If you have been accused, charged, or even just questioned by the police regarding someone’s death, get in touch with a West Palm Beach murder lawyer from The Law Offices of Robert David Malove. Never forget that you have the right to a defense, and our team of respected homicide defense attorneys has over 60 years of combined experience in fighting back against criminal charges. When you are charged with murder, you need someone devoted and highly skilled to represent you.
Defining Murder According to the Law
Murder is one of those words that gets used in several different contexts, but many people may not know its legal definition. It is actually more than just causing someone’s death. In general, to be classified as murder under Florida Statutes Section 782.04, the killing of another person must be done with the intention to do so.
Of course, there are a lot of nuances to this, which is why murder is further classified into first, second, and third degrees. First-degree is what is known as premeditated murder, and it is charged when there is evidence that the alleged offender made a plan and waited for the opportunity. This is the most serious of the three, and the punishment could be up to life in prison or even the death penalty.
Second-degree murder is charged when the accused engages in a dangerous act that shows a conscious disregard for human life. This may also result in a life sentence, but it could be down to 16 years with the possibility of parole. Finally, third-degree is when someone is accidentally killed while in the middle of committing a different crime, such as a robbery. The penalty here is between 10 and 15 years in prison. Even if it was not on purpose, the consequences for murdering another person in West Palm Beach could be severe, so hiring legal counsel is imperative.
What Are Some Possible Defenses to the Charge?
As in all criminal matters, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and meeting the burden of proof is the job of the prosecutor. They must provide sufficient evidence of the accused’s intentions beyond a reasonable doubt, which opens the door to some defensive strategies that could reduce the charge or get it dismissed all together.
An attorney skilled at handling murder cases in West Palm Beach could challenge the prosecution’s assertion that it was done on purpose, which raises doubt about the case. In addition, if the police obtained any piece of evidence illegally, it may be possible to have that evidence excluded from the courtroom.
Other cases may present an opportunity to show that the death was justified, which is commonly known as self-defense. A person could be allowed to use lethal force if they believed that their life was in imminent danger. This could also extend to a defense of others. Every situation is different, and the appropriate strategy is going to depend on the specific facts.
Contact a Murder Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach
If you are facing charges of taking someone else’s life, speak to a West Palm Beach murder lawyer at The Law Offices of Robert David Malove. Our team could evaluate your situation and develop a strategy for your defense.
You have the Constitutional right to a defense against criminal accusations, no matter what. Call The Law Offices of Robert David Malove for a confidential consultation with one of our defense attorneys.