Orlando Homicide Lawyer
In legal terms, homicide is the act of killing one person by another person.
It is justified through self-defense and may be regarded as an excusable homicide in some cases. Criminal homicide refers to murder and manslaughter, each with varying charges based on the nature of the crime, including motive, circumstances, and degree of malice involved.
Punishments can range from lengthy prison sentences to a lifetime behind bars, or even the death penalty.
A murder charge is extremely serious and life-changing. Call our criminal defense attorneys if you face charges related to homicide, first-degree murder, attempted murder, and more. We represent clients who face a comprehensive range of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to felonies. Our Orlando homicide lawyers have the skills and experience necessary to help.
Murder charges are some of the most severe legal charges in the United States. You need a legal team who will aggressively defend you and protect your legal rights. At the law firm of Parikh Law, P.A., we take on tough cases and ensure you get a fair trial. We will help advocate for your legal rights throughout the entire process.
It is natural to feel scared and alone if you are facing murder charges, but you don’t have to face your legal battle by yourself. Your future and freedom are on the line, so you need the best murder defense lawyers possible.
Murder vs. Manslaughter
“Murder” and “manslaughter” are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between both crimes, although they both involve unlawfully killing another person.
Often, the distinguishing factor that separates murder from manslaughter is intent or malice. If you have a murder charge, the prosecution must prove intent to kill the victim or that the victim was killed out of spite, ill will, or hatred.
For a manslaughter charge, the prosecution must only prove that you killed someone because of reckless behavior, either intentionally or unintentionally. Naturally, the penalties for any intentional homicide will be more severe.
Manslaughter can be classified into the following crimes:
- Manslaughter by Act
- Manslaughter by Procurement
- Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence
- Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child
- Voluntary manslaughter: Voluntary manslaughter does not require disregard of human life or proof of premeditation. Instead, these charges may include crimes of passion, when a crime is perpetrated when temporarily angry or emotional. If convicted, you could face a prison term of up to 15 years and fines up to $10,000.
- Involuntary manslaughter: When another kills a person with no prior intent, but instead through recklessness, the prosecutor may seek this type of charge. If convicted, you could face a prison term of up to 10 years and fines up to $10,000.
Any kind of murder charge is very serious. It is essential that you connect with Orlando homicide lawyers who understand Florida law.
Murder Laws in Florida
In Florida, homicide is the illegal killing of another person. There are four different classifications for murder. These degrees depend on the circumstances of the crime, and all these factors can determine the outcome of the sentence.
According to Florida, the four degrees for can be defined as first, second, third, and DUI manslaughter:
Murder
- First-degree murder: These murder cases can include premeditated murder or felony murder. Premeditated murder means you have carried out a planned killing. Felony murder happens when you kill someone else while carrying out an unrelated felony crime. A murder could also be defined as a complete lack of concern for human life. These types of charges could carry life imprisonment or the death penalty. There are lesser charges with reduced penalties.
- Second-degree murder: These murder cases occur as an accomplice to felony murder or with a depraved mind. Murder with a depraved mind happens when you kill someone else without planning but with a recklessness that shows blatant disregard for another human life. Accomplice felony murder occurs when a person is an accomplice in a felony crime that has resulted in a killing.
- Third-degree murder: These murder charges include killing someone while trying to carry out a non-violent felony crime, negligent action, or crime of passion that resulted in the death of another person.
DUI Manslaughter
This happens when a person causes the death of another person, either directly or indirectly, because they were under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
While DUI homicide is the least serious form of criminal homicide, it is still considered a grave second-degree felony that could be punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Legal Homicide
Committing a homicide in self-defense is considered a legal homicide, and this includes killing another person who is threatening to commit a felony against you or cause immediate harm. Homicides committed by accident may also be considered excusable.
Any of these murder charges could result in life imprisonment. Therefore, it is essential that you contact experienced murder defense lawyers as soon as possible in order to defend your rights.
If you or someone you know has been accused of murder, you should immediately seek an experienced law firm or domestic violent crimes attorney.
Contact Orlando homicide lawyers immediately if you have been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, or legal homicide.
Punishment for Murder Charges
Any form of murder charge can result in the death penalty, which is why it’s so important to contact a law firm to help you with your case. If you have been accused of a murder charge in Florida, you have the right to defend yourself.
Contact an experienced murder lawyer at Parikh Law, P.A. to see how they can help you.
Burden of Proof
In criminal law, the state or prosecution has the burden of proof.
This means that they must prove that the defendant has committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. They must present evidence to a jury, who then determines the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
Building an Effective Murder Case
Every case is different, and strategy depends on the nature of your charges and any other details associated with your case.
In a first-degree case, your defense attorney may gather evidence to show no premeditation was involved. In an attempted murder charge accompanied by other felony charges, your experienced homicide attorney may try to show that you lacked intent to participate in the felony, as mentioned earlier.
Our central Florida lawyers leave nothing to chance. We evaluate each detail of your case carefully and challenge the prosecution in order to reduce your charges or dismiss the case based on the facts we uncovered.
Florida laws regarding homicide may be very contextual and complex. Therefore, it is in your best interest to build a strong case when defending yourself against the court of public opinion and the justice system. An experienced murder lawyer is invaluable to have by your side.
At Parikh Law, P.A, we represent clients who have been charged in all kinds of murder cases, from armed robbery to second-degree murder. If you are looking for a professional attorney, contact us right away.
Our Orlando, FL criminal defense law firm can help you with:
- Navigating the process of the criminal justice system
- Defending and protecting your legal rights
- Provide experienced legal advice
- Gather evidence to build a strong case for you
- Represent you in court if the case goes to trial
- Reduce the total amount of fines you will have to pay
- Limit or eliminate any potential jail time or probation
- Expunge any criminal offense records
Protect Your Rights and Your Future
Don’t let the course of your future be dictated by the State Attorney’s office, the Court system, or a Public Defender.
Given the severe nature of murder laws and potential punishments, it is essential that you understand your rights and options—never go to court unprepared or make any decisions without consulting your attorney. Many crimes can include consequences, like the following:
- Jail time
- Probation
- Driver’s License suspension
- Permanent criminal record
If you have been wrongly accused or believe that you may have committed justifiable or excusable homicide, our experienced criminal defense attorney will offer you a consultation so you can fully understand the legal process and the law as it applies to your specific situation.
It is critical that you call a homicide defense law firm as soon as possible after you have been arrested, issued a citation by law enforcement, or issued a Notice to Appear. It is vital that you exercise your right to remain silent before speaking with your murder attorney. It can be unwise to speak with law enforcement officials or make any statements before your legal consultation. Your next steps and rights often depend on your, and your attorney’s actions. You may not have a long time to act.
You can always contact an attorney at Parikh Law, P.A. during a case review, and we will move to protect your rights immediately.
A first-degree murder or homicide charge is never a laughing matter, and the least severe charge can still result in years of jail time and hefty fines. Additionally, any type of felony charge remains on your criminal record, which can impact your ability to seek gainful employment, loan applications, and housing.
Therefore, it is crucial for your well-being and future to protect your rights, freedom, and future by calling our Orlando homicide attorneys immediately. Parikh Law, P.A. provides dedicated and aggressive advocacy. We will challenge every charge by every means possible, and we will employ the most effective strategies to shake the prosecution’s case.