What are Defenses to Homicide in Fort Lauderdale?

Being charged with any type of homicide whether it is first-degree murder or manslaughter is extremely stressful. If you are convicted, you will face at least 15 years in prison. Fortunately, there are defenses available in these cases. Still, due to the serious nature of these charges in Fort Lauderdale, and throughout the state, defending against homicide charges is challenging. Below, our Fort Lauderdale homicide lawyer explains the different defenses available and tips for proving your innocence.

Common Defenses to Homicide in Fort Lauderdale

A robust defense strategy is critical when you are facing homicide charges. Your entire future is on the line and only a strong defense can protect it. The defense strategy you use will depend on the facts of your case. The most common defenses used when facing homicide charges are as follows:

No intent: In order for first or second degree murder charges to apply, a person must have intent. This is not the same as premeditation, which means the homicide was planned. A person can intend to kill someone without previously planning or considering the idea. The defense of no intent is usually used to reduce murder charges to manslaughter.
Self-defense: The self-defense laws in Florida are very generous towards those who are trying to protect themselves, their family, or their property. If you can show that you feared immediate harm and used deadly force to protect yourself, this can serve as a valid defense.
Insanity: The insanity defense may apply in your case if you can establish that you were suffering from a serious mental disease or defect at the time of the offense. This requires you to show that you did not understand what you were doing.
Alibi: A strong alibi showing that you were somewhere else is a very strong defense when defending homicide charges.
Accident: If you can show that the death was a tragic accident and that you did not have any criminal intent, this can serve as a defense.

How to Prove Your Innocence

There are many types of evidence used when building a strong defense. These include:

Collect evidence: Forensic reports, surveillance footage, and physical evidence can help establish your innocence. Combined, this evidence can create a full picture of the events leading up to and causing the death.
Interview witnesses: There are many different types of witnesses that can be questioned to prove your innocence. These include expert witnesses, character witnesses, and eyewitnesses.
Police reports: Even when a police report indicates that you were to blame for a death, analyzing it for errors and inconsistencies can help prove your innocence.

A homicide lawyer can use the above evidence to craft a compelling legal argument that can serve as a strong defense.

Our Homicide Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Craft Your Defense

It is easy to become overwhelmed when facing homicide charges but knowing the defenses available can provide some reassurance. At Haber Blank, LLP, our Fort Lauderdale homicide lawyer can advise on the best defense strategy for your case and give you the best chance of protecting your freedom. Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal defense you need.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0782/Sections/0782.04.html