Depriving an Officer of Protection or Communication

Offenses against police officers are common in Florida courts, but there are always two sides to the story. In any incident or altercation between a civilian and an officer the officer will get the immediate benefit of the doubt from state prosecutors and judges, but an experienced criminal defense lawyer will fight to make sure this bias disappears. Benjamin Herbst is a South Florida criminal defense lawyer who specializes in charges for depriving an officer of protection or communication. He fights tooth and nail for all clients facing charges in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, and he is also an experienced Treasure Coast criminal lawyer for clients facing charges in Martin and St. Lucie County. Benjamin is available to offer a free consultation 7 days a week at (954) 543-0305, and can set up meetings at any time in his Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach office locations. If you are not able to make it to the office for a sit-down meeting, Benjamin can travel anywhere from Miami to Fort Pierce to discuss your charges. Contact Benjamin today to learn what defenses may be available in your case.

Under Florida statute 843.025 it is illegal to deprive any law enforcement officer, probation officer or corrections officer of his or her weapon or other protective device. It is also a crime to deprive an officer of his or her radio or other communication device. Anyone charged with this offense faces a third-degree felony with a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail upon conviction. The definition of officer under this statute and many other Florida crimes is extremely broad, and includes basically any person licensed to enforce laws or provide security. Private security guards that are licensed by the state are also protected by this law, as are auxiliary police and community service aids. In many of these cases the defendant does not actually succeed in depriving the officer of his or her gun, Taser, mace, handcuffs or radio, but rather it was just merely an attempt. This presents a major issue when it comes to proof, as it is easy for an officer to say that a suspect attempted to take his or her weapon or radio. Benjamin Herbst has won numerous jury trials where law enforcement officers were the only witnesses, and he knows how to attack their credibility on cross examination. Charges for battery on a LEO, resisting arrest and depriving an officer of protection are common in cases where an arrestee was injured. In this scenario the charges are nothing more than a cover up to protect the officer against repercussions for hurting a suspect. Benjamin will not let these cases hold up, fights for dismissals prior to charges being filed and during trial if necessary.

Benjamin is standing by to discuss your criminal charges with no fee or obligation to you, and will explain in detail how he plans to fight for a dismissal. Benjamin provides all clients with his cell phone number and is available on nights and weekends to offer advice and consultation. He believes that achieving the best result is only part of being an excellent attorney, as keeping in touch and being available is always a priority. Contact South Florida criminal defense lawyer Benjamin Herbst today if you have been charged with depriving an officer of protection or communication, and find out how you can fight back against the government.