In any state, attempted murder is one of the most severe crimes a person can ever be charged with. And in Ocala, FL, the penalties for this type of crime can be very harsh since they take attempted murder charges very seriously.
Most of the time, attempting to take another person’s life has the same charges as an actual homicide. So having an attempted murder criminal defense lawyer in Ocala, FL, by your side is imperative.
If you face an attempted murder charge, you should get the help of an Attempted Murder Criminal defense attorney in Ocala, FL, with years of experience. Fortunately, Smith & Eulo has lawyers that handle these types of cases. The earlier you hire an attorney, the better defense the lawyer can create to dismiss the charges or lessen them.
What is an attempted murder charge in Ocala, FL?
Attempted felony murder is referred to as a serious violent crime. It is an offense in which someone tries to kill another person but does not take their life. In the State of Florida, there are two types of attempted murder: first-degree and second-degree.
First-degree attempted murder
A person is charged with first-degree attempted murder if they attempt to kill a person while committing a crime. Some examples are as follows:
- Arson
- Robbery
- Carjacking
- Sexual assault
Apart from that, if a person aids or abets an intentional act that’s not essential of a felony, which could result in death, but didn’t.
Penalties for first-degree murder are as follows:
- The person charged may pay up to $10,000 in fines
- Life in prison with or without the possibility of parole
A prosecutor must prove that the charge is first-degree murder by demonstrating the acts of violence to show that it was premeditated and intended to cause death to the victim.
Second-degree attempted murder
If the State can’t prove that the act falls under first-degree murder because it wasn’t premeditated, it will most likely fall under second-degree murder.
If a person tried to injure another person with an act considered attempted murder but was not trying to commit murder, then it’s considered second-degree attempted murder.
The penalties for second-degree attempted murder are as follows:
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- A prison sentence of up to 15 years
- Probation time of up to 15 years
Suppose you’ve been charged with attempted murder. In that case, you must speak with an experienced Ocala, FL Attempted Murder Criminal Defense Lawyer right away, so they can examine your case instantly.
Why do you need an attorney to help you with your case?
When you’ve been charged with attempted murder, a competent and experienced lawyer can help you with your case by guiding you through the legal process. At the same time, they will help you understand the charges against you.
A regular person may not understand the complexities of the law, especially when it comes to attempted murder. So lawyers are like your guardians who will advise you on how to move forward.
How can a lawyer defend your attempted murder charge?
Like most criminal offenses, an attempted murder charge can still be overturned or defended. As long as the lawyer knows how to form a powerful defense on your behalf, it can be easier for you to get lesser charges or have the case dismissed entirely.
Even though fighting an attempted murder charge seems impossible, remember that the State may still struggle to prove your conviction. They will have to prove the following:
- Prove that you acted in malice
- Prove that you intended to aid, abet, or commit murder
- Prove that your acts were criminal
The common defenses a lawyer can use in your defense
Depending on the case, a lawyer can work on dismissing your case or downgrading it. They can use attempted murder criminal defenses in Ocala, FL, such as the ones below:
- The other party or the law enforcement doesn’t have enough evidence against you
- You acted violently to defend another person or persons
- You acted reasonably as what other persons would have acted if they were in your situation at the time
- You were acting in self-defense
- External factors or reason for insanity or pre-existing mental illness that pushed you to act violently
Your lawyer will talk to the prosecutor to secure a plea bargain. It’s a deal that can lower your charge to a lesser included offense. Remember that prosecutors are elected officials, and it’s their job to increase their conviction rates. So your lawyers will ask for a lesser conviction.
The job of your attorney during an attempted murder case
Some people may seek to defend themselves and not opt for a lawyer. However, it’s not the best option if you’re unfamiliar with the law. But when it comes to an attempted murder charge, you can’t simply represent yourself in a court of law.
Without the help of a lawyer, you will not stand a chance against the prosecutors. If you don’t know how to navigate the law and the system, you will find yourself behind bars in a snap. But to avoid that, let Smith & Eulo help you out. Here’s how they can help you out:
- Gathering evidence
- Building a strong & solid defense
- Help you enter a plea bargain
- Calling expert witnesses
- Coordinating witness depositions
So, contact us today if you don’t stand a chance against the relentless prosecutors.
The earlier you hire an attorney, the better defense the lawyer can create
Nobody wants to face an attempted murder charge. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing this, you should find someone who can handle it.
If you or your loved one find themselves in a situation where you are being accused of Attempted murder? Call us right away at 352 505-9810 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 Ocala office, we have offices in the following cities across the state of Florida:
- Daytona Beach
- Kissimmee
- Melbourne
- Lakeland
- Clearwater
- Orlando
- Fort Myers
- Sanford
- Miami
- Jacksonville
- Fort Lauderdale
- Sarasota
- Tampa
*Additional Orlando Florida & Orange County Legal Resources