Florida Homicide Law
Regardless of where you're arrested for and charged with a homicide, the consequences of a conviction for this charge are never more potentially dire for a defendant. These consequences, if convicted, can include life in prison or even the death penalty. There are many different types of homicide charges, and the difference between them is the degree of severity of these consequences. Below is a look at a few different types of homicide charges and the penalties that come with each.
Murder Charge in Florida:
Florida law defines murder as:
The unlawful killing of a human being:
- When perpetrated from a premeditated design to effect the death of the person killed or any human being;
- When committed by a person engaged in the perpetration of, or in the attempt to perpetrate, any serious felony (sic).
First Degree Murder is punishable by either life in prison without any chance of parole, or death. There are other degrees of murder, such as second and third degree murder.
Manslaughter Charge in Florida:
Florida law defines manslaughter as:
The killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another, without lawful justification... and in cases in which such killing shall not be excusable homicide or murder, according to the provisions of this chapter, is manslaughter, a felony of the second degree.
Manslaughter is basically murder without intent, and can be charged in cases where mere negligence is involved, including vehicular manslaughter, which occurs when a drunk driver causes an accident that results in death. Manslaughter includes penalties that can include decades of prison time, but there is no possibility of the death penalty under such a charge.
Regardless of what your specific charge may be, an arrest or indictment for homicide is the most serious criminal charge a defendant can face. As such, your very life may depend on your ability to work with an experienced, accomplished Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney. Attorney Michael D. Fluke has represented more than a dozen individuals on Homicide cases. If you are charged or think you may be charged or investigated in a homicide case Contact a Tampa Bay criminal defense attorney at Fluke, Palma & Seiden immediately.
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