MIAMI Fort Lauderdale
The Hoffman Firm The Hoffman Firm
VIOLENT CRIMES

Put a Skilled and Trial-Proven Attorney in Your Corner

Miami Murder Attorney

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Murder Charges in Miami-Dade

Murder (also commonly referred to as homicide) is perhaps the most serious criminal offense that a person can be charged with in Florida. The prosecutors handling these types of cases often feel an obligation to pursue some measure of justice for alleged victims, and they will usually seek the maximum possible punishments for alleged offenders.

However, being charged with this crime is not the same as being convicted of the offense. The truth is law enforcement officials who investigate these crimes often feel intense pressure to apprehend a suspect. Investigators may make any one of a number of errors in their attempts to close a case. Innocent people may be accused of crimes they did not commit, or alleged offenders could have perfectly reasonable explanations for having used deadly force to protect themselves or others.

If you or your loved believes that you could be under investigation or were already arrested for an alleged murder, it will be critical for you not to say anything to authorities without legal representation. The Hoffman Firm fights to get criminal charges for violent offenses reduced or dismissed for clients in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Are you facing charges for murder in Florida? Call The Hoffman Firm today at (305) 928-1669 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our murder lawyer in Miami.

Florida First-Degree Murder 

Murder in the first degree is a capital felony in Florida that is punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. A person can face these charges in three different scenarios.

An alleged offender will be charged with first-degree murder when the unlawful killing of a human being was perpetrated from a premeditated design to affect the death of the person killed. A person can also be charged with murder in the first degree if the unlawful killing of a human being resulted from the unlawful distribution of any controlled substance by a person 18 years of age or older when such drug is proven to be the proximate cause of the death of the user.

First-degree murder charges also apply when the unlawful killing of a human being was committed by an alleged offender engaged in the perpetration of, or in the attempt to perpetrate, any one of the following:

What are the Penalties for Second-Degree Murder in Florida?

Murder in the second degree is a first-degree felony that is punishable by life in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. An alleged offender can face second-degree murder charges for the unlawful killing of a human being when it is perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind regardless of human life without any premeditated design to affect the death of any particular individual.

When Can You be Charged with Second-Degree Murder?

A person can also be charged with murder in the second degree if a human being is killed during the perpetration of, or during the attempt to perpetrate, any of the following:

  • Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death
  • Aggravated stalking
  • Aircraft piracy
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Carjacking
  • Drug trafficking offense
  • Escape
  • Felony that is an act of terrorism or is in furtherance of an act of terrorism
  • Home-invasion robbery
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder of another human being
  • Resisting an officer with violence to his or her person
  • Robbery
  • Sexual battery
  • Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb

What Are the Penalties for Third-Degree Murder in Florida?

Third-degree murder is a felony of the second degree. A second-degree felony conviction is punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.

When Can You Be Charged with Third-Degree Murder?

An alleged offender can be charged with third-degree murder for the unlawful killing of a human being—when perpetrated without any design to effect death—when engaged in the perpetration of, or in the attempt to perpetrate, any felony other than any of the following:

  • Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult
  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death
  • Aggravated stalking
  • Aircraft piracy
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Carjacking
  • Drug trafficking offense
  • Escape
  • Felony that is an act of terrorism or is in furtherance of an act of terrorism
  • Home-invasion robbery
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder of another human being
  • Resisting an officer with violence to his or her person
  • Robbery
  • Sexual battery
  • Unlawful distribution of any controlled substance by a person 18 years of age or older when such drug is proven to be the proximate cause of the death of the user
  • Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb

Contact Our Murder Defense Lawyer in Miami Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested or might be under investigation for murder, it is in your best interest to refuse to make any kind of statement to authorities until you have contacted The Hoffman Firm. Our Miami murder defense attorney has decades of complex criminal trial experience, including significant time spent as an Assistant State Prosecutor with the Broward County State Attorney’s Office, where he handled more than 100 jury trials.

Additional Reading:

Contact The Hoffman Firm by calling (305) 928-1669 today to get started on your defense with our Miami murder attorney.

Why Should You Hire The Hoffman Firm? Here Are a Few Reasons:

  • Client-Focused Representation
    Our Firm is dedicated to client satisfaction. We are available 24/7 to help those in need.
  • Decades of Experience
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has over two decades of experience fighting for the accused.
  • Premier Criminal Defense Firm
    Experienced Attorney Evan Hoffman has handled some of the most high profile and complex cases.
  • Proven Track Record
    Client satisfaction is our top priority. At The Hoffman Firm we take great pride in our success and case victories.
  • Florida Former State Prosecutor
    Attorney Evan Hoffman has extensive knowledge of the strategies used by prosecutors throughout Florida.
  • Free Initial Consultation
    We offer free initial consultations to ensure that we have your best interests in mind.

START YOUR DEFENSE

We Will Fight to Protect Your Future
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.