Facing a murder charge is one of the most serious and life-altering situations a person can experience. The stakes include decades in prison, life sentences, and in some cases, the death penalty. When your freedom and future are on the line, you need an attorney with the experience, resources, and strategic approach to mount a complete defense.
At Rentz Law, Attorney Carrie L. Rentz brings over 20 years of criminal defense experience to clients facing homicide charges in Orange and Seminole Counties. Whether your case involves first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, or felony murder, you receive hands-on representation from an attorney who understands how these cases are built—and how to challenge every element of the State’s theory.
How Rentz Law Can Help After an Arrest in Orlando
Local courtroom experience – Carrie regularly appears at the Orange County Courthouse (425 N. Orange Ave.) and the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center (Sanford), with practical knowledge of how homicide cases proceed through Central Florida courts.
Strategic, evidence-driven defense – Murder cases require extensive investigation, expert consultation, forensic analysis, and challenge to the State’s narrative. Carrie personally manages every aspect of your defense.
Hands-on representation – Your case is handled directly by Carrie from investigation through trial, with no delegation to junior attorneys or case managers.
Communication your way – You and your family have direct access to your attorney via phone, text, or email throughout this process.
Meet Your Defense Attorney
Carrie L. Rentz is a former prosecutor with over two decades of criminal defense experience in Central Florida. She has defended clients facing the most serious felony charges, including homicide cases. As a former prosecutor, Carrie understands how the State builds murder cases, how evidence is collected and analyzed, and where weaknesses in the investigation or prosecution theory can be exposed.
20+ Years of Experience Serving Orange and Seminole Counties
Understanding Murder Charges in Florida
Florida law categorizes unlawful killings into several distinct charges, each carrying different elements and penalties. Understanding the specific charge you face is the first step in building your defense.
First-Degree Murder – §782.04(1)
First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge and involves either:
- Premeditated murder – A killing committed by premeditated design, formed before the act
- Felony murder – A death occurring during the commission of certain dangerous felonies (robbery, burglary, sexual battery, arson, kidnapping, home invasion, aggravated child abuse, carjacking, etc.)
Penalties:
- Life in prison without the possibility of parole, or
- Death penalty (in cases involving aggravating factors and jury recommendation)
First-degree murder cases in Orange County are among the most heavily investigated and aggressively prosecuted crimes. The State must prove premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt, or that the death occurred during a qualifying felony.
Second-Degree Murder – §782.04(2)
Second-degree murder involves an unlawful killing by an act imminently dangerous to another, demonstrating a depraved mind regardless of human life, but without premeditation.
Penalties:
- Up to life in prison
- Minimum mandatory sentences may apply if a firearm was used
Second-degree murder charges often arise from violent confrontations, domestic incidents, or situations where the State cannot prove premeditation but alleges reckless disregard for life.
Manslaughter – §782.07
Manslaughter involves the unlawful killing of a human being without premeditation and without the depraved mind element required for second-degree murder. Common scenarios include:
- Voluntary manslaughter – A killing in the “heat of passion” following adequate provocation
- Involuntary manslaughter – An unintentional killing resulting from culpable negligence
Penalties:
- Second-degree felony: up to 15 years in prison
- First-degree felony (aggravated manslaughter): up to 30 years
Vehicular Homicide and Other Related Charges
Florida law also recognizes vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and manslaughter by culpable negligence—each with specific elements and penalties depending on the circumstances.
What Happens After a Murder Arrest in Orlando?
Murder cases follow a specific and accelerated legal process in Florida courts.
Arrest and Booking – You will be taken into custody and booked at the Orange County Jail. Bond is typically denied in first-degree murder cases and set extremely high in second-degree cases.
First Appearance (≈24 hours) – A judge reviews probable cause for your arrest. In murder cases, bond is often denied entirely or set at amounts that are practically unattainable.
Bond Hearing – Your attorney can request an Arthur hearing to argue for bond or bond reduction. Success depends on the specific facts, your ties to the community, prior record, and the strength of the State’s case.
Arraignment – The formal reading of charges and entry of plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea.
