No conviction carries more serious charges in Florida than homicide. Prison terms can be lifelong in nature, and in certain situations, those convicted could actually be faced with the death penalty. This all depends on a few factors, including the facts surrounding the case, the nature of the crime and whether or not you have legal representation.

If you have been arrested and charged with any homicide-related crime in or around Orlando Florida, you have no time whatsoever to waste. You need to secure aggressive, experienced and knowledgeable homicide lawyer immediately. Contact the attorneys at Scott & Medling today to begin building your defense.

There are several circumstances in which a charge of some form of homicide can arise, and they are listed below.

Homicide Defined by Florida Laws:

Homicide, as it is stated in the Florida statutes, is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being when perpetrated from a premeditated design to effect the death of the person killed or any human being.

Felony Murder

Felony murder is a widely-accepted legal doctrine whereby a defendant is charged with first-degree murder if someone is killed during the course of the commission of a different felony. Examples of these felonies include arson, drug trafficking, sexual battery, robbery and/or burglary, kidnapping and almost any other felony charge. The defendant does not need to intend to kill a victim in any way to face this ultra-serious charge.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is also a very serious charge, but it does not carry the same consequences as homicide or felony murder. The reason for this lesser degree of severity is that manslaughter charges assume that the defendant did not have the requisite intent to kill another. Examples of manslaughter include crimes of passion, drunk driving and other like situations.

Penalties for Homicide Conviction in Florida:

Any homicide conviction in Florida is considered a felony in the first degree, and a conviction of homicide in certain circumstances can result in a sentence of death. Other convictions can lead to prison terms of 30 years or life in prison.

Manslaughter is considered a felony in the second degree due to lack of intent, but if someone is convicted of manslaughter, he or she could still spend a life term in prison, and often not less than 25 years in the penitentiary.

If you are facing a homicide-related charge in Florida, you need to act immediately to assert and protect your rights. Contact Scott & Medling, P.A. immediately for a consultation.