Police in North Miami have released surveillance video of a nail salon
armed robbery during which an employee was shot.
The allegation is that two armed robbers entered the Nails 4U salon at 15528 Biscayne Blvd. at about 7 p.m. and robbed customers and employees.
Surveillance video showed both men, neither of whom had his face covered.
North Miami police said the robbers had semiautomatic weapons. The men stole purses, cell phones and cash, according to investigators.
It is reported that during the robbery, an employee was shot by one of the suspects.
Actually, these suspects may be charged with attempted
felony murder because the attempted murder (shooting the store employee) occurred during the commission of a felony (armed robbery).
Since firearms are alleged to have been used, Florida's
10-20-Life law will apply.
Additionally, these men, if caught, will be held without
bond. They will require an
Arthur Hearing to even be considered for a bond.
As a
criminal defense attorney who represents people charged with violent crimes, I would look to the surveillance to see how easily identifiable these suspects are.
Also, let's not forget that this crime supposedly occurred in the presence of many people. If the suspects were not wearing masks, it is possible that numerous eyewitnesses will be able to ID the gunmen.
Identity is a defense to a crime. Simply put, the defense rests on the fact that the suspect is the wrong person because of misidentification.
Misidentification is common. Caught up in the terror of being a victim, these eyewitnesses may not have a good chance to catch a look at the suspects. Then, when presented with a photo lineup from detectives, they may think that they saw somebody when in fact they didn't.
These suspects are described as young black males. Unless there is something so unique about their appearances, it is possible that their descriptions will match those of thousands of possible suspects.
The surveillance will come into play if the video images are clear. If grainy or not easily discernable, they will have a good defense.
I represent clients in Miami-Dade and Broward. If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney for a serious violent felony such as armed robbery or attempted murder,
call me today to discuss your defense.