UCF Football Player Arrested For Home Invasion In Orlando, FL
According to a report from Fox 35 Orlando, a University of Central Florida (UCF) football player and another woman have been arrested in connection with a violent home invasion that took place at an Orlando, FL high rise in early January. A resident filed a police report stating that masked men with guns banged on his door, threatened him, physically assaulted him, and stole property. In this article, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer discusses the criminal charges in more detail.
Allegations: Home Invasion at an Apartment Building in Downtown Orlando
On January 9th, 2023, a home invasion was reported at a high-rise apartment building in Downtown Orlando. A resident who lived on the 28th floor of the 55 West apartment complex was robbed after three masked gunmen entered his apartment. The Orlando Police Department issued an arrest warrant for 20-year-old UCF football player Justin Alexander Hodges as well as a woman (Nevaeh Mosher) who is alleged to have orchestrated the home invasion. The matter is still under a more comprehensive investigation. No person has been convicted of a crime and all individual charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
What to Know About Home-Invasion Robbery Charges in Florida (812.135)
Home invasion is a serious criminal offense in Florida. It is considered to be a violent crime. The state has a specific law (Florida Statutes § 812.135) for home invasion robbery charges. Here are three key things that you should understand about home invasion robbery charges in Florida:
- Entering a Dwelling With Intent to Rob: The statute defines a home invasion robbery as the entering of a dwelling with the intent to rob another person of money or property. The person being robbed does not actually have to own the property in question for prosecutors to file charges under Florida Statutes § 812.135.
- A Felony Criminal Offense: No matter the specific circumstances—including the amount taken and/or the threat or use of violence or lack thereof,—a home invasion robbery is always charged as a felony criminal offense in Florida. It is a very serious crime. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence as well as other penalties.
- Firearm Leads to Enhanced Penalties: In Florida, the use of a firearm as part of a home invasion robbery is a first degree felony offense. It does not matter whether or not the firearm was discharged within the home. The threat is sufficient. This is a very serious criminal offense that carries maximum penalties of life in state prison.
Speak to Our Orlando, FL Home Invasion Defense Attorney Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer has the skills, experience, and proven expertise to defend the full range of home invasion charges. It is a serious criminal offense. Contact us now for a fully private consultation. We provide legal representation throughout Central Florida, including in Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, and Polk County.
Source:
fox35orlando.com/news/2-arrested-2-sought-in-violent-home-invasion-at-downtown-orlando-high-rise-police-say