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Homicide Trial Lawyer

Being charged with murder is one of the most serious crimes. For this reason, it can have the most severe, life-altering consequences.

If you are charged with a homicide, you need an experienced attorney on your side to build a strong defense and help protect your rights.

Why should you hire J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A.? 

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Protecting Your Rights  for Over 45 Years

Focusing on Homicides

Attorneys J. David Bogenschutz focus on state and federal criminal defense at the trial court level as well as the appellate level. Under Florida Statute, a First Degree Murder charge carries with it life in prison, and potentially, death, if the State Attorney's Office does not waive the death penalty. It's important to make sure the attorneys representing you understand the seriousness of a murder charge, as well as all possible defenses that may be open to you. 

Protection for the Future

Any person charged with any degree of murder needs to be aware of how serious the charge is, especially because of the type of penalties associated with it. The right attorney will know how to help through every stage of the process from the bond hearing through and including trial. 

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What is murder in Florida?

Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a) defines murder as "the unlawful killing of a human being." Under Florida Law, this "unlawful killing of a human being" can be committed in a several different ways, and is deemed as Murder in the First Degree:

Unlawful Killing of a Human Being

1. When perpetrated from a premeditated design - meaning it was carefully thought out and planned; or

2. When committed by a person engaged in the perpetration of, or in the attempt to commit, any of the following crimes, known as Felony Murder

a. Trafficking any offense prohibited by Florida Statute 893.135(1)

b. Arson

c. Sexual Battery

d. Robbery

e. Burglary

f. Kidnapping

g. Escape

h. Aggravated child abuse

i. Aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult

j. Aircraft piracy

k. Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb

l. Carjacking

m. Home-invasion robbery

n. Aggravated stalking

o. Murder of another human being

p. Resisting an officer with violence

q. Aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death

r. Felony that is an act of terrorism

s. Human Trafficking. 

3. When death results from the unlawful distribution of one of the following substances, or a mixture of: Cocaine, Opium, Methadone, Alfentanil, Carfentanil, Fentanyl, Sufentanily, a controlled substance analog under Florida Statute 893.03 or any substance controlled under 893.03.

Murder in the Second Degree in Florida could be classified as any of the above offenses outlined in 2 above, and is also defined as the unlawful killing of a human being, but the act committed would be committed with a depraved mind regardless of human life, and not with a premeditated design like first degree murder.

Murder in the Third Degree in Florida is defined as any felony committed that is not included in the above list, committed without any design to effect death. 

Our criminal defense lawyers will fight to make sure you are accorded every right under the law.

​What Sets Us Apart in Homicide Defense

State and Federal Cases

Criminal defense attorneys J. David Bogenschutz is admitted to practice law in all counties in Florida, and in federal court. Whether you have been charged by the State of Florida or the federal government, we can help.

Tackling your case with Experts

Homicide cases carry with them the most severe penalties, and that requires a high level of lawyering. In these cases, hiring experts in various fields can be critical. For example, pathologists who can testify to trajectory of bullets and gunshot residue, toxicologists who can testify to substances that may have been taken before a shooting or incident took place, or accident reconstruction experts in traffic homicide cases where a car crash was involved. The attorneys at J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A. are able to look at a case, and identify the type of expert that may be needed to aid in that particular defense. 

Free Consultations

We happily offer free consultations for every case we handle. If you are facing homicide charges, give us a call at (954) 764-2500 so we can go over the details of your situation and discuss possible options and defense strategy.

Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale

If you are facing homicide charges, a serious legal battle is in front of you. Depending on the severity of your charges, you could be sentenced to life in prison or even capital punishment. To increase your chances of achieving reduced or dismissed charges, you should enlist the help of dedicated criminal defense lawyers.

At J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A., J. David Bogenschutz provide knowledgeable, committed, and aggressive defense to people facing criminal charges in Broward County, and all over South Florida. We are prepared to defend clients charged with the most serious crimes. No matter the seriousness of your situation, you have rights under the law, and our criminal defense lawyers are here to protect them. When it comes to homicide cases, our criminal lawyers go above and beyond in their focus on the case because they know how much of your life hangs in the balance. 

Our criminal attorneys are happy to provide free consultations to all prospective clients. To schedule a case review at our Fort Lauderdale office or over the phone, please schedule a consultation online or call:

(954) 764-2500

Attorneys at J. David Bogenschutz & Associates
To increase your chances of achieving reduced or dismissed charges, you should enlist the help of dedicated criminal defense lawyers.

Potential Favorable Outcomes Depending on the circumstances of your case, we could argue for:

Reduced Penalties

If you are found guilty of a homicide, our criminal attorneys can still provide assistance by helping you argue for minimal penalties through sentencing. Our firm also handles appeals post jury verdict. 

Reduced Charges

Our criminal defense lawyers can review the circumstances of the crime to determine if a less severe charge is more appropriate. We will try and negotiate with the State to have the charges reduced before going to trial, or trying to resolve the case in a way that avoids trial if that is in the best interest of the client. 

Dismissed Charges

Of course, the best possible outcome for any case is to have it dropped entirely. Our criminal defense lawyers will examine the forensic evidence, question witnesses, and review the conduct of law enforcement to seek defense strategies that can lead to your case being dismissed.

How Much Does Legal Representation Cost?

Because every case the criminal defense lawyers at our Fort Lauderdale firm handle is unique, pricing varies. Factors that affect the ultimate cost of representation include the complexity of the case and the degree of the manslaughter or murder charges.

Our criminal lawyers can provide information on pricing after gaining a full view of your case in a free consultation. When you hire us, we will work with you to make our services as affordable as possible by offering payment plans.

J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A.

J. David Bogenschutz & Associates, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale has been providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation in all areas of criminal defense since 1971. Our team is affiliated with renowned professional organizations, including: 

  • American Bar Foundation
  • American Bar Association
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • American College of Trial Lawyers

To speak with us about your case, call us at (954) 764-2500 or request a consultation online.

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Fort Lauderdale Office

550 S. Andrews Ave.
Suite 430
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

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