Homicide Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

Defending Your Rights in Florida’s Most Serious Criminal Cases

Being charged with homicide is one of the most daunting legal experiences a person can face. In Florida, a homicide conviction can mean life in prison—or even the death penalty. Whether you’re facing charges for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter, having an experienced Fort Lauderdale homicide attorney on your side can make all the difference.

At George Reres Law, P.A., we understand the gravity of homicide allegations and the aggressive tactics prosecutors use to pursue convictions. We’re here to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and build a strategic defense tailored to your case.

Understanding Florida Homicide Law

In Florida, homicide is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being. But not all homicides are the same. The law classifies these charges into categories based on intent, circumstances, and the defendant’s actions:

First Degree Murder – Capital Felony

Also known as 1st degree murder in Florida, this charge is reserved for the most serious killings:

• Requires premeditation (planning ahead), or
• Occurs during the commission of another felony (felony murder rule)

Penalties: Life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Common predicate felonies include:

• Burglary
• Robbery
• Drug trafficking
• Kidnapping
• Arson
• Carjacking
• Sexual battery

Second Degree Murder – Felony of the First Degree

Also referred to as 2nd degree murder in Florida, this charge applies when:

• A person acts with a depraved mind, showing reckless disregard for human life
• There is no clear intent or premeditation

Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison, or life imprisonment in extreme cases.

Third Degree Murder

Less commonly charged, third-degree murder involves:

• An unintentional death occurring during the commission of a non-violent felony

Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and 15 years of probation.
Manslaughter Charges in Florida

Manslaughter Charges in Florida

Manslaughter is a lesser form of homicide but still a felony with severe penalties. A skilled Florida manslaughter attorney can help defend against these complex accusations.

Voluntary Manslaughter

This involves an intentional act, usually committed in the heat of passion following provocation.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Also known as manslaughter by culpable negligence, it results from reckless or negligent behavior that leads to death—without intent to kill.

Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and 15 years probation.

Vehicular Homicide

A form of involuntary manslaughter involving reckless driving that results in death.

Florida’s Felony Murder Rule

Under Florida law, you can be charged with murder even if you did not kill anyone. If someone dies during a felony you were participating in—such as a burglary, carjacking, or kidnapping—you can be charged with first- or second-degree murder under the felony murder doctrine. This makes it vital to work with a defense attorney who can argue your role, intent, or lack of foresight into the crime’s outcome.

The Role of Intent in Homicide Charges

Intent is a key element that distinguishes different homicide charges:

• Premeditation leads to first-degree murder.
• Acting in a heat of passion may lower the charge to manslaughter.
• Lack of malice or negligence may support a lesser charge or even dismissal.

Your Fort Lauderdale homicide attorney will carefully examine police reports, witness statements, and any evidence of your state of mind to argue for charge reduction or acquittal.

Key Evidence in Homicide Cases

Florida prosecutors aggressively build homicide cases using physical, forensic, and digital evidence. Our firm can challenge:

• Ballistic and blood pattern analysis
• DNA and fingerprinting
• Cell phone location data
• Eyewitness misidentification
• Improper police conduct or procedural errors

If evidence was collected illegally or mishandled, we’ll seek suppression to weaken the prosecution’s case.

Powerful Defense Strategies We Use

Every case is unique, but common defenses in Florida homicide cases include:

• Self-defense or Stand Your Ground: You used force to prevent imminent harm.
• Lack of intent: The death was accidental or the result of reckless behavior, not murder.
• Alibi or mistaken identity: You were not at the scene.
• Insanity or diminished capacity: You were mentally incapable of forming intent.
• Police misconduct: Illegal searches, coerced confessions, or lost evidence.

Our team will explore every legal avenue to defend your rights.

Top Homicide FAQs

Why You Need a Fort Lauderdale Homicide Lawyer Now

If you’ve been accused of homicide in any form—whether it’s first degree murder, second degree murder, or manslaughter—you are facing some of the most serious charges under Florida law. At George Reres Law, we will fight tirelessly to ensure your side of the story is heard, your rights are protected, and your future is not defined by a single moment.

Call (954) 523-3811 or complete our contact form to schedule your confidential consultation today.