Murder Charges

Florida Murder Charge Defense

Homicide in Florida is defined as the “unlawful killing of a human being.” The wording is important because while every killing is a homicide, not every homicide is a crime. There are circumstances under which killing a person may be ruled excusable or justified. Otherwise, someone who kills another person may be charged with murder or manslaughter. Murder charges in Florida are as serious as it gets.

There are more than 300 prisoners on death row in this state. That’s why you need to get the best criminal defense attorney you can get if you’ve been charged with murder in Florida. The Rivas Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orlando are experienced and aggressive lawyers who will fight for your rights under the law. Call 407-890-0338 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.

Types of Murder Charges in Florida

There are generally three categories of murder charges in Florida. First Degree Murder charges usually involve premeditation or intent. If a homicide is connected to drugs or other serious aggravated crimes of violence, a prosecutor will bring felony murder charges, regardless of intent. Either way, First Degree Murder is a Capital offense and a conviction means a sentence of either death or life without parole.

When a defendant has killed a person without deliberate planning, but through a dangerous act demonstrating a disregard for human life, prosecutors may bring Second Degree Murder charges. This is called Murder with a Depraved Mind in the law, punishable by up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.

If someone has unintentionally killed a person during the commission of a non-violent felony, prosecutors will likely bring Third Degree Murder charges. However, the charge will be First Degree Felony Murder if a person provided drugs to someone who died as a result. Third Degree Murder. A conviction for Third Degree Murder in Florida is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Manslaughter Charges in Florida

The difference between Murder and Manslaughter charges comes down to whether the act was committed with Malice. A prosecutor will bring Manslaughter charges against someone who has killed a person by either an intentionallynegligentact or a recklesslynegligentact.

These are called, respectively, Voluntary Manslaughter or Involuntary Manslaughter. A person who kills someone as a result of reckless driving may be charged with Vehicular Homicide.

Homicide Charges Defense

Defense against murder and manslaughter charges in Florida begins with a thorough pre-trial investigation. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer will do everything possible to expose any unlawful actions by police. An experienced homicide defense attorney will make sure that the defendant’s side of the story is told, along with any mitigating circumstances. Defenses include Self-Defense, Stand Your Ground, and Justifiable Homicide. When your life and liberty are on the line, you want the best defense you can get. Consider the Orlando Criminal Defense attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm. Free consultation. Call 407-644-2466 or use our online contact form.

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