Cohen Law P.A.

Lakeland Homicide Defense Lawyer | Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Lee A. Cohen, offers legal services for alleged Homicide Crimes in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central FL.

Homicide Criminal Defense Lawyer

Call Attorney, Lee A. Cohen 863.646.7636

In the state of Florida that any homicide offense is very serious. Homicide crimes involve mandatory prison time if convicted.

When facing homicide charges, you want to be capable attorney who will actively investigate your case and potential defense strategies on your behalf.

Your attorney must aggressively represent you in court to make sure your rights are protected, and all elements of your case are properly investigated.

Cohen Law, P.A., will investigate, review and analyze all evidence, statements, and other essential factors which lead to your arrest for manslaughter or murder homicide. We then develop and recommend a viable defense strategy which provides the best avenue for a positive resolution for your defense.

If a drunk driver is involved in a fatal accident, the case could become a homicide. Our firm will represent clients against all levels of state or federal charges of homicide, and in state and federal appeals. We are prepared to defend clients against charges including manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and first, second, and third degree murder.

Protect your rights by seeking the legal advice and representation of an experienced Homicide Criminal Defense Lawyer.

Contact Lee A. Cohen at 863.646.7636 for your Homicide Criminal Defense legal needs in the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, and Central Florida Area.


Miranda Rights
By Attorney, Lee Cohen

A Legal Success Story
of Attorney, Lee Cohen



ATTORNEY, LEE A. COHEN
BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, Lee A. Cohen

Attorney Lee A. Cohen has been practicing law in the State of Florida since 1996. His law practice focuses on protecting the rights of those accused of committing criminal offences. Over the years, Mr. Cohen has Successfully represented countless residents of, and visitors to, Polk County and Central Florida regarding criminal matters. Mr. Cohen strongly believes that everyone is presumed innocent, and aggressively utilized every legal resource available unter the law in an effort to always provide the highest standard of legal representation. 

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BOARD CERTIFIED IN
CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW

Board Cetrified Criminal Trial Lawyer

I Lee Cohen, am Board certified in criminal trial law. You’re not going to talk to too many attorneys that are board certified in the area that they practice. Board certification means that I am a specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Which means I have passed a special review by the Florida Bar Association to be recognized as a specialist in practicing criminal trial law.


CONTACT US › › ›



ATTORNEY, LEE A. COHEN
BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, Lee A. Cohen

Attorney Lee A. Cohen has been practicing law in the State of Florida since 1996. His law practice focuses on protecting the rights of those accused of committing criminal offences. Over the years, Mr. Cohen has Successfully represented countless residents of, and visitors to, Polk County and Central Florida regarding criminal matters. Mr. Cohen strongly believes that everyone is presumed innocent, and aggressively utilized every legal resource available unter the law in an effort to always provide the highest standard of legal representation.

LEE A. COHEN'S BIOGRAPHY › › ›



BOARD CERTIFIED IN
CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW

Board Cetrified Criminal Trial Lawyer

I Lee Cohen, am Board certified in criminal trial law. You’re not going to talk to too many attorneys that are board certified in the area that they practice. Board certification means that I am a specialist in Criminal Trial Law. Which means I have passed a special review by the Florida Bar Association to be recognized as a specialist in practicing criminal trial law.


CONTACT COHEN LAW, P.A. › › ›


What determines the degree of homicide charges an individual may face in Florida?

The degree of homicide charges an individual may face in Florida depends on the circumstances of the killing and the intent of the perpetrator. Florida law recognizes four types of homicide: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. First-degree murder is the most serious charge and requires premeditation or the commission of another felony. Second-degree murder involves a depraved mind and no premeditation. Third-degree murder occurs when a person unintentionally kills another while committing a felony. Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.


What are the penalties for homicide convictions in Florida?

Homicide is the unlawful killing of a human being and it can be classified into different degrees depending on the circumstances of the crime.

The Criminal Punishment Code establishes the sentencing criteria and the lowest permissible sentence for each offense.


What is the difference between murder and manslaughter in Florida?

