Fort Lauderdale Manslaughter Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Manslaughter Attorney

Manslaughter is the killing of another person through a reckless action or through negligence. The penalties for manslaughter are not as severe as other types of homicide, but they can result in a lengthy prison sentence, a term of probation, and large fines. When facing a manslaughter charge, you need an experienced Fort Lauderdale manslaughter lawyer who can review the facts of your case and help craft an effective defense strategy.

Hire a Manslaughter Lawyer

When you hire a manslaughter lawyer at The Kirlew Law Firm, you get a team that has represented dozens of murder and homicide offenses, with many going before a jury. Not many attorneys have such extensive experience. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges and how to navigate the complicated manslaughter laws in Southern Florida.

Manslaughter in Florida

Many agencies report manslaughter cases along with other types of homicide cases, making it difficult to report actual manslaughter rates. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Data Explorer reports on homicide rates reported to the Uniform Crime Report. In 2024, Florida saw:

• 572 murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses
• 314 murder and nonnegligent manslaughter clearances
• 92 negligent manslaughter offenses
• 65 negligent manslaughter clearances

Violent crimes in Fort Lauderdale, including manslaughter cases, are handled in the Circuit Criminal Division of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court located at the Broward County Central Courthouse.

Ways a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

The challenge of defending a manslaughter charge without the help of a qualified manslaughter attorney can be daunting. There are numerous ways in which an experienced criminal defense attorney can help during the criminal law process. An attorney can assist with:

• Safeguarding your rights and ensuring they are upheld throughout the legal process. If a rights violation does occur, your attorney can file the appropriate motions to dismiss the case or have evidence suppressed.
• Investigate the accusations on your behalf. It can be helpful to have an independent investigation review of the prosecution’s version of events.
• Review the available evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Finding errors or inconsistencies can help build a good defense.
• Negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges, a plea agreement, or a lenient sentence.
• Represent you at trial if negotiations are unsuccessful and a favorable plea agreement is not reached. They can present evidence, examine witnesses, and explain your version of events.
• Build a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case and the available evidence.
• Your attorney can also present mitigating factors to decrease potential penalties should you be convicted.

Possible Defenses to a Manslaughter Charge

Manslaughter charges can be overwhelming, but a knowledgeable manslaughter attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida can help build a solid defense against the charges. Common defenses include:

• Alibi. Demonstrate that you were in a different location at the time of the death, making it impossible for you to have committed the offense.
• Mistaken identity. Faulty eyewitness testimony could lead to being mistakenly named as the culprit.
• Self-defense. Depending on the circumstances of the death, the manslaughter could be ruled a justifiable homicide if the victim posed an imminent threat.
• Defense of others. If the victim was an immediate threat to other people, your actions could be justified.
• Accident. If the accused had no duty of care during the actions leading to the victim’s death, it could be ruled an excusable homicide and not due to negligent or reckless behavior.
• Coincidence. The defense could argue that the death was a result of an underlying medical condition or other factors beyond the scope of the defendant’s control.

FAQs

What Is the Penalty for Manslaughter in Florida?

In Florida, manslaughter is a second-degree felony, which carries a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. These penalties can be adjusted based on any aggravating or mitigating factors. Aggravating factors could include the age or status of the victim, if a firearm was present, or if the charge is the result of a DUI. Mitigating circumstances can include mental or emotional disturbance, duress, showing remorse, or the lack of a prior record.

How Is Intent Determined in a Manslaughter Case?

In a manslaughter case, intent is determined based on collected evidence. If there is evidence of planning, premeditation, or previous malice against the victim, then it is unlikely that the death can be charged as manslaughter. Intentional killing without premeditation or a death caused by negligence or recklessness is likely to be charged as manslaughter.

What Are the Different Types of Manslaughter?

There are several different types of manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter involves an unintentional death through negligence or while committing a crime. Voluntary manslaughter describes when a person intends to kill another person, but does not plan the killing in advance. Vehicular manslaughter and vessel manslaughter are charged when a death occurs due to a vehicle or boat accident.

How Does Aggravated Manslaughter Differ From Manslaughter in Florida?

Florida uses the terms manslaughter and aggravated manslaughter to differentiate between the severity levels of each crime. Manslaughter is the less severe of the two crimes and is charged as a second-degree felony. Navigating the courtroom process for serious felony charges like these requires understanding their unique legal complexities.

Aggravated manslaughter is a more severe form of manslaughter and is charged as a first-degree felony. The penalties for aggravated manslaughter are more severe. Factors that warrant the aggravated distinction include killing a child, the elderly, or a first responder while on the job.

Does the Stand Your Ground Law in Florida Affect My Case?

Florida’s stand your ground laws could affect a manslaughter case depending on the circumstances of the charge. Stand your ground laws allow for self-defense as a reasonable defense in a manslaughter case if the facts of the case support a justifiable use of force. These laws provide immunity from prosecution if the use of force was necessary to prevent harm. The only exceptions are if you were the initial aggressor or you were engaged in an unlawful act.

Contact The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC

When facing manslaughter allegations, it is important that you find experienced legal counsel as quickly as possible. It is crucial to start crafting an appropriate defense soon after the charges are filed. Our team brings extensive knowledge from highly trained defense attorneys and former prosecutors to ensure you get a favorable outcome. Contact The Kirlew Law Firm today to schedule your confidential consultation.