Florida Homicide Defense Lawyer

Defending You in Jacksonville, Ocala, Gainesville & Lake City

When you are facing criminal charges, you need competent and reliable legal representation. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, it is important to involve an experienced lawyer as early on as possible. When the charges involve life-threatening injuries or end in a fatality, an attorney can provide the legal guidance you need throughout your case and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. 

Our firm’s deep familiarity with local criminal processes in Jacksonville, combined with a strategic approach to defense, ensures that you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting an advocate who understands the legal landscape of your specific area and can navigate it effectively on your behalf.

Contact us at (904) 507-6194 for a consultation with our Jacksonville homicide defense lawyer.

Types of Homicide

Homicide is a broad term that refers to any action (or failure to act) that results in the death of another person.

There are several different types of homicide, each carrying its own unique set of facts, motivations, circumstances, and potential penalties. Regardless of the specific charge you face, you need a defense lawyer who knows how to handle the complex leg​​al aspects of your case as well as the sensitive and emotional issues that often arise in these situations. You need the criminal defense team at Monroe Law, P.A.

Examples of Homicide Charges in Florida

Our lawyers handle all types of Florida homicide charges, including, but not limited to:

• Murder: This is the most serious type of homicide charge. First-degree murder is the planned and premeditated killing of another person. Second-degree murder is non-premeditated reckless disregard for human life (e.g. the accidental death of a person during the commission of a felony).
• Manslaughter: Manslaughter is the killing of another person without malice aforethought. In other words, there was no intention to cause harm. In voluntary manslaughter, a person causes the death under circumstances that if the person lived but was seriously injured, the person would be justified in using deadly self-defense.
• Aggravated Assault Resulting in Death: If a person's actions in the heat of an argument lead to someone's unintentional death law enforcement has the authority to charge a person with aggravated assault resulting in death. However, it must be proven the offender knew it was very likely their actions could have led to a death.
• Aggravated Child Abuse Resulting in Death: In Florida, if a child dies after being relatively healthy and medical examination reveals abuse was the cause of death, the offender may be charged with aggravated child abuse resulting in death.
• DUI Manslaughter: When a driver commits vehicular manslaughter while operating a vehicle while under the influence, they can be charged with DUI manslaughter.
• Unintentional Crime: When someone commits an unintentional act during an unlawful felony that results in the death of another person, the offense can be called an unintentional crime resulting in a death. Examples of this type of murder include arson, armed robbery, burglary, and carjacking.

Each of these charges brings unique challenges and requires a nuanced understanding of Florida's complex legal landscape. Our dedicated team meticulously builds defenses tailored to each charge, considering factors such as the client's background, the nature of the evidence, and potential defenses like duress or accident. Through our thorough approach, we work relentlessly to protect our clients' rights and futures.

Penalties for Homicide

The potential penalties for a homicide conviction are severe; the state may even seek the death penalty in capital murder cases. With your future and your very life on the line, you need an experienced defense lawyer from Monroe Law, P.A. on your side.

Penalties for first-, second-, and third-degree murder are as follows:

• Fifteen years to life in prison or life in prison without parole
• Up to a $10,000 fine

The penalties for manslaughter in Florida include:

• Fifteen years in prison
• Up to a $10,000 fine

Defending Against Homicide Charges in Florida

When you work with the Florida criminal defense team at Monroe Law, P.A., we can evaluate the evidence to determine how to reduce your charges or have them dropped completely.

Some of our many strategies may involve:

• New evidence: We will investigate thoroughly to ensure every piece of evidence is collected, including untested DNA uncovered in the case file.
• Proving self-defense: This strategy goes hand in hand with uncovering new evidence in the case.
• Improper evidence search and seizure: If all evidence found against you was taken during an unreasonable search and seizure, it may be inadmissible.
• Insufficient evidence: You can also benefit from these charges being dropped if there is simply not enough evidence against you.
• No duty to intervene or warn of danger: In Florida, there is no specific legal requirement that a person has a duty to help or protect others from harm, including abused children.
• Castle Doctrine: If you cause the death of another person who has unlawfully entered your home against your wishes, you may be able to raise the question of self-defense.

Our approach is thorough and adaptive, incorporating the evolution of evidence and case law. By staying current with the latest legal developments and exhibiting a relentless pursuit of truth and justice, we provide our clients with defenses that are as effective as they are multifaceted, ensuring no detail is overlooked when they need a homicide attorney near them.

Navigating Florida's Legal Landscape

When charged with a homicide in Florida, understanding the state's unique legal landscape is crucial. It requires not just legal prowess, but a firm grasp of how local courts operate, something our team at Monroe Law, P.A. is well-equipped to handle. Our local insight is bolstered by our robust history of managing complex cases, where we consider every angle, from arrest logistics to court procedures, ensuring our defense strategies are both comprehensive and tailored to jurisdictional specificities.

Jacksonville Court Procedures

One of the critical aspects of handling homicide charges in Jacksonville is navigating the local court procedures. The Duval County Circuit Court, where felony cases like homicide are tried, requires a deep understanding of local legal customs and practices. Our team frequently interfaces with the court personnel here, leveraging established relationships to expedite case handling and minimize delays.

By understanding the operational dynamics of Jacksonville courts, including judge preferences and courtroom customs, we tailor our defense strategies to align with local judicial expectations. This knowledge and familiarity cultivate a smoother process and potentially more favorable outcomes for our clients seeking a Jacksonville homicide lawyer.

Contact Us Today

When you work with our staff, your case will be handled with the care and attention it needs and you will get the personalized support and tailored legal strategy you deserve.

Contact our Florida homicide defense attorney at (904) 507-6194 to schedule an initial case consultation with our team. Our goal is to get you the best outcome possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If Falsely Accused of Homicide?

If you find yourself falsely accused of homicide, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly. Contacting an experienced homicide attorney immediately is your first step. At Monroe Law, P.A., we advise against making any statements to law enforcement without legal representation, as even innocuous remarks can be misconstrued or used out of context against you. Our role includes assembling evidence that supports your innocence and challenging the prosecution's claims through meticulous review and procedural diligence.

Furthermore, we engage in thorough investigations to uncover discrepancies or biases in witness testimonies. By constructing a compelling case that demonstrates your non-involvement, we strive to have charges dropped or reduced, providing you with peace of mind in a distressing situation.

How Long Does a Homicide Case Take in Jacksonville?

The duration of a homicide case in Jacksonville can vary greatly, typically spanning several months to a few years. Factors influencing the timeline include case complexity, the amount of evidence, and how congested the court system is at the time. Our team at Monroe Law, P.A. prioritizes expediting the legal processes without compromising the integrity of defense strategies. We communicate regularly with our clients, keeping them informed of any developments or potential delays in their cases.

We also rely on our established familiarity with local courts to streamline hearings and procedures, seeking to close cases efficiently and within reasonable timeframes. While we cannot promise exact timelines, our experience enables us to navigate the system effectively, minimizing lengthy legal battles.