Skip to Content
Serving Duval, St. Johns, Clay & Nassau County
(904) 507-6194
Monroe Law, P.A. Monroe Law, P.A.
Top
Murder

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.

Defenses in Murder Cases

Defenses against murder charges in Florida can vary based on the circumstances of the case. It's important to note that legal strategies should be developed in consultation with an attorney who can provide advice tailored to the specific details of the case. Here are some potential defenses that may be applicable in murder cases in Florida:

  • Self-Defense: Florida law recognizes the right to use deadly force in self-defense if a person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to stop imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. The defendant must show that they had a reasonable fear of imminent danger and that the use of deadly force was necessary.
  • Stand Your Ground: Florida has a "Stand Your Ground" law, which permits individuals to use deadly force to defend themselves without a duty to retreat if they are in a place where they have a right to be. This law eliminates the duty to retreat before using force, including deadly force, in self-defense.
  • Castle Doctrine: Similar to Stand Your Ground, the Castle Doctrine allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves within their own home or property.
  • Mental Health Defenses: If the defendant was suffering from a mental illness at the time of the alleged crime, their mental state may be raised as a defense. Insanity, diminished capacity, or other mental health-related defenses may be explored.
  • Accident or Misidentification: Sometimes, defendants may argue that the death was the result of an accident or that they were wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
  • Lack of Evidence: The prosecution must prove the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense strategy may involve challenging the sufficiency or credibility of the evidence against the accused.
  • Alibi: Providing evidence that the defendant was in a different location at the time of the crime may serve as an alibi defense.

What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

Monroe Law, P.A. is here to help you get the results you need with an award-winning team you can trust.

  • Boutique Defense Strategies
    We tailor custom defense strategies for each client's unique situation.
  • Former Prosecutor on Your Team
    We have experience on both sides of the courtroom.
  • 24/7 Help Available
    Don't hesitate! Give us a call whenever you need legal help.
  • Free Consultations
    Get started on your award-winning defense with a free consultation today.
  • I called Mr. Monroe around 9 p.m. and left a voicemail, and he immediately called me back. He went above and beyond to keep me safe and I felt like he truly cared about me as a person.
    - Michaela L.
  • I would like to thank Scott Monroe for everything he has done for me. I had a high profile case and he knew exactly what to do!
    - Jarvis B.
  • Scott Monroe is top notch. From the minute I spoke to to him, everything gained clarity and was explained in detail. I would recommend Monroe Law Firm for anyone needing legal expertise. Thank you for assisting me with my needs!
    - Eric M.
  • Scott Monroe is a true professional and a great attorney to have at your side for those tough times that can happen to any of us. I got a favorable result in my case which I am grateful for and again more than happy with the outcome.
    - Tamim

    Contact Us for Your Free Consultation

    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
    • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Monroe Law, P.A. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy