Murder Defense

About Murder and Manslaughter Charges

Murder is a most serious offense in Florida. There are several degrees of severity of punishment possible depending upon the type of murder charge you are facing. A prosecutor prepares carefully before going into court to try a murder case. It is important to note that a local or federal prosecutor has immense investigative resources to call upon during case preparation to gather witness testimony, scientific and other evidence against a defendant. Click here to read more about murder charges and penalties under Florida Statutes §782.04 (2011).

Florida Law: Penalties for Murder

When facing a murder charge you have a number of rights. Taking full advantage of the rights to be represented by legal counsel and to present a powerful defense is vital when facing one of these serious charges. A murder defense lawyer at the firm will listen carefully to your side and has the resources to investigate the circumstances of the alleged offense and to assist you in developing a powerful defense strategy. No case is exactly like any other. A thorough investigation may expose facts which police investigators did not find out which can be used to your benefit. The legal team at the firm is skilled in providing a strong defense for violent crimes with harsh penalties such as:

• Murder in the first degree: Sentence life in prison or the death penalty
• Murder in the second degree: Minimum sentence 16 ¾ years with possible life in prison, up to life probation
• Murder in the third degree: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison
• Manslaughter: Usually punishable by up to 15 years in prison but may be punishable by up to life in prison under some circumstances

There are a number of legally valid defenses to a murder charge. A skilled lawyer at the firm will fight on your behalf to get the charges dropped or reduced, and take full advantage of any weaknesses in the prosecution's case to present a compelling defense. For answers to questions which relate to your specific case and circumstances call the Law Office of A. Antonio Tomas, P.A.