Homicide Defense Attorneys in Jacksonville

Serving Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and clients throughout Florida

Also known as manslaughter or murder, homicide is one of the most heinous crimes known to society. But unfortunately, it is a crime we hear about on a daily basis throughout the world.

There are also different types of homicide and murder charges ranging from merely taking another human life to crimes of passion.

Each situation is unique and can vary, which also affects sentences and punishments. Homicide sentences can range from life in prison to even the death penalty.

But regardless of the situation, facing murder or manslaughter charges is very serious. This is why hiring criminal defense lawyers in Jacksonville can make all the difference in your case.

A criminal defense attorney will take all allegations very seriously, and will work with you to prepare and organize a case to protect your freedom. Don’t risk your future, your freedom, or your life.

What are the Different Types of Homicide?

Even though homicide accusations and charges are very serious, each case is circumstantial. In fact, Florida is one of the states with an excusable homicide provision. This means that some forms of homicide are excusable and can have different legal outcomes.

Some examples of excusable homicide include:

• Committed by accident and misfortune without any unlawful intent
• Committed by accident and misfortune in the heat of passion, upon any sudden and sufficient provocation, or upon a sudden combat
• Committed without the use of any dangerous weapon being used
• Not committed in a cruel or unusual manner

Similarly, justifiable homicide cases include:

• Committed as an act of self-defense
• Committed as an act of defense against a loved one or family
• Committed as an act to prevent a felony
• Committed as an act of legal duty or commanded by law

Murder

Murder, however, typically refers to the intentional killing of another human being. Murder cases can result in either first, second or third degrees.

Here is a break down of the different degrees of murder.

First Degree Murder

In the State of Florida, first-degree murder refers to the following situations and can result in life in prison:

• The intentional or premeditated killing of another human being.
• The intentional killing of another human being in an attempt to sustain certain felonies such as trafficking offenses, arson, sexual battery, robbery, abuse, kidnapping, and so on.
• The intentional killing of another human being as a result of drug trafficking or distribution.

Second Degree Murder

Second-degree murder refers to the following situations, and is punishable up to life in prison:

• The unlawful killing of another human being, without any regard for human life, but may not necessarily be premeditated.
• The unlawful killing of another human being as a result of trafficking offenses, arson, sexual battery, robbery, abuse, kidnapping, terrorism, and so on.
• Committed by another party involved in the crime as an attempt to cover up a felony.

Third Degree Murder

Third-degree murder refers to the following situations, and is a felony of second-degree murder and is punishable up to fifteen years in prison:

• The unlawful killing of another human being in the perpetuation of a felony not listed in the first-degree murder statute.
• Any felony other than trafficking offenses, arson, sexual battery, robbery, abuse, kidnapping, terrorism, and so on.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being without malice. Manslaughter can be either a first or second-degree felony.

Manslaughter is typically the result of culpable negligence, which means the act was committed as a result of recklessness or without any regard for human life.

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide is an example of manslaughter. This type of homicide refers to when a person is killed as a result of another driver operating a motor vehicle in a dangerous, negligent or reckless manner that is likely to cause death or severe harm to another.

Depending on the case circumstances, vehicular homicide can result in a first or second-degree felony and can mean large fines, significant prison time and sentences, and even community service.

Vessel Homicide

Due to the number of boats used in Florida waters, vessel homicide is a real charge. This type of homicide involves the killing of another human being or causing severe bodily harm. This is similar to vehicular homicide only involving the operation and use of a vessel or aircraft.

Assisting Self-Murder

Self-murder refers to intentionally taking one’s own life. In the state of Florida, assisting in self-murder is a serious charge. This involves assisting another human being in the taking of his or her own life.

This “assistance” refers to aid, abet, facilitate, permit, advocate, or encourage an act that results in the intentional killing of another human being.

The Killing of an Unborn Child

In the state of Florida, harming or attempting to harm a pregnant mother that results in the killing of an unborn child or fetus results in the same degree of murder as committed to the mother.

This means that the killing or severe harm of an unborn child or fetus should result in the same charge or punishment as if the crime was committed against the mother herself. Charges for this crime are likely to result in first-degree murder to both the mother and child.

Unnecessary Killing or Failed Attempt

In the state of Florida, an individual who unnecessarily takes the life of another human being to prevent an unlawful act or felony, or who has failed at an attempt to take the life of another human being will likely be charged with manslaughter or second-degree felony.

Contact the Homicide Defense Attorneys at Hardesty, Tyde, Green & Ashton, P.A. in Jacksonville, Florida

Homicide, murder, and/or manslaughter charges are very serious and often involve intricate and complex cases. You should never attempt to go at fighting criminal charges such as these alone, or risk using a public defender. Instead, contact homicide defense attorneys in Jacksonville who knows the ropes.

Contact the law team at Hardesty, Tyde, Green & Ashton, P.A.  today. We are here to fight for our clients’ rights and freedom and get them the fair trial for which they are entitled. We have an excellent court track record, and we can help with your case, too. Call us today for a free case evaluation.