Defense of Duress in Florida

The defense of duress can be used in Florida if a person can establish the following six elements:

1. The defendant reasonably believed a danger existed which was not intentionally caused by himself;
2. The danger threatened significant harm to himself;
3. The threatened harm must have been real, imminent, and impending.
4. The defendant had no reasonable means to avoid the danger except by committing the crime charged
5. The crime charged must have been committed out of duress to avoid the danger; and
6. The harm the defendant avoided must outweigh the harm caused by committing the crime charged

Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Central Florida or the greater Orlando area, contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.

The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.