Murder Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Murder charges are serious offenses no matter where you live. But, Florida has different penalties for murder than other states. If you’re charged with murder, you’ll need to understand the intricacies of your case and the punishments you may face if convicted.

Murder convictions carry serious life consequences. If found guilty, your future opportunities will suffer as a result. Career opportunities, home-buying prospects, education, and relationships will all be affected. So, it’s important not to take your case lightly.

The prudent thing to do is to contact an experienced murder defense attorney in your area like us and see where you stand. By contacting professionals like our team at Smith and Eulo Law Firm, you’ll receive personalized care. We’ll hear out your case, work to create a strong defense, and do everything in our power to lessen or avoid charges altogether.

If you or someone you love is facing murder charges near Fort Lauderdale, contact our office right away for a free legal consultation.

Types of Murder Charges

You may have heard different terms thrown around related to murder charges. Homicide, murder, and manslaughter all relate to murder charges, but each has its own set of criteria and punishments.

For example, homicide refers to taking someone else’s life without reference to criminality. But it is not always a crime as self-defense is technically considered homicide.

Murder takes place when you take someone else’s life with criminal intent. Murder is always a crime.

This brief explanation still doesn’t explain the differences between all of the murder charges in Florida. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be faced with one charge or a combination of charges. Each charge has different punishments. Working with a lawyer will help you get the least severe punishment possible.

First Degree Murder

First degree murder is charged as a felony and is defined as the willful, premeditated, or deliberate killing of another human.

First Degree Murder Penalty

It is defined as a capital felony and in certain situations can be sentenced to the death penalty. But, first degree murder is typically punishable by up to a life sentence with no option for parole.

Felony Murder

Felony murder is charged as first-degree murder when the accused was committing another felony when the murder takes place. These crimes include:

Carjacking
Kidnapping
Sexual battery
Burglary
Drug trafficking
Home invasion robbery
Arson
Resisting an officer with violence

These are just a few of the crimes punishable by felony murder. Felony murder is punished as first-degree murder, and other penalties may be sentenced in conjunction with the first degree murder ruling.

Second Degree Murder

Second degree murder is defined as the intentional act of killing of another human with malice. It should be noted that second degree murder is not premeditated. Typically, this act is considered to take place during a moment of unplanned rage, or in reaction to something.

Second Degree Murder Penalties

Second degree murder is considered a felony in Florida and comes with a maximum punishment of life in prison, life on probation, and up to a $10,000 fine.

Manslaughter Charges

According to Florida Statute 782.07, manslaughter can be carried out in three different ways.

Manslaughter by Act or Voluntary Manslaughter – Committing an intentional act that was not deemed excusable or justified that resulted in the death of another human.
Manslaughter by Procurement or Voluntary Manslaughter – Persuading, inducing, or encouraging another person to carry out an act that results in the death of another human.
Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence or Involuntary Manslaughter – “Culpably negligent” conduct that resulted in the death of another human.

Manslaughter Punishments

Manslaughter is charged as a second degree felony in Florida and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and up to $10,000 fine.

Third Degree Murder

Under Florida law, third degree murder happens when one person unintentionally kills another while committing or attempting to commit a non-violent felony.

Third Degree Murder Penalty

Third degree murder is charged as a second degree felony in Florida and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, 15 years on parole, and a $10,000 fine.

Experienced Murder Defense Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Murder crimes are very serious charges that can affect the rest of your life. If you’re facing a murder charge, the first thing you should do is get in touch with a murder defense lawyer who has years of experience defending these cases. At Smith and Eulo, we have just that. We’ve spent years working murder trials and helping the accused navigate their legal challenges.

If you or your loved one find themselves in a situation where you are being accused of Murder? Call us right away at 754-332-0513 to speak with a qualified legal professional or fill out the contact form on this page. We’re available 24/7, we offer free initial consultation and payment plans. In addition to our Fort Lauderdale office, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:

Murder Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL