Fierce Defense for Murder Charges in Orange County & Seminole County
Of all crimes a person can commit, murder is perceived as the most serious. This is why law enforcement officers and prosecutors alike stop at nothing to convict murder defendants and ensure they suffer the harshest penalties permitted by the law. As a result, the court process can be brutal without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how the prosecution operates behind closed doors.
Luckily, Attorney Carrie Rentz is a former prosecutor with over 15 years of experience on both sides of the law. Now, as an Orlando murder attorney, she has the knowledge and skillsets required to challenge every element of the prosecution’s case against you and help you come out on top. Our mission at The Law Office of Carrie L. Rentz, P.A. is to make the process as smooth and bearable as possible while going above and beyond to get your charges reduced or dropped completely.
We understand what you’re up against and will fight your murder charges no matter what it takes. Contact us at 407-904-7376 to learn more!
Degrees of Murder in Florida
Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being. This offense is not as straightforward as one might think because there are several crimes in which murder can occur, which is why it is divided into several categories, degrees and punishments:
First-degree murder: A premeditated, intentional killing of another person. It can also occur when the killing occurred during the commission of another serious crime such as sex or drug offenses, which your lawyer can explain in further detail. First-degree murder is a capital felony punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole or worse, the death penalty.
Second-degree murder: The unlawful killing of another being without any premeditation and intent but rather in the "heat of the moment.” Second-degree murder defendants are evaluated by their mental state at the time of the alleged offense, as the prosecution must prove that the defendant had a depraved mind lacking regard to human life and did not intend or plan to commit murder. If convicted of second-degree murder, you will face a first-degree felony charge punishable by up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 fines.
Third-degree murder: An unintentional, unplanned killing of another person during the commission of a felony crime. If convicted, you will get charged with a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 fines.
Possible Defenses to Murder Charges
While murder accusations can be frightening, you may find hope in knowing that our Orlando murder defense attorney can employ relentless defenses in your favor. After evaluating the details and facts concerning your case, we will identify and formulate effective defense strategies that may help minimize the impacts of your murder charges. They include, but are not limited to:
- Justifiable homicide: Self-defense, defense of others or defense of property
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of evidence
- Failure to meet burden of proof
- It was an accident
- Insanity
- Unlawfully obtained evidence
Put Former Prosecutor Carrie L. Rentz to Work On Your Orlando Murder Case
If you’re facing murder charges in Orlando, Orange County or Seminole County, you do not have the luxury of time. Every minute counts when it comes to serious charges like yours, which is why we urge you to waste no time in contacting our Orlando murder lawyer at 407-904-7376. Once you retain our firm to fight your violent crime charges, we will immediately begin building a powerhouse defense on your behalf.