Fort Lauderdale Murder Defense Lawyer
Aggressive Representation for Your Homicide Charges
Out of all of the crimes that one can be accused of, murder is the most serious. If you have been arrested for or accused of murder, seeking help from a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney is absolutely essential to your case. Having an aggressive and experienced legal advocate by your side is one of the only ways for you to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entirety of the investigation and courtroom proceedings. For this reason, you shouldn't delay in contacting the knowledgeable legal team at Parks & Braxton, PA. We have handled thousands of criminal cases, and we are ready to fight for you!
The Various Degrees of Murder Charges in Florida
Challenging your murder charges can be a highly complex matter involving massive amounts of evidence, eyewitness accounts and aggressive strategies by the prosecution. In order to handle your case properly, you need to secure the help of a reputable criminal law firm like Parks & Braxton, PA. The different degrees of murder in the state of Florida are as follows:
- First Degree Murder: a preplanned or premeditated killing of another human being. Penalties include life in prison or the death penalty, and first degree murder may also coincide with the commission of another felony.
- Second Degree Murder: unpremeditated death that is committed with an extreme disregard for human life. Penalties include up to 30 years in prison, and second degree murder may also be committed with a non-capital felony.
- Third Degree Murder: any other type of murder.
Aggravating Factors That Could Lead to Enhanced Penalties
If you have been accused of murder, you could be facing decades in prison or even the possibility of capital punishment. For this reason, it would be in your best interest to contact a criminal lawyer in Fort Lauderdale as soon as you have been arrested. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the state may advocate for the harshest sentencing available – as certain "aggravating factors" may render you eligible for life in prison or even the death penalty.
Some of the most common aggravating factors include:
- You were previously convicted of or charged with murder
- The killing occurred during the commission of another violent crime
- The murder victim was a law enforcement officer, judge or potential witness
- You have been accused of being an active gang member
- The murder was committed through the use of bombs of explosives
- You were accused of lying in wait or poisoning the victim
Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
When you call Parks & Braxton, PA, you will immediately begin to notice the difference that skilled legal counsel can make in your murder case. We will begin intervening on your behalf to challenge the evidence brought against you and to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Depending on your situation, you may be charged in state or federal court. Our firm is well-equipped to defend your rights in any type of courtroom, and we have a former prosecutor on our team who is intimately familiar with the strategies that will be used against you.
Contact our office 24/7 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers.