Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A. | Florida Criminal Defense | We don't just practice in these waters, we thrive in them.

Call: 954-525-8000 | After-Hours Phone: 954-873-8228

Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A. | Florida Criminal Defense | We don't just practice in these waters, we thrive in them.
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Fierce Criminal Defense Firm Serving Clients Throughout The State Of Florida

Steadfast Representation Against Murder Charges

Facing charges for murder, homicide or manslaughter is one of the most serious legal challenges anyone can encounter. These charges carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences and even the possibility of the death penalty in certain cases. A conviction can also impact other aspects of your life for years to come, making it vital to build a proper defense against your charges.

The attorney at Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A., understands the gravity of these charges and the impact they can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Eric T. Schwartzreich is a murder defense lawyer who has more than 25 years of experience defending clients against all forms of criminal charges, including major crimes such as murder. He has handled hundreds of jury and bench trials, representing clients at both the state and federal levels.

What Is At Stake In Murder, Homicide And Manslaughter Charges

Charges for taking the life of another person can come with different levels of consequences, depending on the nature of your charges. Based on the factors surrounding the incident, you could be facing:

  • First-degree murder: This involves premeditated killing or killing during the commission of certain felonies. It carries the most severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
  • Second-degree murder: This involves a killing that was not premeditated but was done with a disregard for human life. It often results in long prison sentences.
  • Third-degree murder: This is a killing that occurs due to reckless behavior or during the commission of a nonviolent felony. Penalties can vary but are generally less severe than first- or second-degree murder.

These homicide charges are often broader to comprise any person killing someone else. These charges can also be justified by a murder defense lawyer proving you were acting in self-defense.

There are also charges for murder as a result of unintentional actions, known as manslaughter. These charges can be divided into:

  • Voluntary manslaughter: This occurs in the “heat of passion” or during a sudden quarrel. It typically results in significant prison time.
  • Involuntary manslaughter: This involves unintentional killing due to reckless or negligent behavior. Penalties are generally less severe than for voluntary manslaughter.

Vehicular homicide is another form of manslaughter, often from the death of a victim in a reckless accident. Penalties for manslaughter charges can include significant fines and prison time.

The Importance Of An Experienced Defense Attorney

When facing charges as serious as murder, homicide or manslaughter, having an experienced defense attorney is critical. Knowing you are innocent is not enough to beat your charges. Instead, you need to ensure your voice is heard by letting a seasoned attorney build your defense strategy and make your voice heard in court.

Attorney Eric T. Schwartzreich has extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s criminal justice system. He knows how to scrutinize the prosecution’s case and explore all opportunities to beat the charges, dismiss them in court or negotiate for reduced charges or sentencing.

A skilled murder defense lawyer will examine every piece of evidence, interview witnesses and explore alternative theories. In Florida, murder charges involving a firearm become significantly more serious. An example of this would be a second-degree offense becoming a first-degree charge if a firearm was involved.

How To Defend Against Your Charges

No matter how overwhelming your charges may seem, there are opportunities to defend against them. Attorney Schwartzreich will look for these opportunities to defend you by using strategies such as:

  • Investigate the case thoroughly: This includes examining the scene of the crime, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
  • Challenge the prosecution’s evidence: This could involve questioning the credibility of witnesses or the legality of how evidence was obtained.
  • Explore all legal defenses: This might include self-defense, lack of intent or proving that the killing was accidental.

It is important to remember that Florida has the “Stand Your Ground” law, which can be critical in any defense. With this law, you can build a defense on the claim that your actions were the result of your fear for your life or someone else’s.

Defend Your Future With An Aggressive Defense

Do not leave your defense to chance when facing murder, homicide or manslaughter charges. When the consequences of a conviction can last a lifetime, make sure you are doing everything you can to defend yourself by contacting the Fort Lauderdale office of Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A., as soon as you hear about your charges. Call a murder defense lawyer you can depend on at 954-873-8228 or email the firm here to schedule your initial consultation today.