Generally, instigating a violent crime is a charge that may be brought if your actions led to the commission of a crime or violent event like a riot. The type of criminal charges you could be facing will depend on the nature of the crime and your level of involvement.
Charges for Instigating a Violent Crime
Also referred to as inciting, instigating a crime means to provoke or cause another individual – or group of individuals – to commit a crime. The crime may range from stealing something with little value to committing murder.
The following may bring charges of breach of the peace and disorderly conduct, which is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor (up to a year in jail and $1,000 fine):
- corrupting public morals;
- outraging public decency;
- affecting peace and quiet; or
- constitute brawling and fighting.
Charges for inciting a riot – or participating in the riot – are a third-degree felony. This is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Charges for conspiring to commit murder or other serious crimes, meanwhile, can carry much stiffer penalties and depend on the nature of the crime committed. For example, if the crime that was committed is a capital felony and you are found to have conspired to commit it, you could be charged with a first-degree felony.
Legal Help from Defense Attorneys
Various defenses may help get the charges reduced or dismissed, such as providing evidence that while you may have been present you did not actually instigate the commission of the crime. An attorney at Falk & Ross in Miami can go over the case with you and provide legal representation if your facing charges related to instigating a crime. Give us a call: 877-663-5110.