Murder & Manslaughter Criminal Defense

Few crimes are viewed with as much trepidation as murder. Murder falls under the legal classification of homicide, which is the unlawful killing of another human being. Murder varies from less severe crimes, such as manslaughter or reckless homicide, that do not involve the intention to kill. Murder requires the intent to kill, is a felony and is classified by degree.

• First-degree murder is the intentional killing of another human being after planning or premeditation.
• Second-degree murder is carrying out an obviously dangerous act that results in someone losing their life.
• Third-degree murder is an unintentional taking of another human life while being involved in a felony.

If convicted, the punishment for murder often depends on the circumstances of your case and the degree you are charged with. The penalty for first-degree ranges from the death penalty, life without parole, to 20-60 years in prison. There are lesser penalties for second-degree and third-degree instances. In every case, the State will be determined to successfully prosecute your case and impose the most severe sentence possible. Prosecuting Attorneys have the support of law enforcement, crime labs, investigators and many more resources necessary to build a murder case. If you have been charged with murder in South Florida, you need a skilled and experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer on your side.

Remember, you have rights and are assumed innocent until proven guilty. The Law Office of Jonathan S. Friedman, P.A. is a South Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm that will aggressively protect your rights. Attorney Jonathan S. Friedman is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert with the knowledge and experience necessary to defend your murder charge. Due to the complexities of these cases, your defense needs to begin at once. The police and prosecution will work quickly to build their case against you. If you are facing murder charges in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach, contact The Law Office of Jonathan S. Friedman, P.A. today to discuss your case.

Charged with Manslaughter in Florida?

Manslaughter is a serious criminal charge that falls under the legal category of homicide. Manslaughter is a second-degree felony that is legally defined as follows: The killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another without lawful justification according to Florida’s manslaughter statute. As opposed to murder, manslaughter is killing without intent, premeditation or planning. There are two types of manslaughter, voluntary and involuntary.

• Voluntary manslaughter is the killing of another person without premeditation.
• Involuntary manslaughter is when a life is lost as a result of negligence, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In either instance, Manslaughter is a serious charge that can be punishable by a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors and law enforcement will work aggressively to build the State’s case against you, and will pursue the harshest punishment possible if convicted. If you have been charged with manslaughter in Florida, you need the legal representation of a Criminal Defense Attorney who will be more aggressive in defending your case and protecting your rights. Attorney Jonathan S. Friedman is a Board Certified Criminal Trial Expert with years of experience defending manslaughter cases in Florida.

If you have been charged with manslaughter, contact us today to discuss your legal defense options.