If you have been charged with manslaughter in Florida then you may have a defense. Self-defense, excusable homicide, and justifiable homicide are all defenses that are oftentimes successful in manslaughter cases. Attorney Williams has also been successful having cases dismissed during a “stand your ground” hearing. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about defenses to manslaughter, or if you want to speak to a lawyer about how to beat your manslaughter case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Manslaughter is defined under Florida Statute 782.07(1). A person can commit manslaughter one of three ways:
- Manslaughter by Act (voluntary manslaughter) – when someone commits an intentional act that was neither excusable nor justified that resulted in the death of another person.
- Manslaughter by Procurement (voluntary manslaughter) – when someone persuades, induces, or encourages another person to commit an act that resulted in the death of another person.
- Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence (involuntary manslaughter) – when someone engages in “culpably negligent” conduct that results in the death of another person.
Manslaughter is a second-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison or up to 15 years on probation and be fined up to $10,000 if you are convicted.
Manslaughter with a weapon or firearm is a first-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison or up to 30 years on probation and be fined up to $10,000 if you are convicted.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for manslaughter, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. More importantly, if you are convicted of manslaughter you will face mandatory prison time. Even if you are convicted of a lesser included felony at trial, you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with manslaughter in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.