What is the penalty of a Homicide or Murder conviction?
Generally speaking, the maximum penalty for most homicide/murder offenses is life in prison, without the possibility of parole. Additionally, if the Defendant is charged with first-degree murder, the state can seek the death penalty. The death penalty is sometimes sought when the facts are gruesome, or the Defendant had a prior conviction for a violent felony.
What do I do when if I am under investigation for a Murder or Homicide offense?
The first thing you should do is consult with an experienced Miami Criminal Defense Attorney. Do not discuss your case or the investigation with anyone, including your family or spouse. Never speak to the police. Do not voluntarily go into the police station for questioning. If you are arrested or detained by the police, immediately demand to speak with an attorney. Police officers will often try to intimate a suspect and manipulate them into giving a statement or confession. They might lock a suspect in a room for a long period of time. This is a tactic used by the police to get a suspect to break under pressure. The police will even leave you in a room with your cellphone, hoping that you call someone while the cameras are rolling. Again, the only person you should be calling is Brian Kirlew to inform him you have been detained and you need representation. Absolutely nothing else should be said in police officers’ presence, in a police station, or the back of a squad car.
Does the Stand Your Ground Law apply in my case?
The Florida Stand Your Ground law, in the context of a murder or homicide offense, generally applies when the Defendant was either the victim of a forcible felony at the time of the killing or attempted killing, or the Defendant reasonably believed that he or someone else was going to be the victim of death or serious bodily injury. The prosecution has the burden of proof in a pre-trial hearing to establish by clearing and convincing evidence that the accused didn’t have a legal right to meet force with force. These pre-trial hearings become trials without a jury. They require the same preparation and execution that a trial requires
Defending a Murder and/or Homicide Case
Defending a murder or homicide case is much different than any other criminal offense. The very best detectives and prosecutors are assigned to these cases. Any person charged with one of these offenses must have the very best defense if they can even stand a chance in court. Brian Kirlew, Esq. and his team take a collaborative approach to murder and homicide cases. Every single homicide offense has an investigator that is involved from the outset. The investigators assist the attorney in locating witnesses, documents, and other physical evidence that can benefit the case. Each document submitted in the case is painstakingly reviewed by the attorney and his investigative team for inconsistencies, additional suspects, or potential defenses.
Experienced and Skill Miami Murder and Homicide Attorney
If you or a loved one has been arrested, charged, or is under investigation for any murder or homicide offense, contact our office immediately. The consequences of these cases can literally be life or death, and you must make sure that you or your loved one is given the best defense.