Fort Lauderdale Homicide Lawyer
You will never need experienced, skilled and committed representation more than you do right now
Murder is a capital crime in Florida. In fact, Florida was the first state to bring back the death penalty after the Supreme Court decision in 1972. If you are facing homicide charges and your life is literally on the line, in whose hands do you want to place your fate? Kevin J. Kulik is the founding attorney of the Fort Lauderdale criminal defense law firm of Kevin J. Kulik, P.A. As a former Florida state assistant attorney, he understands how the prosecution thinks and how law enforcement collects evidence. As a Fort Lauderdale homicide lawyer who has defended people accused of felonies, murder and other violent crimes, he has dedicated his practice to providing what the Constitution guarantees: the right to a defense.
In cases of homicide, your lawyer must know how to build strategies — not just provide tactics. As criminal defense veterans, we understand that in order to be fully prepared, there must always be more than one plan. From our first consultation with you and throughout the entire process, we make sure that no stone is left unturned, no piece of evidence overlooked, and no detail is missed.
As murder defense lawyers, we know what is at stake. And we are dedicated to making sure that your day in court results in the best possible outcome.
What is homicide and how is it different from murder in Florida?
Homicide is the all-encompassing term that describes the act of killing another human being. As such, homicide includes manslaughter and murder. The difference between murder and manslaughter is one of intent. Manslaughter is generally causing death through reckless disregard. There need not be an intent to kill (although there may have been), but only an act that was intentional and caused death.
Murder generally means that there was not only intent to kill, but that it was either premeditated or that that there was a purposeful act in which the perpetrator knew what they were doing could cause a death, and that someone actually died.
First-degree murder
First-degree murder charges may be based on premeditation, meaning that a plan was made in advance to carry out the murder. Felony murder is another type of first-degree murder charge leveled when the murder happened during an attempt or commission of a felony, such as:
- Burglary
- Sexual battery
- Kidnapping
If the homicide is related to a drug offense, it may also be tried as a first-degree murder case.
Penalties for a first-degree murder conviction include the death penalty. If the death penalty is not imposed, there is a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
Second-degree murder
If charged with second-degree murder, the charge is for either murder with a depraved mind or accomplice to felony murder.
Murder with a depraved mind means that a person was killed because the act that caused the death was dangerous and showed the perpetrator had no regard for the life taken. Accomplice to a felony murder means that you were engaged in an illegal act as an accomplice in which a murder was committed — even if you yourself did not commit the murder. The felony act may include:
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Penalties for second-degree murder can include up to life in prison.
Do not talk to the police or the prosecutor until we help you secure your Constitutional rights
Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. That is why it is imperative that you say nothing without legal representation. We offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss your situation and your options. To schedule a time, please contact Kevin J. Kulik, P.A. online or call us at 954-761-9411. We can make immediate arrangements to meet with you at your home or at the prison, if necessary. Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale homicide & murder lawyers today.