Discovery and Investigation – This phase can last many months. Your attorney receives evidence from the State, including:
- Police reports and witness statements
- Forensic evidence (DNA, ballistics, fingerprints, blood spatter analysis)
- Medical examiner reports and autopsy findings
- Cell phone records, surveillance footage, and digital evidence
- Body camera and dashcam footage
Depositions – Your attorney has the right to depose State witnesses under oath before trial.
Motion Practice – Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or exclude inadmissible testimony are filed strategically based on case facts.
Trial or Resolution – Murder cases proceed to jury trial unless resolved through negotiated plea to lesser charges. Trials can last several days to several weeks depending on complexity.
How We Defend Murder Cases in Orlando
Murder cases require comprehensive investigation, expert analysis, and strategic litigation at every stage. Our approach is thorough, evidence-driven, and focused on protecting your constitutional rights.
Initial Case Review – We analyze the arrest circumstances, probable cause, witness statements, and initial evidence to identify constitutional violations and weaknesses in the State’s case.
Independent Investigation – We conduct our own investigation, which may include:
- Interviewing witnesses the State did not contact
- Canvassing the scene for additional evidence
- Reviewing surveillance footage from businesses and residences
- Obtaining cell phone records, GPS data, and digital communications
- Analyzing social media activity and online presence
Expert Consultation – Murder cases often require expert testimony, including:
- Forensic pathologists to challenge cause of death determinations
- Crime scene reconstruction specialists
- Ballistics and firearms experts
- DNA analysts
- Mental health professionals (diminished capacity, insanity defenses)
- Toxicologists
Pre-Trial Motions – We file motions to:
- Suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Dismiss charges based on insufficient evidence
- Exclude unreliable or prejudicial testimony
- Challenge the State’s forensic methodologies
- Obtain favorable jury instructions
Trial Preparation – If your case proceeds to trial, we prepare a complete defense strategy, including:
- Cross-examination of State witnesses
- Presentation of alibi or alternative theories
- Challenge to the State’s timeline and physical evidence
- Presentation of defense witnesses and experts
- Jury selection strategy focused on identifying fair, impartial jurors
Communication & Support – Murder cases place enormous stress on defendants and their families. We provide regular updates, explain complex legal concepts, and ensure you understand each decision and development in your case.
Common Defenses in Murder Cases
- Self-defense or defense of others – Florida’s self-defense laws permit the use of deadly force when reasonably necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.
- Stand Your Ground – Florida Statute §776.032 allows immunity from prosecution in justifiable use of force cases.
- Lack of premeditation – Challenging the State’s claim that the killing was planned or deliberate.
- Reasonable doubt as to identity – The State cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the act.
- Accident or misfortune – The death was unintentional and not the result of culpable negligence.
- Insufficient evidence – The State’s case relies on circumstantial evidence, unreliable witnesses, or flawed forensics.
- Diminished capacity or insanity – Mental illness or intoxication affected your ability to form intent.
- Violation of constitutional rights – Evidence was obtained through illegal search, coerced confession, or denial of counsel.
Your Right to Fair Representation
Being charged with murder does not mean you are guilty. You have fundamental constitutional rights that law enforcement and prosecutors must respect:
- The right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself
- The right to an attorney at every stage of the process
- The right to confront witnesses and challenge evidence
- The right to a fair and impartial jury trial
- The right to due process and equal protection under the law
Many murder cases involve rushed investigations, witness misidentification, false confessions, or forensic errors. Our role is to ensure the evidence—not assumptions—decides your case, and that the State meets its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Potential Penalties for Murder in Florida
The penalties for murder convictions in Florida are among the most severe in the criminal justice system.
First-Degree Murder
- Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (mandatory), or
- Death penalty (if aggravating factors are proven and recommended by the jury)
Second-Degree Murder
- Up to life in prison
- Minimum mandatory sentences of 25 years to life if a firearm was discharged causing death
Manslaughter
- Up to 15 years in prison (second-degree felony)
- Up to 30 years if aggravating factors are present (first-degree felony)
Collateral Consequences
Beyond incarceration, a murder conviction permanently affects:
- Voting rights (restoration required after sentence completion)
- Firearm ownership (lifetime prohibition)
- Employment and professional licensing
- Immigration status (deportation for non-citizens)
- Family relationships and child custody rights
- Public reputation and social standing
Given these consequences, it is critical to have experienced legal representation from the moment charges are filed.
