Murder Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

According to the 2019 Statewide County Report of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were approximately 10,979 reported cases of crimes in Escambia County, Florida, of which 27 were murder incidents. An offender convicted of murder could be facing life without the possibility of parole, substantial fines, a criminal record, and other life-altering ramifications. First Degree Murder can possibly be punished by the death penalty.

If you've been arrested and charged with a murder offense or if you're under investigation for murder in Florida, it is crucial that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled Florida criminal defense attorney immediately to strategize your defense. David Lee Sellers is committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to clients facing murder charges. As your criminal defense attorney, he will fight vigorously on your side to defend your rights, strategize the right defense that fits your unique situation, and ensure that you are given a fair hearing.

David Lee Sellers, PA, is proud to represent clients throughout Pensacola, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Fort Walton Beach, Milton, and Crestview.

Overview of Murder Charges in Florida

According to Florida Statutes Section 782.04, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being. In Florida, the various degrees of murder include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder. First-degree murder is the most serious murder offense.

First Degree Murder

Under Florida Statutes Section 782.04(1)(a), a person commits the crime of first degree murder when the killing of another person is premeditated. That is, the offender had a pre-planned scheme to carry out the killing. First degree murder may be either premeditated murder or felony murder.

Premeditated Murder

According to Florida Statutes Section 782.04(1)(a)(1), a person commits a premeditated murder by killing another human being pursuant to an advanced plan or scheme.

Felony Murder

Pursuant to Florida Statutes section 782.04(1)(a)(2), a person commits a felony murder when he or she kills another human being while engaged in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of any of the following felony offenses:

• Aggravated abuse of a disabled adult or elderly person

• Aggravated stalking

• Aggravated child abuse

• Aircraft piracy

• Burglary

• Arson

• Carjacking

• Distribution of controlled substances

• Home-invasion robbery

• Kidnapping

• Murder of another human being

• Robbery

• Sexual battery

• Terrorism

• Trafficking of controlled substances

• Unlawful throwing or discharging of a bomb or destructive device

Committed During Drug Dealings

A person who kills a human being while committing a drug offense, regardless of whether they intended to kill anybody, may be charged with first-degree murder.

Second Degree Murder

Under the Florida Statutes Section 782.04(2)-(3), a person commits the offense of second degree murder when the individual kills a human being with a depraved mind. In second degree murder, the killing was not carried out with any premeditation or pre-planned act, but it was committed by an act that is considered to be imminently dangerous and without showing regard to human life.

Third Degree Murder

Pursuant to Florida Statute Section 782.04(4), a person commits the offense of third degree murder occurs when he or she unintentionally kills another person in the process of committing, or attempting to commit, a non-violent felony.

Attempted Murder

According to Florida Statute Section 782.051, a person commits the crime of attempted murder when the person perpetrates or attempts to perpetrate any felony murder but does not cause the death of another.

Possible Penalties

The punishment for murder charges in Florida often depends on the underlying circumstances surrounding the victim's killing and the offender's state of mind at the time the crime was perpetrated. The possible penalties for murder include:

First Degree: This is a capital felony, punishable by either life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.

Second Degree: This is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison, life on probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Third Degree: This is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Attempted Murder: The crime is prosecuted the same as a murder charge. There are two degrees of attempted murder, including:

• Second Degree Attempted Murder: Attempted murder is a second-degree felony in Florida if the crime was premeditated. The crime is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.

• First Degree Attempted Murder: Attempted murder is a first-degree felony when the act was pre-planned. The crime is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, up to 30 years of probation, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Murder of a Peace Officer: This involves killing a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer. The offense is punishable by life imprisonment without eligibility for release (Florida Statute Section 782.065).

Possible Defenses

If the murder charges against an alleged defendant are false or there are explanatory circumstances, your attorney may use the defense of:

• Excusable homicide

• Justifiable homicide

• Self-defense

Get Help from a Knowledgeable Attorney

Trying to defend yourself against murder charges can increase the possibility of being convicted and receiving the maximum punishment. If convicted, you could be facing life imprisonment, in some cases without eligibility for release, and heavy fines. Therefore, retaining a knowledgeable Florida criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is paramount to help protect your rights and outline your defense.

David Lee Sellers has devoted his career to offering outstanding legal services and protecting the rights of individuals wrongfully accused of murder. As your legal counsel, he will review the facts of your situation, carry out a thorough, private investigation, and determine the best legal defense for your case.

Using his extensive knowledge, he will help you navigate the Florida criminal justice system. He can fight the charges against you with all available evidence, help you negotiate a plea deal or take your case to trial, and ensure that you get fair treatment. David Lee Sellers will advocate strongly on your behalf and do everything within his capacity to help you pursue a favorable outcome.