Over the years The Alvarez Law Group has successfully provided professional murder & manslaughter defense legal services for many Winter Haven, Lakeland, Polk County and West Central Florida area residents and tourist,

The two classifications of a homicide, which are murder and manslaughter. Murder and manslaughter have varying degrees of charges which if convicted, also determine the sentencing guidelines you may be awarded.

Murder Charges

A felony murder occurs when there is an unlawful killing of a human being. Felony murder charges are usually charged when premeditation exists or the death of the victim occurred during the course of another criminal act. Contrary to popular belief, in the State of Florida, motive does not have to be proven in order to obtain a conviction in a felony murder case, just that the accused committed the murder. The degree of a felony murder charge may be: 1st degree murder, 2nd degree murder, or 3rd degree murder. 1st degree murder being the more serious offense which, if convicted, carries a life sentence or the death penalty.

Manslaughter Charges

A felony manslaughter occurs when the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness of an individual results in the death of another. In a felony manslaughter charge, premeditation or intent does not exist. Although a manslaughter conviction could result in lengthy prison time, a felony manslaughter criminal charge is not subject to the death penalty.

Basically, a felony manslaughter is a homicide without intent and absence of specific types of criminal acts which would make the death of a person a murder charge. The degree of a felony manslaughter charge may be: 1st degree manslaughter, 2nd degree manslaughter, or 3rd degree manslaughter. 1st degree manslaughter being the more serious offense.

If you, or someone you know, are facing murder or manslaughter charges, contact The Alvarez Law Group to speak with an experienced murder / manslaughter defense attorney  (lawyer) about representing your legal interest.

Winter Haven / Lakeland Attorney - Lawyer, providing professional Manslaughter & Murder Defense legal services in Winter Haven, Lakeland, Polk County and West Central Florida.