Miami Murder and Homicide Criminal Defense Attorney

Miami-Dade County Criminal Defense Attorney Represents Those Charged with Murder

Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm Defends Homicide Charges

Homicide is the legal term for any killing of a human being by another human being. While homicide itself may not be illegal (such as the justifiable killing of a suspect by the police or a killing in self-defense), unlawful homicides are classified as murder and manslaughter.

Murder is an intentional killing that was not legally justified and was committed with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought, also known as intent, exists when a defendant intends to kill another human being, and also exists if:

The killer intentionally inflicts serious bodily harm on someone, resulting in their death
Behaves in a way that demonstrates extreme, reckless disregard for life, and results in the death of the victim
Murder in Florida is classified as either a first or second-degree crime:

• First-degree murder requires malice aforethought and premeditation, and can also be proven if someone, in the course of committing another violent felony such as robbery or burglary, inadvertently kills another person. There are two potential penalties for first-degree murder in Florida: life in prison without parole, or death.
• Murder in the second degree is the intentional killing of another human being with malice, meaning performing the harmful act without just cause of legal excuse, but without premeditation or deliberation (planning to do so in advance).

Second-degree murder in Florida is classified as a capital felony punished by a term of imprisonment of at least 40 years.

If you are facing murder or homicide charges in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties Florida, criminal defense attorney Bruce H Lehr Lehr, Levi & Mendez, P.A. will provide you with an aggressive defense. Contact our firm online or call (305) 377-1777 to set up your free initial consultation today.