In 2005, a self-defense law called “stand your ground” was passed in the state of Florida that enabled people who felt endangered by another person to use excessive or deadly force in an effort for self-defense. Rather than being charged with a severe criminal offense, those who claim their action was within the “stand your ground” law can become immune from charges and State prosecution.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, since the “stand your ground” legislation passed in 2005, there has been a reported 32 percent increase in homicides in Florida. The published report spiked conversation about the law, encouraging citizens to learn what this law entails.
The Florida Statutes codify the semantics of the “stand your ground law,” making it clear that the self-defense law can be enacted only if “a person is justified in using or threatening to use deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that using or threatening to use such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony,” (Florida Statutes, Section 776.012).
Florida is the so-called birthplace of the “stand your ground” law. In the years between 2000 and 2010, over 20 states put the “stand your ground” self-defense law into effect, with some states expanding their laws to boost protections in other areas.
“Stand your ground” cases should always be handled with investigation and immense care. The attorneys at McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito, P.A. are thoroughly trained and trustworthy in handling disputes of this complexity.
TJ Grimaldi is a partner at McIntyre Law firm and the attorney of Ms. Nicole Oulson, the widow of Chad Oulson who was shot and killed in a Wesley Chapel movie theatre by Curtis Reeves in 2014. Reeves’ defense case is based on Stand your ground, and has a hearing set for February 2017, more than three years after the incident.
Our lawyers are well versed in knowledge of assistance for any personal injury or criminal case, including one that may involve “stand your ground.”
If you’ve been involved in any situation where deadly or attempted deadly action was applied in self-defense and need legal consultation, call our lawyers at the McIntyre Law Firm today: (844)511-4800.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
