Murder is penalized more harshly than almost all other crimes in most states, including Florida. Law Enforcement Officials pour tremendous resources into investigating homicide crimes and these offenses are prosecuted by the most experienced Attorneys. Those accused of murder deserve to have their rights defended by the equally experienced legal team at Leifert & Leifert.
A Boca Raton murder lawyer knows how to seek out and preserve evidence that is vital to a case. A skilled attorney could also negotiate and advocate on your behalf to bring about the best possible resolution to your case.
When you seek legal advice well before a crime is formally charged, you greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. If you were charged or believe there is a chance you may be charged with a crime involving homicide, it is wise to consult with one of our lawyers who is familiar with murder trials to learn how to protect your rights and avoid taking actions that could be harmful to your case.
Different Degrees of Murder
Whether a Court classifies an unlawful killing as murder or another form of homicide generally depends on the circumstances. The classification of the offense as a First-, Second-, or Third-degree Felony will also depend on various factors.
Under Florida laws, a homicide is considered murder if the act was committed with “malice aforethought,” or in other words, was premeditated. Even if the death was unintentional, if it occurred in the course of committing a felony, it may be considered murder under the felony-murder rule.
A premeditated killing is among the most serious murder crimes and is punished severely. A homicide that occurs in conjunction with another offense or dangerous action is treated with differing degrees of severity depending on the type of crime involved.
Boca Raton Offenses Punishable as First-Degree Murder
A death is considered murder in the First Degree if it is committed by a person while they attempt to (or succeed in) perpetrate various crimes, including but not limited to:
- Drug trafficking
- Arson
- Rape/sexual battery
- Robbery or burglary
- Hijacking of a car or aircraft
- Resisting an arrest with violence
- Aggravated fleeing that results in serious bodily injury or death
- Human kidnapping or trafficking
In addition, an adult aged 18 and over may be convicted of First-Degree murder in Boca Raton for distributing certain controlled substances when someone who received the drug fatally overdosed. First-Degree murder is a capital Felony and can carry a sentence of the death penalty or a life in State Prison. A person accused of this offense should contact a Boca Raton murder lawyer as soon as conviently possible.
Second-Degree Murder
An individual may be convicted of murder in the Second Degree for killing another person through acts that are very likely to place a person’s life in danger and that reveal that person to have no regard for human life.
A person may be charged with Second-Degree murder when a homicide results from the act of, or attempt to, commit a Felony crime such as those listed above. This is referred to as a felony-murder. The difference between a First-Degree Felony-murder and Second-Degree Felony-murder is that a Second-Degree Felony-murder is committed by someone who is not engaged in committing or attempting the other crime.
Conversely, an individual involved in the offense but not the killing can be convicted of murder in Second Degree, according to Fla. Stat. §782.04(3). Second-Degree murder is usually treated as a First-Degree Felony with a penalty of up to 30 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
Third-Degree Murder
When a person kills another unintentionally while committing or attempting to commit a Felony offense other than the ones listed above, that individual may be charged with Third-Degree murder. Murder in the Third Degree is a Second-Degree Felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years in State Prison and a fine as high as $10,000. If you have been charged with this offense, be sure to get in touch with a Boca Raton murder lawyer.
Speak with a Boca Raton Murder Attorney
When the stakes are as high as the death penalty or a lifetime prison sentence, it is important to prepare the strongest defense to the charges as possible. An experienced Boca Raton murder lawyer can explain the implication of any charges you may be facing or are likely to face, gather crucial information, and help you build a robust defense. Working with a skillful lawyer can help protect your legal rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome of your case. Call now to see how we can help.