Murder

Fort Lauderdale Murder Defense Lawyer

Representation for Homicide Charges in Broward County, FL

Murder is one of the most serious criminal charges that can be brought down upon someone, and the law severely punishes those who are convicted. If you are accused of murder, the first move you should make is to get an lawyer to work on your defense. What a Fort Lauderdale murder defense attorney does is look at the details and the evidence in your case and in the prosecutor arguments to see if there are any holes or weaknesses. Your attorney then uses that to defend you.

Take a look at the benefits of hiring Hager & Schwartz, P.A. to handle your case:

  • Defense from former prosecutors
  • 24/7 availability
  • Free initial consultations
  • Decades of experience

Find out more about your legal options by calling our Fort Lauderdale murder defense lawyers today at (954) 840-8713!

Charges for Murder in Florida

Murder is often called “unjustifiable homicide,” which essentially means taking someone else’s life in circumstances that cannot be justified (such as self-defense or the defense of another).

First-Degree Murder Penalties

With first-degree murder, the act must be premeditated, or planned with malice aforethought. This can include poisoning, lying in wait, imprisonment, torture, etc. If the death of another individual occurred during the commission of another felony, this can also be charged as first-degree murder.

The penalties include:

  • Up to 15 years in prison
  • A maximum of 30 years if a firearm is used

Second-Degree Murder Penalties

Second-degree murder charges can be brought against an individual in cases where a death was caused in a manner that shows an extreme disregard for human life. This can include acts of unlawful distribution of certain substances that may cause the death of the user, for example.

The penalties include:

  • Maximum of life in prison
  • A minimum of 25 years if a firearm is used

Third-Degree Murder Penalties

  • Up to 15 years in prison
  • A maximum of 30 years if a firearm is used

Defense Strategies for Charges of Murder in Florida

The defendant's state of mind is what differentiates murder from other offenses, like manslaughter. If the intent was premeditated and calculated, this would be considered murder If the act was accidental and/or unintentional, this would be considered manslaughter under the law.

Also, any mental condition that may have affected a person's judgment may be taken into account, such as:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Medication side-effects
  • Temporary insanity
  • Depression

If the killing was not intentional, it may be considered reckless killing, criminally negligent homicide, or manslaughter, as motive and/or intent must be proven by prosecution to make a valid case against an individual for murder charges. These cases are understandably emotionally charged. There are often members of the deceased person's families who are intent upon seeing you convicted. In many cases, the charge is unfounded as the death occurred due to self-defense, or the accused was not involved in any way. Whatever the situation is, you need legal help quickly of the highest quality.

That is where the Fort Lauderdale murder defense lawyers from Hager & Schwartz, P.A. can step in and handle your case. Contact us so that we can begin crafting your defense!

A FIRM WITH A WINNING RECORD

READ A FEW OF OUR CASE RESULTS
  • Case Dismissed
  • No Conviction
  • Charges Dropped
  • Charges Were Not Filed
  • Case Dismissed

Our Client Success Stories

  • He is a connoisseur of his craft and conveyed all arguments to its full potential.

    “It is with great pleasure to write briefly and comment on John's performance, professionalism and compassion for me as his client. As an attorney, he always stayed ahead of what was going on, worked diligently and efficiently to satisfy all requests.”

  • He got it done!

    “I hired John Hager, because my teen son got into a dispute in Ft. Lauderdale, and needed legal help. John turned out to be as advertised, he is smart, competent, detailed, and responsive to the client and his or her needs.”

  • I got my FREEDOM back because of Mr. John Hager

    “Mr. Hager took on my case and in the following months he always returned my calls and replied to my emails promptly. His staff was also great at keeping me apprised of all court matters.”

  • "I guarantee he will not disappoint"

    “Due to his hard work, the charges were never filed and case was dropped which is truly a miracle and we are so grateful for all his dedication. Should you ever need a defense attorney he is the person to contact, I guarantee he will not disappoint.”

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