Murder and manslaughter are both types of homicide, which is the killing of another person. However, they differ in the degree of intent and malice involved. Murder is the intentional and unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought, which means the killer had a plan or a motive to kill. Manslaughter is the unintentional and unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought, which means the killer did not have a plan or a motive to kill, but acted recklessly or negligently. In Florida, there are different degrees of murder and manslaughter, depending on the circumstances and severity of the crime.


How does Florida's Stand Your Ground law affect homicide cases?

Florida's Stand Your Ground law can have a significant impact on homicide cases. This law allows individuals to use deadly force, including firearms, to defend themselves when they reasonably believe their life or the lives of others are in imminent danger, without a legal obligation to retreat. In homicide cases, the Stand Your Ground law can be used as a legal defense if the defendant claims that the use of deadly force was justified based on this belief. The law has been controversial, with critics arguing that it may be invoked in cases where lethal force was not necessary. However, it can influence the outcome of homicide cases by affecting the way self-defense claims are considered and the burden of proof placed on the prosecution. The application of Stand Your Ground in a homicide case is complex and often requires expert legal representation to navigate effectively.


What is the prosecution's burden of proof for achieving a murder conviction in Florida?

To obtain a murder conviction in Florida, the prosecution must prove the corpus delicti of the crime, which means the body or substance of the crime. This requires substantial evidence that a death occurred and that it was caused by a criminal act. The prosecution must also prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the act with malice aforethought, which is the intent to kill or cause serious bodily harm. The prosecution cannot rely solely on the defendant's confession, but must present independent proof of the corpus delicti. If the prosecution fails to meet its burden of proof, the defendant may be entitled to seek an acquittal.


What are the factors that can aggravate or mitigate homicide sentences in Florida?

The factors that can aggravate or mitigate homicide sentences in Florida depend on the type and degree of the homicide, as well as the circumstances surrounding the crime and the offender's background. According to Florida statutes, some aggravating factors that can increase the severity of the sentence include **premeditation, multiple victims, heinousness, terrorism, and drug trafficking** . Some mitigating factors that can reduce the severity of the sentence include **lack of criminal history, genuine remorse, mental or physical illness, and positive contributions to the community** . The sentencing judge has the discretion to impose a sentence up to the statutory maximum or depart from the lowest permissible sentence based on these factors.


How can a homicide conviction in Florida be appealed?

A homicide conviction in Florida can be appealed under various circumstances, including legal errors during the trial, issues related to the admissibility of evidence, jury misconduct, and claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. Appeals can also be based on newly discovered evidence or challenges to the constitutionality of the conviction or sentencing. Successful appeals typically require demonstrating that a substantial legal error or irregularity affected the fairness of the trial or the outcome of the case. It's crucial to work with a skilled appellate attorney who can review the specifics of your conviction and develop a persuasive argument for an appeal, as the process is complex and subject to strict deadlines in Florida.


Is intent an element of manslaughter homicide charges in the State of Florida?

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being without malice aforethought, which means without intent to kill or harm. In Florida, manslaughter can be either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another in the heat of passion or provocation, without planning or deliberation. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another by an act that is imminently dangerous to human life, but without intending to cause death. Therefore, intent is not an element of manslaughter homicide charges in Florida, unless the killing was voluntary and provoked by the victim.


Is probation a possibility instead of jail or prison time in homicide cases?

Probation is a form of punishment that allows a convicted person to avoid incarceration and remain in the community under certain conditions and supervision. However, probation is not a possibility in homicide cases, which are considered the most serious crimes in the criminal justice system. Homicide cases usually carry mandatory minimum sentences that require the offender to serve a certain amount of time in jail or prison. Probation is only available for less severe offenses that do not involve the intentional killing of another human being.


Contact Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Lee A. Cohen today at 863.646.7636




Cohen Law, P.A.

5430 Strickland Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33812

Phone: 863.646.7636Fax: 863.648.0983




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COHEN LAW, P.A.

Attorney, Lee A. Cohen | 863.646.7636