Murder & Manslaughter
“Thou shall not kill” is one of the ten commandments and is one of very few universally accepted laws. Murder and manslaughter are unfortunately crimes we hear about every day in the media. Commonly, in today’s world, simple altercations turn deadly. When you or a loved one is accused of one – if not the – most serious crimes in Florida, you need an experienced advocate in your corner.
That’s where we come in. At Taracks & Associates, we have handled several high-profile murder cases in the Tampa Bay Area. Our firm is founded by former prosecutors who have handled these types of cases from both sides of the courtroom – as defense lawyers and as lawyers for the State. Because of this, the team at Taracks & Associates knows how to handle every aspect of a murder case – from the pre-file negotiations, to dealing with the media, to trial and sentencing if necessary.
If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter, please, call us now for a free, confidential consultation at 813-281-2897. Our defense team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can typically have an attorney meet with you at our office or at the jail within hours, even on the weekend.
Below is information on murder and some of the elements associated with various charges. If you have questions about these elements or what your loved one may be charged with, please feel free to call.
First Degree Murder is a capital (punishable by death) offense in Florida when the murder comes from a premeditated “design to effect the death of the person killed” or, alternatively, when the murder occurs in the commission of certain violent felony offenses (rape; arson; kidnapping; etc.)
Second Degree Murder is punishable by life in prison. A murder is considered to be a murder in the second degree when it is caused by “any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind regardless of human life” or, alternatively, when a person other than the defendant kills someone during the commission of certain violent felony offenses (rape; arson; kidnapping; etc.)
Third Degree Murder is a second degree felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison. Third degree murder is any murder committed in the commission of a felony other than those specifically enumerated elsewhere under the law (i.e.; felony offenses unlike rape; arson; kidnapping; etc.)
Manslaughter is a second degree felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison. Manslaughter is defined as the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another, without lawful justification, in cases in which such killing is not considered to be excusable homicide or murder.
It is important to note that there are many other possible offenses a person may be charged under if he or she is involved in the unlawful killing of another. It is important that you contact an experienced Tampa murder attorney with Taracks & Associates, P.A. as soon as possible to discuss your options and potential defenses.