Oquendo v. State, SC2023-0807 (Fla. Oct. 9, 2025)

In Oquendo v. State, the Florida Supreme Court clarified an important question for anyone claiming self-defense—especially military veterans or trauma survivors. The ruling opens the door to PTSD evidence but also establishes clear requirements for how that evidence must be presented.

Florida’s Two-Part Self-Defense Test

The distinction matters because PTSD evidence alone won’t justify self-defense. The attorney must tie it directly to both parts of the legal test. Once the defense makes a sufficient showing, the State must disprove self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why PTSD Matters in Self-Defense Cases

PTSD can cause someone to experience heightened fear, hypervigilance, or automatic fight-or-flight responses. For veterans or others who have survived violence, these reactions are genuine and immediate.

The Court recognized that these factors can be relevant to whether the defendant actually believed their life was in danger—the subjective component of self-defense. However, the jury must also find that the belief was objectively reasonable.

That’s where a skilled trial lawyer becomes essential. It takes strategy, preparation, and experience to present PTSD evidence in a way that satisfies both components of Florida’s law.

What Skilled Defense Counsel Must Do

An attorney’s strategy must go beyond simply introducing a PTSD diagnosis. Success depends on helping jurors understand the defendant’s perception of danger—without violating the “golden rule,” which prohibits asking jurors to imagine themselves in the defendant’s position.

Through careful questioning, visual evidence, and expert testimony, a strong defense can:

1. Show why the defendant genuinely believed deadly force was necessary
2. Highlight the reasonableness of that belief under the circumstances
3. Address psychological effects of trauma without suggesting diminished capacity (which Florida law does not allow)

This approach allows jurors to feel the urgency of the moment—legally, persuasively, and within the rules of evidence.

What This Means for Veterans and Trauma Survivors

For veterans of war, first responders, and others living with PTSD, the Oquendo decision offers a meaningful step toward fairness. It recognizes that not all fear responses are the same—and that a person’s lived experience can shape how they perceive and respond to threats.

Yet the ruling also underscores the need for experienced representation. Without the right legal framing, PTSD evidence can easily be misunderstood or excluded. A seasoned defense attorney must connect the dots between the defendant’s internal belief and what the law considers reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PTSD be used as a defense in Florida?

PTSD itself isn’t a standalone defense, but after Oquendo, it can be relevant evidence in a self-defense case. It helps explain why the defendant believed they were in danger—but must be connected to the objective reasonableness standard as well.

What’s the difference between subjective and objective self-defense?

Subjective self-defense asks what the defendant actually believed. Objective self-defense asks whether a reasonably cautious person would have responded the same way. Florida requires both: genuine belief AND reasonable response.

Does this decision help veterans facing criminal charges?

Yes—but only with proper legal strategy. The Court opened the door to PTSD evidence, but without skilled framing, that evidence can be excluded or misunderstood. Veterans need attorneys who understand both combat trauma and Florida’s evidentiary rules.

What is the “golden rule” in Florida trials?

The golden rule prohibits asking jurors to imagine themselves in the defendant’s position. This creates a challenge for PTSD cases—the attorney must help jurors understand the defendant’s perception without explicitly asking them to “put yourself in his shoes.”

Facing Self-Defense Charges in Tampa Bay?

If you or a loved one faces charges involving self-defense—especially a shooting, homicide, or violent confrontation—it’s critical to act quickly. These cases turn on evidence, perception, and presentation.

I’m Tampa Attorney Rocky Brancato. For over 25 years, I have defended clients across Tampa Bay in cases involving self-defense, homicide, and violent crimes. I understand how to present PTSD and trauma evidence within Florida’s evidentiary framework—and how to connect that evidence to both components of the self-defense test.

When your freedom is at stake, experience matters.

Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602

Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties

The Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal recently granted Stand Your Ground immunity to a Palm Beach defendant charged with second-degree murder. In Spencer v. State (4D2025-0023), the court ruled that prosecutors failed to disprove self-defense by clear and convincing evidence.

This case demonstrates why Stand Your Ground immunity matters for anyone facing violent crime charges in Florida. Moreover, it illustrates how the burden of proof works in self-defense cases—and why experienced legal representation is essential. I am Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Rocky Brancato. For over 25 years, I have provide top level criminal defense services to the citizens of Tampa Bay. My firm, the Brancato Law Firm, P.A., can help change the narrative if you used self defense and stood your ground!

