Murder Defense Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL

Even though homicide and murder are used interchangeably, they actually mean different things. Homicide means the killing of one person by another, but it doesn’t go into cause or motive, while murder means committing the act of killing another person on purpose with criminal intent, there are instances when one person may kill another person in self-defense, that would not be considered murder.

If you or a loved one are being accused of murder in the Jacksonville, FL area you need to contact us right away. Our criminal defense lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience successfully handling these types of cases in Jacksonville, FL, Duval, and Clay counties and across the state. We will listen to your side of the story, gather evidence, and use our knowledge of the law to ensure you or your loved one gets fair treatment from the State and the best possible outcome given the situation.

In the city of Jacksonville alone, there have been 94 murders so far in 2021, and police officers have made arrests in 33 of the 94 cases. Unfortunately, sometimes people are at the wrong place at the wrong time, and they end up getting in trouble. Being honest and forthcoming with your Criminal Defense Attorney is imperative so that they can use their experience, your story, and evidence to craft your defense strategy. The last thing you want is for new information to come afloat while in front of the judge.

What are the different types of murder classifications?

1^st Degree Murder: Constitutes a capital felony punishable by the death penalty or life in prison. First degree murder occurs when:

• It was premeditated with the intention of killing another person
• When committed while intending to execute another crime, such as:
  • Trafficking
  • Arson
  • Sexual battery
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Kidnapping
  • Escape
  • Aggravated fleeing or eluding
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
  • Aircraft piracy
  • Resisting an officer with violence
  • Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb
  • Human trafficking

2^nd Degree Murder: This is considered a first-degree felony and it is punishable with time in prison, not exceeding 30 years (not exceeding life imprisonment). 2^nd-degree murder occurs when:

• There is a clear disregard for the value of human life but without any premeditation to kill another human being
• When carried out by an act imminently dangerous, such as:
  • Trafficking
  • Arson
  • Sexual battery
  • Robbery
  • Burglary
  • Kidnapping
  • Escape
  • Aggravated fleeing or eluding
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
  • Aircraft piracy
  • Resisting an officer with violence
  • Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb
  • Human trafficking

3^rd Degree Murder: Is considered a 2^nd-degree felony and is punishable as such, with up to 15 years in prison. 3^rd degree murder occurs when:

• Someone unintentionally kills another human being while attempting to, or committing a non-violent felony

If you or your loved one find themselves in a situation where you are being accused of murder? Call us right away at 904-714-4405 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 Jacksonville office, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:

• Daytona Beach 
• Kissimmee
• Melbourne
• Ocala
• Clearwater
• Orlando
• Fort Myers
• Sanford
• Miami
• Lakeland
• Fort Lauderdale
• Sarasota
• Tampa

*Additional Orlando Florida & Orange County Legal Resources