Understanding the Death Penalty in Miami Criminal Cases: What You Need to Know about the Death Penalty Under Florida Criminal Laws

One of the things that some Miami criminal defendants may not be aware of is that Florida is one of the few states in the U.S. that still actively applies the death penalty. Indeed, under Florida criminal laws, the death penalty is an available penalty for the most serious crimes — typically those involving atrocious, aggravated murder. If you or someone you know is facing capital charges in Florida, it is essential to understand when the death penalty is legally on the table and what factors influence its application. To help those who may be facing capital crimes – those in which the death penalty may be imposed – and their families better understand the death penalty in Miami criminal cases, we discuss the basics here.

What Crimes are Eligible for the Death Penalty in Miami Under Florida Criminal Laws?

At the outset, it is important for individuals in Miami who may be facing capital crimes and their families to know about the statute that gives rise to the death penalty in Miami criminal cases. The Florida Statutes are the governing laws when it comes to death penalty cases in Miami. Under the Florida Statutes, the death penalty may be imposed in cases of first-degree murder when there are aggravated factors. Those factors include, for example, that the murder was especially heinous or cruel, that the person who committed the murder had a prior violent felony conviction, that the victim was a police officer, that the murder was committed during the course of another felony crime, such as a robbery or sexual assault, or that the individual who committed the murder created a great risk of harm or death to others (such in the case of a mass shooting or bombing). Of course, there are other circumstances in which the death penalty may be imposed, such as in cases of terrorism, or even potentially drug trafficking cases. As such, it is extremely important to discuss your case with an experienced Miami criminal attorney in order to protect your rights – and your life.

Are Individuals Who are Facing Capital Crimes Entitled to an Attorney in Miami?

It is also important for those individuals who are facing serious crimes, including capital crimes, to know that they are not alone in the cases against them. Miami criminal defendants, even those charged with death-penalty-eligible crimes are entitled to the assistance and representation of an experienced Miami criminal attorney to help them get justice in their cases. An experienced Miami criminal attorney knows the ins-and-outs of the law and can help advocate for your rights. An experienced Miami criminal attorney also knows about mitigating factors in capital cases, and can help advocate for you.

If you are in the Miami area and you need legal help with your Miami criminal case, contact the experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm. Contact AsiliA Law Firm today and speak to an experienced attorney about your case today.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0921/Sections/0921.141.html