The Need for a Fort Lauderdale Manslaughter Arrest Lawyer
The killing of an alleged voyeur more than a year ago recently culminated in the arrest of a man in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Charged with manslaughter, the 30-year-old suspect could be facing harsh criminal sanctions if convicted. Fortunately, defendants of this type can seek the services of a Fort Lauderdale manslaughter arrest lawyer, who will provide them with the representation they will need throughout the legal process.
The incident that led to the recent arrest occurred in July 2018. The suspect, who had been staying at the house of his girlfriend in Fort Lauderdale, initially confronted a 57-year-old man who was reportedly peering into a bedroom window. In a subsequent altercation, the alleged Peeping Tom was beaten to death. After reviewing the case, prosecutors determined that there was sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against the younger man.
The crime of manslaughter involves the taking of human life without justification. Voluntary manslaughter is the intentional killing of someone that, unlike murder, is not a premeditated act. Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional taking of a life that results from some type of criminal negligence, such as a motorist who kills someone while intoxicated. Under the mandatory minimum sentencing rules in Florida, those convicted of manslaughter will automatically serve more than nine years in prison and could be given a sentence of up to 15 years. Additionally, they will be fined up to $10,000. The penalties could be greater under certain circumstances, such as when the victim is elderly or under the age of 18. The severity of the penalties facing those convicted is a good reason for anyone so charged to seek legal assistance.
