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Murder, Attempted Murder & Manslaughter
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Florida Murder Defense Attorney



First Degree Murder

Is the unlawful killing of a human being:

  • when perpetrated from a premeditated design to effect the death of the person killed; or
  • which resulted from the unlawful distribution by a person 18 years of age or older of any of the following substances, or mixture containing any of the following substances, when such substance or mixture is proven to be the proximate cause of the death of the user:
    • A substance controlled under s. 893.03(1);
    • Cocaine, as described in s. 893.03(2)(a)4.;
    • Opium or any synthetic or natural salt, compound, derivative, or preparation of opium;
    • Methadone;
    • Alfentanil, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)1.;
    • Carfentanil, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)6.;
    • Fentanyl, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)9.;
    • Sufentanil, as described in s. 893.03(2)(b)30.; or
    • A controlled substance analog, as described in s. 893.0356, of any substance specified in sub-subparagraphs a.-h.

Second Degree Murder

The unlawful killing of a human being, when perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a “depraved mind regardless of human life”, although without any premeditated design to affect the death of any particular individual

Felony Murder

If a death occurs during the commission of, or in the attempt to commit, any:

  • Trafficking offense prohibited by s. 893.135(1),
  • Arson,
  • Sexual battery,
  • Robbery,
  • Burglary,
  • Kidnapping,
  • Escape,
  • Aggravated child abuse,
  • Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult,
  • Aircraft piracy,
  • Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb,
  • Carjacking,
  • Home-invasion robbery,
  • Aggravated stalking,
  • Murder of another human being,
  • Resisting an officer with violence to his or her person,
  • Aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death,
  • Felony that is an act of terrorism or is in furtherance of an act of terrorism, or
  • Human trafficking

then the death can be charged as murder for all participants in the felony, either as first or second degree murder, depending on whether the person who killed the other was engaged in the commission of the felony or not.

Third Degree Murder

Is the unlawful killing of a human being, when perpetrated without any design to effect death, by a person engaged in the perpetration of, or in the attempt to perpetrate, any felony other than any of the above-mentioned felonies.

Manslaughter

Is the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another, without lawful justification.

Penalties for Murder and Homicide-Related Offenses in Florida

If you have been charged or think you may be charged with a crime related to the death of a human being, you are likely facing a significant amount of prison time.

Depending on whether there was a weapon involved, who the victim was and other factors specific to your case, you could also be facing mandatory prison sentences, life in prison and in first degree murder cases, the death penalty.

That is why it is crucial that you contact an experienced attorney right away to discuss your rights and the penalties you may be facing. I can provide a free case evaluation to go over your case, possible penalties and defense options. I have represented clients charged with:

  • 1st Degree Murder
  • Attempted 1st Degree Murder
  • Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
  • Attempted Murder on a Law Enforcement Officer
  • DUI Manslaughter
  • Vehicular Homicide

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