First-Degree Murder

There are two ways in which a person may be convicted of first-degree murder in Florida. One is known as premeditated murder and the other is known as felony murder.

Before a person can be convicted of first-degree premeditated murder, the prosecutor must prove the following three things beyond a reasonable doubt:

The victim is dead.
The victim’s death was caused by the criminal act of the accused individual.
The killing of the victim was premeditated.

Before a person can be convicted of first-degree felony murder, the prosecutor must prove the following three things beyond a reasonable doubt:

The victim is dead.
a. The victim’s death occurred as a consequence of and while the accused 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.
a. The accused individual was the person 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.

In order to convict someone of first-degree felony murder, it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the accused had a premeditated design or intent to kill.

Why Choose Ronald S. Chapman, P.A.?

I Know How Palm Beach Courts Work — Having defended clients for decades in Palm Beach County, I know how the judges and prosecutors think and operate.

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I Keep You Updated — Transparency is key. I want you to know what’s happening with your case at all points in the process.

Experienced — With over 36 years of experience and 500 jury trials and hearings, I have defended clients who have found themselves in situations probably just like yours.

Why Choose Ronald S. Chapman, P.A.?

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