Homicide: Understanding the Legal Implications

When facing a homicide or murder charge, it is a fight for your life. Whether the crime was intentional or not, these charges are among the most severe in our nation, and the consequences may be a lifetime of incarceration. In the worst-case scenario, the crime may warrant capital punishment.

Criminal Homicide includes:

  • · Felony murder
  • · Intentional homicide
  • · Reckless homicide
  • · Driving under the influence homicide
  • · Negligent homicide
  •   Vehicular manslaughter

A criminal homicide conviction will forever change your life. Recent high-profile cases in Florida show that it is vital to have a solid defense if you are charged with homicide. The penalties for a conviction depend on whether the death resulted from an intentional, reckless, or grossly dangerous act. If you face these charges, retain an attorney who regularly handles homicide cases.

 When being investigated or facing murder charges, you need the experienced team at Perez La Sure Law to defend you. We aggressively protect our client’s rights, always with the presumption of being innocent until proven guilty.

Murder Charges

Murder is the act of killing with premeditation, a “depraved mind” or lack of concern for human life, or during the commission of a specified felony. The Florida Uniform Crime Reports program defines murder and non-negligent manslaughter as the willful killing of one human being by another. Any death due to a fight, argument, quarrel, assault, or which occurs during the commission of a crime or by premeditated design is included in this category.

Attempted murders are classified as aggravated assaults. Homicide is often used synonymously with murder. However, homicide is killing one person by another, even if the act was justified. The crime of murder implies malicious intent.

 There are Different Types of Homicide Charges including:

  • ·First-degree murder
  • Second-degree murder
  • Third-degree murder
  • Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter

What is Involuntary Manslaughter?

When a person kills another with no prior intent but with a reckless disregard for human life, a prosecutor can seek a charge of involuntary manslaughter. A conviction can mean a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

What is Voluntary Manslaughter?

This charge does not require proof of premeditation. The charges may include a “crime of passion “or homicides enacted from temporary anger, though the penalties can result in a prison term of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000.

Stand Your Ground

In Florida, homicides committed in self-defense are immune to prosecution. The Stand Your Ground law was adopted in 2005. It allows persons to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. Excusable homicides are threats of immediate harm or someone committing a felony upon you. Other excusable homicides are those committed by accident.

You Deserve a Voice and Fair Representation

In Florida, the news is frequently about crime in our communities. Have your case represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney before you become another criminal statistic lost in the overwhelmed criminal justice system. Do not delay in contacting our criminal defense attorneys at Perez La Sure Law. We will ensure the scales of justice are balanced with our powerful skills in criminal defense litigation.

Contact our attorneys today for a consultation regarding your criminal homicide case. Attorneys Migdalia Perez and Kim LaSure are known as aggressive in the courtroom and compassionate with their clients in the office. As experienced and skillful trial attorneys, our law firm has successfully defended clients in some of the most high-profile cases in Florida. Our attorneys are adept at handling the media and helping our clients. Call us at (407)-530-4920 for immediate assistance.

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