Jacksonville Murder Lawyer

Defending Those Who Have Been Accused of Murder in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, & Nassau Counties

If you or someone you love has been arrested for or charged with murder, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced murder defense lawyer as soon as possible. Without a competent defense, you could be convicted of a crime you did not commit. At Monroe Law, P.A., we have handled hundreds of murder cases and have obtained acquittals for our clients. We know what it takes to build a strong defense for murder charges, and we are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

At Monroe Law, P.A., we have handled hundreds of murder cases and have obtained acquittals for our clients. Our murder attorneys in Jacksonville know what it takes to build a strong defense for murder charges, and we are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

To schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Jacksonville murder attorney, contact Monroe Law, P.A. at (904) 507-6194.

Florida Murder Laws

Under Florida law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being by another with malice aforethought. Malice is defined as "ill will, hatred, or enmity, or any other emotionless state of mind which leads a person to intentionally kill another without justification or excuse."

A murder charge can be classified as either first-degree or second-degree. First-degree murder occurs when the killing is done in conjunction with one of the following aggravating factors:

• during the commission of another felony offense;
• by a person under 16 who has been convicted of a life felony;
• by a person who has been previously convicted of a life felony;
• by a person who has been previously convicted of any felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence;
• by a person who has been previously convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against another person;
• by a person who has previously been adjudicated guilty of any felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against another person;
• against a law enforcement officer while the officer is performing his or her official duties;
• against a correctional officer while the officer is performing his or her official duties;
• against a correctional officer by a person who has been previously convicted of a life felony or felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence;
• against a person who is performing his or her duties as a firefighter or emergency medical services personnel;
• against a child who is under the age of 12 by a person who has been previously convicted of a life felony or felony involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against a child;
• against two or more persons;
• by a person who has been previously adjudicated guilty of two or more felonies involving the use or attempted use of force or violence against another person;
• against a pregnant woman resulting in the death of her unborn child; or
• against a person who is 65 years of age or older.

What are the Penalties for Murder in Florida?

In Florida, murder is a capital felony. This means that the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole may be imposed as the penalty for murder. In addition to this, the convicted individual may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim's family.

The judge who hears your murder case will depend on where the alleged crime occurred. If the crime occurred in Duval County, the case will be heard by a Duval County Circuit Court judge. If the crime occurred in St. Johns County, the case will be heard by a St. Johns County Circuit Court judge. In either county, the judge may be required to recuse himself or herself if there is a conflict of interest.