Address:
Bank of America Plaza
101 E. Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1485
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone:
(813) 228-7095 (office line)
(813) 263-7044
(813) 334-3910
(813) 228-7099 (fax)
Tampa Criminal Homicide Attorney
Skilled Homicide Defense Lawyer
Homicide is the act of taking another person’s life. There are circumstances where homicide is justifiable, thus not a crime. This generally involves defense of self or of a third person. If a homicide is not justifiable, it is either murder, manslaughter or vehicular homicide. Murder involves the intent to harm another person. Manslaughter is a lesser charge used when a death was accidental. Vehicular homicide involves a person who has negligently or recklessly operated a car, truck or boat, resulting in the death of another person. All charges of homicide require the expertise of a skilled Tampa criminal homicide attorney.
Murder charges are broken into three categories: first degree, second degree and third degree. First degree murder can be punishable by death. A murder is considered first degree if it was preplanned, occurred while committing another serious crime or if the victim overdosed on a drug provided by the assailant. Second degree murder can also be considered the appropriate charge when the crime was committed in the process of another felony act, otherwise this charge is invoked when the murderer acted in a way showing a disregard for human life. Third degree murder is generally a charge used against a person who accidentally killed someone while involved in a serious felony.
Manslaughter is generally a second degree felony, but in certain circumstances, the charges will be considered to be a first degree felony. This charge is like murder, without the intent to cause death. It can also be a death caused by gross negligence. Manslaughter charges have sentences with decades of jail time.
Vehicular manslaughter is when a person’s death is a result of the reckless driving of another person. Frequently, this charge is brought up against drunk drivers who killed someone in an accident. Vehicular manslaughter can be a first or second degree felony and will have sentences that include massive fines, years in jail and community service.
If you are facing murder, manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter charges, contact the Florida Defense Group today. We will conduct an independent investigation of your case to provide leverage for reducing the charges and gather evidence to get a not guilty verdict in your trial. An experienced Tampa criminal attorney from our group is crucial in protecting your rights. If any evidence against you was obtained illegally, we will fight to have it suppressed.
Call our office today for an initial consultation where we can discuss the details of your case.