Homicide Cases in Orange County
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Uniform Crime Reports, Orange County reported 72 murders and non-negligent manslaughters in the most recent reporting year. These investigations involve multiple agencies, including the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, often working with forensic experts, medical examiners, and specialized homicide units.
Common locations for homicide investigations in Orange County include:
- Downtown Orlando neighborhoods and entertainment districts
- Pine Hills, Parramore, and west Orlando communities
- Apartment complexes and residential areas along major corridors like OBT and Colonial Drive
- Domestic violence incidents occurring in homes throughout the county
- Incidents arising from robberies, carjackings, or other felonies
These cases move quickly, with law enforcement prioritizing arrest and evidence collection within the first 48 hours. Early legal intervention is critical to protect your rights and preserve evidence that may support your defense.
Navigating the Legal System in Central Florida
Murder cases in Orlando proceed through the Orange County Courthouse’s Felony Division, with cases assigned to specific judges based on scheduling and case complexity. Seminole County murder cases are handled at the Criminal Justice Center in Sanford.
Both jurisdictions take murder cases extremely seriously, with dedicated homicide prosecutors handling these matters. Carrie Rentz has extensive experience navigating these courts, understanding local procedures, and building relationships based on professionalism and thorough preparation. This local knowledge allows us to anticipate how specific judges approach evidence rulings, jury selection, and sentencing—critical insights that inform our defense strategy.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Carrie was extremely helpful in a difficult situation. She was detailed, easy to communicate with and provided a favorable result in the end. If your looking for a great attorney pick up the phone and call Carrie today!
Carrie is everything as advertised. She actually puts in time and effort to get to know you and shows true sympathy toward her clients. Great people skills and even better knowledge of the law. Highly recommended!
When I initially called Carrie I was hesitant, scared, and didn't know what to expect. I can tell you first hand, Carrie and her assistant are AMAZING. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Good luck Carrie on your future endeavors, all the best.
I hired Mrs. Rentz for a legal issue I had in the Orlando area. Being from out of town, I use some references as a guide. Mrs. Rentz looked to be the right attorney. She is very caring and takes your issue very seriously.
This was by far the best experience i have had with a lawyer she always let me know what was going on with my case and always stayed positive while fighting for me in the courtroom. Just want to say i appreciate everything you have done for me and will definitely recommend you to anyone. If i could it would be 10 stars, thank you again
Carrie was wonderful to work with. She made the entire process so smooth for me and was always easy to get in touch with whenever I had any questions.
Carrie Rentz is an amazing lawyer. She is very informed and ready to answer any questions I have. She and her assistant reply to emails in a timely fashion and are both very friendly and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a lawyer I 100% recommend her.
Homicide Defense FAQs
Can I get a bond in a homicide case?
Bond is typically denied in first-degree murder cases. In second-degree murder and manslaughter cases, bond may be set at a high amount or denied depending on the facts. Your attorney can request an Arthur hearing to argue for bond or bond reduction.
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree murder?
First-degree murder requires premeditation (a conscious decision to kill made before the act) or occurs during certain felonies. Second-degree murder involves an act imminently dangerous to another with a depraved mind, but without premeditation.
Can a murder charge be reduced?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the evidence and circumstances, first-degree charges may be reduced to second-degree murder or manslaughter. These negotiations depend on weaknesses in the State’s case and the strength of available defenses.
What is Florida's Stand Your Ground law?
Florida Statute §776.032 provides immunity from prosecution if you can prove by a preponderance of evidence that you reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm. A Stand Your Ground hearing occurs before trial.
How long do murder trials last in Orlando?
Murder trials typically last 3–10 days, though complex cases with extensive forensic evidence and multiple witnesses can take several weeks.
What if I gave a statement to police?
Statements made without proper Miranda warnings or under coercive circumstances may be suppressible. We analyze the circumstances of your interrogation to determine if your rights were violated.
Can the death penalty be imposed in my case?
The death penalty can only be sought in first-degree murder cases with specific aggravating factors. The jury must unanimously recommend death, and the judge makes the final sentencing decision.
