What are the Different Types of Homicide in Florida?
In Florida, many people use the terms ‘murder’ and ‘homicide’ interchangeably. In fact, these two terms are not the same. The term ‘homicide’ refers to the killing of another person while ‘murder’ refers to intentionally taking someone else’s life. Due to these differences, and others, it is critical to know what charges you are facing if you have been accused of a crime. The charges you face will have a significant impact on the penalties that may be levied and how your future will be affected. Below, our Fort Lauderdale homicide lawyer explains further.
Different Types of Homicide in Fort Lauderdale
There are multiple types of homicide recognized under Florida law. These include:
- First-degree murder: First-degree murder is the most serious type of homicide. This crime involves the intention to kill as well as premeditation, or planning. First-degree murder is considered a capital felony. Florida is also one of 27 states that still uses the death penalty, so this may be an option for the prosecution when trying a first-degree murder case.
- Second-degree murder: Second-degree murder also involves the intention to kill a person but it does not involve premeditation the same way first-degree murder does. Second-degree murder is still a first-degree felony.
- Manslaughter: Manslaughter also does not involve premeditation but it is still defined as the illegal killing of another person. Manslaughter may be voluntary, such as when it occurs in the heat of passion, or involuntary, such as when a person’s reckless behavior causes a death. Manslaughter is considered a second-degree felony.
- Felony murder: Felony murder occurs when a person is killed during the commission of a felony. The individual accused of committing the felony does not have to intend to take someone else’s life in order to be charged with felony murder. Depending on the circumstances, felony murder can be charged as a first-degree or second-degree felony.
Penalties for Homicide in Fort Lauderdale
Just as there are varying types of homicide in Florida, there are also different penalties, depending on the circumstances in a case and the specific charge a person is facing.
First-degree murder is the most serious type of homicide charge and is punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty in Florida. Felony murder carries the same penalties as first-degree murder. Second-degree murder also carries a sentence of life imprisonment, although the death penalty is not typically an option.
When manslaughter is classified as a crime occurring in the heat of passion, sentences can be as long as 15 years in prison. Manslaughter that results from another person’s reckless behavior will typically have lesser sentences,
Our Homicide Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Protect You from Serious Penalties
Regardless of the type of homicide a person is charged with, the penalties are always very serious. At Haber Blank LLP, our Fort Lauderdale homicide lawyer knows the only way to avoid them is to have a strong defense that can protect you and your future. If you are facing charges, call us now or contact us online 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
