Clermont Murder Defense Lawyer

Get Experienced & Aggressive Defense Now

A murder arrest or active homicide investigation is one of the most serious situations a family can face. Your loved one may be in custody, you may not know what to say or do next, and every decision can feel like it carries life-changing consequences. You do not have time to guess your way through this.

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we defend people accused of murder and related violent offenses in and around Clermont. Our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to these cases, including years spent in Florida criminal courtrooms handling serious felonies.

Call (888) 835-5840 or contact us online today to get started on building your loved one's defense.

What Is Murder?

Under Florida law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being with intent or under circumstances showing extreme recklessness or disregard for human life. Florida recognizes different degrees of murder, each with distinct legal elements and potential penalties.

Murder charges often arise from a wide range of situations, including alleged domestic disputes, altercations involving weapons, drug-related incidents, or accusations stemming from self-defense claims. Regardless of the circumstances, prosecutors must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Clermont murder defense lawyer can challenge the evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and ensure your constitutional rights are upheld.

Murder Charges & Penalties in Florida

Florida classifies murder into three primary degrees, each carrying harsh consequences:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge in Florida. It typically involves:

• Premeditated and intentional killing
• A killing committed during the commission of certain felonies (felony murder)

Penalties:

• Life imprisonment without parole, or
• In rare cases, the death penalty

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder involves an intentional act that shows a “depraved mind” and reckless disregard for human life, but without premeditation.

Penalties:

• First-degree felony
• Up to life in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Third-Degree Murder

Third-degree murder generally applies to killings that occur during the commission of a non-violent felony.

Penalties:

• Second-degree felony
• Up to 15 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Legal Defenses to Murder Charges

Every murder case is unique, and the right defense strategy depends on the facts, evidence, and circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify the strongest defense options available.

Common legal defenses to murder charges in Florida include:

Self-Defense or Stand Your Ground

Florida’s self-defense and Stand Your Ground laws may justify the use of deadly force when a person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.

Lack of Intent or Premeditation

The prosecution must prove intent. If intent cannot be established, murder charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Insufficient or Circumstantial Evidence

Many murder cases rely heavily on circumstantial evidence. A skilled defense attorney can challenge forensic evidence, witness credibility, and investigative errors.

False Accusations

Emotions often run high in homicide investigations, leading to rushed conclusions or false allegations. We work to uncover the truth.

Constitutional Violations

Illegal searches, coerced confessions, or violations of Miranda rights can result in evidence being suppressed.

Our Clermont murder defense attorney will tailor a defense strategy designed to protect your rights at every stage of the case.

Murder FAQs

What should I do if I am under investigation for murder in Clermont, FL?

Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact a Clermont murder defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Can murder charges be reduced in Florida?

Yes. Depending on the evidence, murder charges may be reduced to manslaughter or dismissed entirely with a strong legal defense.

How long does a murder case take to resolve?

Murder cases are complex and may take months or longer, especially if the case goes to trial.

Will my case go to trial?

Not all cases go to trial. Some are resolved through motions, plea negotiations, or dismissal, depending on the strength of the evidence.

Do I really need a lawyer if I’m innocent?

Absolutely. Innocent people can still be charged and convicted without proper legal representation.

Why Families Choose Our Murder Defense

When a family member is accused of murder, you need more than a name pulled from a list. You need a team that has already spent decades navigating Florida criminal courts, including cases where a person’s entire future is on the line. That is the environment we work in every day.

Our firm brings together a founder with more than 20 years in practice and a litigation attorney who spent nearly a decade as a public defender. That background means we have handled thousands of criminal hearings and trials, including homicide level matters, and we know how prosecutors in the area approach serious felonies. We do not need to outsource trial work when charges involve a death.

Because we routinely work across Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties, we understand the procedures, courthouse cultures, and tendencies of judges and prosecutors who handle violent felony dockets. For a murder attorney Clermont families can trust, local knowledge can influence how we plan for first appearances, motion practice, negotiations, and trial.

We also know that the legal process is only part of what you are facing. Our team responds quickly to calls and messages, even while managing busy court schedules. Experienced paralegals help keep every detail organized so you receive consistent updates instead of wondering what is happening behind the scenes. We walk you through possible scenarios early, so you understand realistic best and worst case possibilities instead of being surprised in the hallway outside the courtroom.

Serious felony defense is a financial strain for many families. We structure our services and pricing to provide strong value, bringing the level of representation often associated with big city firms without big city bloat. We work to move efficiently, focus on what matters most, and avoid unnecessary costs, so you can devote resources to protecting your loved one’s future.

Contact us now at (888) 835-5840 to speak with our team and learn how we can help you take the next step.