posted February 17th 2023 on google
First he picked up the phone Saturday morning at like 6am! From our first conversation on the phone I had a good feeling about him. Thru out the whole process he kept me calm and with good feelings of the out come. He did everything he talked about on the phone and then some. Planned out things before the state could e...
— Alejandro Saldana, Posted February 13th 2023 on google
Professional, courteous, quick to respond, honest, will definitely keep Mr. Peterford number on file for any future legal issues
— Robert McKenzie, Posted February 11th 2023 on google
Kevin and his team have been amazing. Everything seemed impossible and very stressful. Kevin’s professionalism and efficiency have been a pleasure. Thank you!
— Jude Knesel, Posted February 7th 2023 on google
Kevin is the man, he hands down made the very best of my situation. He kept me well informed and handled everything efficiently. Thank you !
— E E, Posted February 7th 2023 on google
Kevin Peterford is responsive 100percent of the time, he is timely, knowledgeable and resourceful- we had a very difficult case that he helped us with and I highly recommend him.
— Janice Vedernjak, Posted February 6th 2023 on google
Working with Peterford Law has been nothing but a blessing. Kevin helped me get my case worked out and tickets dropped with no points on my license. He made the whole process extremely easy for me and went the extra mile from the beginning to the end. I’ve never had such a kind and considerate lawyer, all in all it w...
— brittney jones, Posted January 31st 2023 on google