Criminal Defense
Manslaughter Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
The charge of murder is different from that of a manslaughter charge. Unlike murder, when a person is allegedly accused of manslaughter, it implies that their actions did not involve intentions to kill. In other words, under the charge of manslaughter, the court alleges that the accused party intentionally committed actions that resulted in the death of another through a culpable degree of negligence.
Types of Manslaughter in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The state of Florida has two classifications of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary. Intentional actions of an individual in the event of provocation or agitation that result in murder fall under voluntary manslaughter.
Involuntary manslaughter describes a situation whereby the culpable party does not have the intention to perform any harmful act that could result in the murder of someone else. To prove that an underlying cause is that of involuntary manslaughter, the prosecutor should be able to provide proof of the defendant acting in a manner that suggests culpable negligence.
Their evidence should show the defendant’s otherwise disregard for human life as expressed by his or her actions. Such actions include careless handling of weapons, such as guns, that could result in the loss of life. These actions could be viewed as isolated cases or as part of other behaviors that have the potential to cause death.
Negligence is used in a case where one could face manslaughter charges for causing a vehicle accident. Negligent actions include situations such as texting while driving, drunk driving, and excessive speeding, among other forms of recklessness. These actions are known as vehicular manslaughter/homicide. Florida has strict punitive laws against charges of vehicular manslaughter.
Aggravated Manslaughter in Florida Can Increase Time Served
Cases of aggravated manslaughter committed against a child or an elderly person as a result of negligence on the part of the defendant are considered first degree felonies in the state of Florida under 825.102. This could result in a 30-year increase in the potential incarceration period.
Manslaughter Attorney in Broward County, Florida
Regardless of the circumstances upon which you face charges for taking the life of someone else, an individual should seek the counsel of experienced legal adviser to help. You should contact Mark S. Lowry ESQ. for experienced counsel for all clients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Broward County.