If you have been charged with first degree murder then you may have a defense. Self-defense, excusable homicide, and justifiable homicide are all defenses that are oftentimes successful in first degree murder cases. Attorney Williams has also been successful having cases dismissed during a “stand your ground” hearing. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about defenses to murder, or if you want to speak to a lawyer about how to beat your murder case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
First-degree murder is defined under Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a)(1). A person commits first-degree murder when they kill another human being pursuant to a preplanned act or scheme.
First-degree murder is a first-degree felony, and the only two sentences you can receive if you are convicted of first-degree murder in Florida are life in prison or death. The state attorney has full discretion in deciding whether or not to seek the death penalty or a life sentence.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for murder, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. More importantly, if you are convicted of first-degree murder in Florida you will never leave custody as a free person again. Even if you are convicted of a lesser included felony at trial, you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with murder in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.