Clermont Manslaughter Defense Lawyer

Serious Charges Demand Steady, Local Defense

Being accused of causing another person’s death can turn your life upside down in a moment. If you or someone you love is facing a manslaughter charge connected to this area, you are not just dealing with a case file, you are facing the possibility of prison, a permanent felony record, and a future that looks completely different.

In times like this, you need more than information. You need a calm, experienced manslaughter attorney Clermont defendants can turn to for clear direction and real support. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we defend people charged with serious felonies every day, and we have built our practice here so clients do not have to face the Lake County justice system alone.

Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience, including homicide-level trial work and years spent as a public defender in the local courts. When you call us, our goal is to step in quickly, explain where you stand, and begin building a plan to protect your rights and your future.

To get started on your defense, contact us today at (888) 835-5840.

What is Manslaughter?

Under Florida Statute § 782.07, manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without lawful justification. Unlike murder, manslaughter does not require proof of premeditation or intent to kill. Instead, the charge typically arises when a death results from reckless, negligent, or intentional actions that were not planned in advance.

Manslaughter charges can stem from a wide range of situations, including physical altercations, accidents, medical or caregiving errors, intoxicated behavior, or unsafe driving. Because intent is not always required, people are often shocked to learn they are facing manslaughter charges after what they believed was an accident.

A Clermont manslaughter defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Justin Rickman can explain how Florida law applies to your specific situation and whether the prosecution can actually meet its burden of proof.

Forms of Manslaughter

Florida law recognizes several forms of manslaughter, each with different legal implications and potential penalties.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter typically involves intentional actions that result in death but lack premeditation. This may include killings committed in the heat of passion, during sudden arguments, or under extreme emotional distress. While intent to kill may not be present, the actions leading to death are often deliberate.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter usually involves unintentional killings caused by reckless or negligent behavior. Common examples include unsafe handling of firearms, violent horseplay, or failure to follow safety procedures. These cases often hinge on whether the defendant’s conduct rose to the level of criminal negligence.

Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence

Florida law specifically recognizes manslaughter by culpable negligence, which occurs when someone’s reckless disregard for human life causes a death. This is more serious than ordinary negligence and may involve conduct that shows a conscious indifference to consequences.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter occurs when a person causes a death while operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner. These cases often involve allegations of speeding, distracted driving, racing, or driving under the influence.

Each form of manslaughter requires a tailored legal strategy. A skilled Clermont manslaughter defense lawyer will carefully analyze the facts, police reports, and evidence to determine which type of manslaughter the prosecution is pursuing and how best to fight it.

Florida Manslaughter Penalties

Manslaughter is a second-degree felony in most cases under Florida law. A conviction can result in:

• Up to 15 years in Florida state prison
• Up to 15 years of probation
• Fines of up to $10,000
• Permanent felony record
• Loss of civil rights, including firearm ownership
• Difficulty obtaining employment, housing, or professional licenses

If the manslaughter involves the death of a child, elderly person, or disabled adult, penalties may be enhanced. Vehicular manslaughter can also carry additional consequences, such as long-term driver’s license revocation.

Given the life-altering consequences, it is critical to work with a Clermont manslaughter defense attorney who understands how to challenge sentencing enhancements and pursue alternatives to incarceration.

Legal Defenses Against Manslaughter Charges

Every manslaughter case is unique, and the right defense strategy depends on the facts and evidence. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we explore all possible defenses, including:

Lack of Causation

The prosecution must prove that your actions directly caused the death. If another factor—such as a medical condition, third-party conduct, or unforeseeable event—played a role, this element may be challenged.

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

If the death occurred while you were lawfully defending yourself or someone else, Florida’s self-defense laws, including Stand Your Ground, may apply.

Accident or Misfortune

Not every tragic death is a crime. If the incident was a true accident without recklessness or criminal negligence, charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Insufficient Evidence

Manslaughter cases often rely on circumstantial evidence, witness statements, or expert opinions. Our Clermont manslaughter defense lawyer can expose inconsistencies, unreliable testimony, or flawed forensic analysis.

Constitutional Violations

If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation, such as conducting an illegal search or coercive interrogation, key evidence may be suppressed.

Manslaughter FAQs

Is manslaughter the same as murder in Florida?

No. Manslaughter does not require premeditation or intent to kill, while murder does. However, manslaughter is still a serious felony offense.

Can manslaughter charges be reduced?

Yes. Depending on the facts, charges may be reduced to negligent homicide or other lesser offenses, or even dismissed entirely.

Will I go to prison if convicted of manslaughter?

Prison is possible, but not guaranteed. Factors such as prior criminal history, circumstances of the offense, and legal defenses play a major role.

Should I speak to the police if I’m under investigation?

It is strongly advised to speak with a Clermont manslaughter defense lawyer before making any statements to law enforcement.

Why Hire Our Team

Choosing the right manslaughter defense attorney Clermont residents can trust is one of the most important decisions you will make. You are placing your freedom, your reputation, and your family’s stability in someone else’s hands. We take that responsibility seriously, and we structure our entire firm around providing maximum value in high-stakes criminal cases.

Our team brings more than four decades of combined experience to every felony matter. Our founder has practiced for over 20 years, and our litigation attorney spent nearly a decade as a public defender, handling serious charges in crowded dockets and tough courtrooms. That background means we understand how prosecutors build cases, how judges think about sentencing, and how to navigate complex evidence in real time.

Because we work regularly in Lake County, including at the courthouse in nearby Tavares, and across Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties, we know the procedural quirks and courthouse cultures that can shape a manslaughter case. Clients are not passed from person to person. Our attorneys and seasoned paralegals collaborate closely so discovery is handled carefully, deadlines are met, and you receive consistent, clear communication instead of silence and surprises.

Most importantly, we prepare clients thoroughly and speak with complete honesty. We walk you through realistic best and worst case scenarios, explain what the state must prove, and talk through how different choices could affect sentencing exposure. Our goal is for you to feel steady and informed, even when the situation is frightening and uncertain.

Call (888) 835-5840 to speak with our criminal defense team about your situation.