Are you facing homicide charges in Lakeland, FL? Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious legal challenges anyone can experience. If you or a loved one has been accused of taking another person’s life, it’s critical to act quickly to protect your rights.
Attorney Thomas C. Grajek has more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record of successful outcomes in criminal defense. With such a high-stakes matter, you deserve a lawyer who understands Florida’s homicide laws, local courts, and the best strategies for defending your rights.
Reach out to Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to schedule an initial consultation. Our Lakeland homicide lawyer is passionate about representing criminal defendants and will work hard on your case from the start. You can contact us online or call (863) 688-4606 for more help.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law Can Help With Homicide Charges in Lakeland, FL
Being arrested for homicide in Lakeland, Florida can send your life into a tailspin. From aggressive investigators to prosecutors who seem convinced of your guilt, it might feel like everyone is working against you. However, you are not alone. With a seasoned Lakeland homicide lawyer on your side, you can level the playing field and ensure that your voice is heard.
Here are a few ways our Lakeland criminal defense attorneys can help you if you’re accused of homicide in Lakeland, FL:
- Investigating the charges and evidence against you
- Gathering exculpatory evidence in your favor
- Working with leading experts to strengthen your defense
- Negotiating to have your charges dismissed or reduced if possible
- Representing you at all court appearances and trial, if necessary
When the stakes are as high as they are in a homicide case, you want an attorney who has navigated Florida’s courts and has a history of successful results. Thomas C. Grajek has spent more than two decades handling serious felony charges, earning a reputation for tough advocacy and effective representation. He has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Florida Justice Association.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Understanding Homicide Under Florida Law
“Homicide” in Florida refers to the act of one person causing the death of another. However, Florida law recognizes different types of homicide based on a person’s intentions and other circumstances. The specific charge you face can significantly affect the possible penalties.
Below are a few forms of homicide offenses in the state:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Manslaughter
- Felony murder (a subset of first or second-degree murder that arises from certain criminal acts)
Knowing which charge applies is essential. Each offense carries different legal elements the prosecution must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
First-Degree Murder
Florida Statute § 782.04(1) covers first-degree murder. There are generally two ways for a homicide case to become first-degree:
- Premeditated Murder: The killing was intentional and planned. Even a short period of planning can sometimes qualify as “premeditated.”
- Felony Murder: The death occurred during the commission (or attempted commission) of certain serious felonies, such as robbery or sexual battery.
First-degree murder is a capital felony in Florida. Possible sentences include:
- Life imprisonment (without the possibility of parole)
- Death penalty (if specific aggravating factors exist and the jury recommends it)
The severity of potential punishment for first-degree murder makes it crucial to have a strong legal defense right from the start.
Second-Degree Murder
According to Florida Statute § 782.04(2), second-degree murder applies to killings that aren’t premeditated but still involve a “depraved mind” showing no regard for human life. Prosecutors may argue you intentionally performed a dangerous act likely to cause death—yet you didn’t plan it in advance.
Second-degree murder is a first-degree felony and can bring:
- Up to life in prison
- Hefty fines (possibly tens of thousands of dollars)
- Long-term impacts on your civil rights, including voting and firearm ownership
These are just examples of some of the penalties you might face if convicted.
Manslaughter
Florida Statute § 782.07 deals with manslaughter. While it’s still a severe felony, manslaughter typically involves a killing that lacks the premeditation or extreme recklessness seen in murder. Examples include:
- Voluntary Manslaughter: an intentional act done in the heat of passion or sudden provocation
- Involuntary Manslaughter: causing death through negligence or reckless actions rather than an intent to kill
Manslaughter is a second-degree felony. Convictions may lead to:
- Up to 15 years in prison (or more if certain aggravating factors apply)
- Fines up to $10,000
- Other penalties, such as probation or mandatory counseling
In some cases, if a firearm was used or the victim meets certain criteria (like being an elderly or disabled adult), the charge could be escalated to aggravated manslaughter, carrying even harsher penalties.
Felony Murder
Felony murder arises when a death occurs during the commission or attempted commission of specific felonies. In Florida, these felonies can include:
- Robbery
- Rape
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault or battery
- Arson
The logic behind felony murder is that if someone was committing a serious felony, they can be held responsible for a death that happens—even if they didn’t directly intend to kill. Felony murder can be charged as first-degree or second-degree, depending on the felony at issue and the role the defendant allegedly played.
Potential Penalties for a Homicide Conviction in Lakeland
The punishments for a homicide conviction vary widely, but they are always serious. Depending on whether you’re charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter, you might face:
- Lengthy Prison Sentences: ranging from a few years to life without parole
- Death Penalty: for first-degree murder in certain circumstances
- Huge Fines: often in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars
- Collateral Consequences: such as lost voting rights, trouble finding work, and reduced housing options
There are other penalties you might face as well, and, further, the judge and jury have discretion in which to assess. A homicide conviction can also cause lasting damage to your personal relationships and mental health. That’s why it’s critical to fight every aspect of the prosecution’s case as soon as possible.
Defenses to Homicide Charges in Lakeland, Florida
Facing a homicide charge can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Thomas C. Grajek will analyze your case to find the best defense strategies for your situation. Possible defenses might include:
- Self-defense or Defense of Others: You believed you (or someone else) were in immediate danger of death or serious harm, and your reaction was proportional to the threat.
- Accident: The death occurred by pure accident and without criminal intent or recklessness.
- Stand Your Ground: Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law may apply if you reasonably believed you faced a serious threat and weren’t required to retreat.
- Insanity: At the time of the act, you couldn’t distinguish right from wrong due to a recognized mental disorder.
- Mistaken Identity: Investigators arrested the wrong person or the evidence pointing to you is faulty.
- Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement violated your rights (improperly obtained confessions, illegal search and seizure, etc.), some or all evidence may be ruled inadmissible.
Which defenses apply will depend on the facts of your case. A skilled lawyer will review every angle, from police misconduct to the reliability of forensic data, to create a customized defense strategy.
Contact an Experienced Lakeland Homicide Attorney
If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges in Florida, do not wait to seek legal help. The prosecution is already building a case, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law has a proven track record of success and offers the experienced, strategic representation you need.
Remember, a homicide accusation does not automatically mean a conviction is guaranteed. You have constitutional rights, and you’re innocent until proven guilty. However, defending these rights often requires skilled legal counsel, especially in a system where prosecutors and police hold significant power.
Contact our trusted Lakeland homicide attorney today to get started with an initial consultation.