Case Background: Palm Beach Stand Your Ground Claim

Ivin Spencer was charged with second-degree murder after a deadly confrontation in a Palm Beach parking lot. Although Spencer admitted to the shooting, he argued that Florida’s Stand Your Ground law applied to his case.

The Victim’s History

The evidence showed that the victim, Brandon Bell, had a history of making threats and was known to carry a gun. Consequently, Spencer had reason to believe that any confrontation with Bell could turn deadly.

The Confrontation

On the day of the shooting, Bell aggressively advanced toward Spencer while yelling threats. Spencer, who had health limitations that put him at a physical disadvantage, feared for his safety. As a result, he fired a single shot.

After the Shooting

Immediately after the incident, Spencer called 911 and cooperated fully with police. This behavior is consistent with someone acting in self-defense rather than with criminal intent.

Why the Court Granted Stand Your Ground Immunity

The appellate court ruled that prosecutors failed to meet their burden of proof. Specifically, the State could not prove by clear and convincing evidence that Spencer’s use of force was unjustified.

Together, these facts supported the conclusion that a reasonable person in Spencer’s position would believe deadly force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.

Lessons from This Florida Self-Defense Ruling

Stand Your Ground Can Dismiss Charges Before Trial

Unlike an acquittal at trial, Stand Your Ground immunity dismisses charges entirely. As a result, the defendant avoids the risk, expense, and uncertainty of a jury trial. This makes pursuing immunity a critical strategy in appropriate cases.

The State Carries a Heavy Burden

Once a defendant raises Stand Your Ground, prosecutors must disprove self-defense by clear and convincing evidence. This is a higher standard than preponderance of the evidence, though lower than beyond a reasonable doubt. Nevertheless, it places significant pressure on the State.

Context Shapes Legal Outcomes

Prior threats, the victim’s reputation, physical disparities, and circumstances at the scene all matter. Therefore, thorough investigation and presentation of context is essential to a successful Stand Your Ground claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stand Your Ground immunity in Florida?

Stand Your Ground immunity allows a defendant to have criminal charges dismissed before trial if they can show they used force in lawful self-defense. Under Florida law, a person has no duty to retreat if they are in a place where they have a right to be.

Who has the burden of proof in a Stand Your Ground hearing?

Once the defendant raises Stand Your Ground, the burden shifts to the prosecution. The State must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s use of force was not justified. If prosecutors cannot meet this burden, the court must grant immunity.

Can Stand Your Ground apply to murder charges?

Yes, absolutely. Stand Your Ground immunity can apply to any charge where self-defense is raised, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. The Spencer case demonstrates that even second-degree murder charges can be dismissed through Stand Your Ground.

What evidence helps a Stand Your Ground claim?

Helpful evidence includes prior threats from the victim, the victim’s violent reputation, physical disparity between the parties, witness testimony about the confrontation, and the defendant’s post-incident conduct such as calling 911 and cooperating with police.

Is Stand Your Ground the same as self-defense?

Stand Your Ground is a specific type of self-defense claim under Florida law. The key difference is that Stand Your Ground eliminates the duty to retreat. In other words, you do not have to try to escape before using force if you are lawfully present at the location.

How do I pursue Stand Your Ground immunity?

Your attorney files a motion for Stand Your Ground immunity, and the court holds a hearing. At that hearing, the prosecution must prove that your use of force was not justified. If they fail, the charges are dismissed. This process requires experienced legal representation.

More on Self-Defense

• Tampa Attorney for Self-Defense
• Tampa PTSD and Self-Defense
• Tampa Criminal Mental Health Attorney
• Tampa Gun Crime Attorney
• Tampa Violent Crime Attorney
• Tampa Murder Attorney

Protect Your Rights with a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you face violent crime charges where self-defense may apply, you need an attorney who understands how to argue for Stand Your Ground immunity in Florida. At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., attorney Rocky Brancato has more than 25 years of experience defending homicide, sex crimes, and major felonies throughout Tampa Bay.

Moreover, Attorney Brancato proactively pursues Stand Your Ground immunity hearings for eligible cases. Do not wait until trial to raise self-defense—the right strategy can dismiss charges entirely.

Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602

Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties