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Felony Murder Defense
Lakeland
Felony Murder Attorney & Lawyer, providing professional
Felony Murder and other Criminal Defense Services in Lakeland, Winter
Haven, Bartow, Polk County, Highlands
County, and Hardee County Florida.
 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.
Felony 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. 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. Although a
manslaughter conviction could result in lengthy prison time,
a felony manslaughter criminal charge is not subject to the
death penalty.
If the Murder or Manslaughter criminal
offense is with the use of a firearm, It is also important
to know that Florida has the 10-20-Life Statute which
mandates:
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A minimum 10 year prison term for certain
felonies, or attempted felonies in which the offender
possesses a firearm or destructive device;
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A minimum 20 year prison term when the
firearm is discharged;
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A minimum 25 years to LIFE if someone is
injured or killed;
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A minimum 3 year prison term for
possession of a firearm by a felon;
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The minimum prison term is to be served
consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed.
McDonald & Shearer, P.A.
aggressively defends the legal rights of those charged with
a murder or manslaughter homicide
crime in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County,
or the Highlands County Florida area.
McDonald & Shearer, P.A.
provides you with an experienced Lakeland criminal defense
attorney & lawyer. Contact
McDonald & Shearer, P.A.
at
(863) 665-6895,
or Toll Free (866) 274-6333
to schedule a free confidential legal consultation.
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