Murder Attorneys
Murder is a capital crime in Florida. In fact, Florida was the first state to bring back the death penalty after the Supreme Court decision in 1972. If you are facing homicide charges and your life is literally on the line the Tampa criminal lawyers at All Criminal Defense Group are who you want to call as they have defended people accused of felonies, murder and other violent crimes. From our first consultation with you and throughout the entire process, we make sure that no stone is left overturned, no piece of evidence overlooked and no detail is missed. As Tampa criminal defense attorneys,we know what is at stake. And we are dedicated to making sure that your day in court results in the best possible outcome.
If assistance is needed during regular business hours, please call 813-672-1900. Or if there is an emergency and you need to call after hours, weekends and holidays please call telephone number: 813-551-3903 for assistance.
What is homicide and how is it different from murder in Florida?
Homicide is the all-encompassing term that describes the act of killing another human being. As such, homicide includes manslaughter and murder. The difference between murder and manslaughter is one of intent. Manslaughter is generally causing death through reckless disregard. There need not be an intent to kill (although there may have been), but only an act that was intentional and caused death. Murder generally means that there was not only intent to kill, but that it was either premeditated or that that there was a purposeful act in which the perpetrator knew what they were doing could cause a death, and that someone actually died.
First-degree murder
First-degree murder charges may be based on premeditation, meaning that a plan was made in advance to carry out the murder. Felony murder is another type of first-degree murder charge leveled when the murder happened during an attempt or commission of a felony, such as:
- Burglary
- Sexual battery
- Kidnapping
If the homicide is related to a drug offense, it may also be tried as a first-degree murder case. Penalties for a first-degree murder conviction include the death penalty. If the death penalty is not imposed, there is a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
Second-degree murder
If charged with second-degree murder, the charge is for either murder with a depraved mind or accomplice to felony murder. Murder with a depraved mind means that a person was killed because the act that caused the death was dangerous and showed the perpetrator had no regard for the life taken. Accomplice to a felony murder means that you were engaged in an illegal act as an accomplice in which a murder was committed — even if you yourself did not commit the murder. The felony act may include:
- Carjacking
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Resisting arrest with violence
- Arson
- Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
- Aggravated child abuse
Penalties for second-degree murder can include up to life in prison.
Do not talk to the police or the prosecutor until we help you secure your Constitutional rights
Anything you say can and will be used against you, and that is why it is important that you say nothing without legal representation. We offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and your options. To schedule a time, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable Tampa murder attorneys at All Criminal Defense Group online or call us at 813-321-3421 or after hours at 813-551-3903. We will get back with you at our earliest opportunity!
