The State of Florida can charge a homicide defendant with first, second, or third-degree murder, manslaughter, or vehicular homicide. While elements of these charges vary, a homicide charge is a serious matter that can carry lengthy prison sentences and, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
A Key West homicide lawyer from Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC could help you navigate these charges and fight to protect your freedom. Our team has in-depth knowledge and familiarity with how such charges are handled in Monroe County criminal courts, and we have defended individuals facing all levels of homicide charges in those courts. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an aggressive criminal defense attorney from our firm.
Homicides that are planned, deliberate, or purposeful will generally justify a first-degree murder charge and carry extreme sentences, such as life imprisonment without parole. Likewise, homicides that occur in conjunction with another felony, including, for example, robbery or an illicit drug transaction, will justify a first-degree murder indictment.
An experienced homicide defense attorney in Key West could carefully review the language of your indictment to determine the facts that a prosecutor must prove to secure a conviction, including:
After reviewing the charges filed against you, your attorney could begin gathering evidence and explaining the penalties you could expect to face upon conviction.
Individuals convicted of first-degree murder may be punished either with a sentence of death or life imprisonment with no option for parole. Second-degree murder convictions can also carry life sentences, but may include a parole option.
The remaining homicide charges can carry sentences of up to 15 years, sometimes with monetary fines. Your Key West homicide defense attorney could fight to reduce homicide charges to a lower tier and negotiate shorter prison sentences with more favorable parole options. Our lawyers have a deep understanding of how homicide cases are treated in Monroe County courts and judges, offering a distinct advantage in such negotiations.
Several defenses can be used against homicide charges. For example, Florida Statute § 776.013, which is commonly called the “stand your ground” law, provides a defense for persons charged with homicide after using deadly force to protect their home or other dwelling place. Our homicide lawyers will always review an indictment to determine if there is a basis for this argument or some other self-defense justification in a Key West murder case.
The facts of your case might also present a possible insanity or duress defense. Your attorney may also argue that you committed murder to avoid some other greater injury or harm.
Apart from these defenses, your attorney could challenge the admission of evidence that was improperly obtained, the violation of your due process rights, procedural mistakes in selecting a jury, or a trial judge’s jury instructions or prejudicial comments made by a prosecutor.
If you have been charged with homicide, do not take your chances with an inexperienced defense attorney. Reach out to Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC to consult a Key West homicide lawyer who will work to protect your rights and fight tirelessly to reduce your charges and sentence. Don’t go to court alone. Contact us today to learn more.
