Murder Lawyer in Jacksonville

Defending Those Accused of Murder in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, & Nassau Counties

If you or someone you love has been arrested for or charged with murder, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced murder attorney Jacksonville as soon as possible. Without competent defense, you could be convicted of a crime you did not commit. At Monroe Law, P.A., we have handled hundreds of murder cases and have obtained acquittals for our clients. We know what it takes to build a strong defense for murder charges, and we are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

In addition to focusing on strong legal defenses, we emphasize the importance of understanding the personal circumstances of our clients. By building a comprehensive picture of each client’s background and the specific details of their situation, we aim to offer truly personalized defense strategies. This approach helps in identifying unique defense angles that others might miss.

At Monroe Law, P.A., our Jacksonville murder attorneys operate with the understanding that being accused of murder is not just a legal challenge but a life-altering event. We offer continuous support and guidance throughout the legal process for violent crime charges in Florida, ensuring that no client feels alone or overwhelmed during their criminal case.

To schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Jacksonville murder lawyer, contact Monroe Law, P.A. at (904) 507-6194.

Understanding Florida Murder Laws

Under Florida law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being by another with malice aforethought. Malice is defined as "ill will, hatred, or enmity, or any other emotionless state of mind which leads a person to intentionally kill another without justification or excuse." Understanding the nuances of this definition is critical, as these elements are what the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a courtroom. Familiarity with these aspects allows Monroe Law, P.A. to tailor defenses that directly address each component.

A murder charge can be classified as either first-degree or second-degree. First-degree murder occurs when the killing is done in conjunction with one of the following aggravating factors:

• During the commission of another felony offense;
• by a person under 16 who has been convicted of a life felony;
• by a person who has been previously convicted of a life felony;
• by a person who has been previously convicted of any felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence;
• by a person who has been previously convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against another person;
• by a person who has previously been adjudicated guilty of any felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against another person;
• against a law enforcement officer while the officer is performing his or her official duties;
• against a correctional officer while the officer is performing his or her official duties;
• against a correctional officer by a person who has been previously convicted of a life felony or felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence;
• against a person who is performing his or her duties as a firefighter or emergency medical services personnel;
• against a child who is under the age of 12 by a person who has been previously convicted of a life felony or felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against a child;
• against two or more persons;
• by a person who has been previously adjudicated guilty of two or more felonies involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against another person;
• against a pregnant woman resulting in the death of her unborn child; or
• against a person who is 65 years of age or older.

It's paramount for those accused of murder to grasp these factors as they significantly impact the severity of potential penalties. An experienced murder attorney can effectively challenge the presence of these aggravating circumstances or argue mitigating factors that can influence the outcome favorably.