Third-Degree Murder

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Before a person can be convicted of third-degree murder in Florida, the prosecution must prove the following three things beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The victim is dead.
  2. a. The victim’s death occurred as a consequence of and while the accused individual was engaged in the commission of a crime; or
    b. The victim’s death occurred as a consequence of and while the accused was attempting to commit a crime; or
    c. The victim’s death occurred as a consequence of and while the accused, or an accomplice, was escaping from the immediate scene of the crime.
  3. a. The accused person was the one who actually killed the victim; or
    b. The victim was killed by a person other than the accused, but both the accused and the person who actually killed the victim were principals in the commission of the crime.

It is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the killing of the victim was perpetrated with a design to effect death. Also check more details about Second-Degree Murder

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WHY CHOOSE RONALD S. CHAPMAN, P.A.?

Investigate the prosecutor’s case against you.
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  • Over 34 Years of Experience – Ronald S. Chapman has represented clients facing both state and federal charges since 1990, and he has had more than 200 trials.
  • Numerous 5-star Reviews – Our West Palm Beach law firm has accumulated five-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Lawyers.com, Avvo, and other sites.
  • Sole Practitioner– As a sole practitioner, Ronald S. Chapman works directly with each client he serves instead of handing them off to staff members.
  • Represents Clients in State and Federal Court – While some West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers handle only state charges or federal charges, Ronald S. Chapman handles both types of charges ranging from state-level assault charges to federal-level drug trafficking and white-collar crimes.
  • Bilingual Legal Services – Ronald S. Chapman provides legal services in English and Spanish, so you won’t have any trouble communicating with him.

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Real Clients, Real Testimonials

In the month of December 2015 I had to go to Court. That's when I contacted Attorney Ron Chapman and his assistant Elizabeth Amaro. I was feeling very desperate and disoriented. I can assure you it was a joy to have found them and known them. From the moment that I talked to Attorney Chapman and Ms. Elizabeth for the first time I commenced to restore security and hope that everything could be solved and it was. They went to Court with me, and my case was dismissed. For that reason I would like to thank them once again for their kind attention and professionalism and all the good work with my case and thus recommend Attorney Chapman because of his knowledge in the field of criminal law and for good client service.
Mercedes C

Recent Blogs/News

Ronald S. Chapman Reacts to FL Supreme Court’s Revision of Speedy Trial Rule

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman underscores the impact of the Florida Supreme Court’s recent decision to amend Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.191, as laid out in In Re: Amendments to Rule 3.191 (SC2022‑1123). These changes, which also affect Rule 3.134, took effect on July 1, 2025. New clock […]

West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Reacts to New Animal Cruelty Laws

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Experienced criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman urges heightened awareness of sweeping new Florida laws impacting animal cruelty cases. Effective October 1, 2025, Senate Bill 150 (Trooper’s Law) imposes mandatory third-degree felony charges for abandoning restrained animals during declared natural disasters, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and […]

FL Increases Tracking Device Crime to 2nd‑Degree Felony Starting Oct 1, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal Defense Attorney Ron Chapman alerts Floridians to a significant change in state law that will take effect on October 1, 2025. Under Florida Senate Bill 1168 (SB 1168), the unlawful use of tracking devices in connection with violent or sexual crimes will be upgraded from a third-degree felony to […]

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Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people who have been accused of committing various types of crimes such as DUI, domestic violence, possession of a firearm, drug possession, expungement, traffic crimes, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, sex crimes, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.