Second-Degree Murder

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

  1. The victim is dead.
  2. The victim’s death was caused by the criminal act of the accused.
  3. There was an unlawful killing of the victim by an act imminently dangerous to another and demonstrating a depraved mind without regard for human life.

An act is "imminently dangerous to another and demonstrating a depraved mind" if it is an act or series of acts that:

  1. A person of ordinary judgment would know is reasonably certain to kill or do serious bodily injury to another, and
  2. Is done from ill will, hatred, spite, or an evil intent, and
  3. Is of such a nature that the act itself indicates an indifference to human life.

In order to convict someone of second-degree murder, it is not necessary for the prosecutor to prove that the accused person had an intent to cause the victim’s death.

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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.
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Mr. Chapman recently represented me in a criminal case that had a good outcome. Thank God for all of his help, knowledge , experience, and the commitment that he showed in my case. He gave me confidence during a stressful time in my life. Mr. Chapman presented me with several options regarding how to resolve my case, and he advised me on what was the best solution. Also, whenever I contacted him to see how my case was going, Mr. Chapman and his secretary, Ms. Amaro, always answered all of my questions. Truly, it was good to have a serious, responsible, and committed attorney like Mr. Chapman representing me. Because of my experience with Attorney Chapman, I would recommend him to anyone who has a criminal case. If you speak with Mr. Chapman, you will realize that what I am saying is true.
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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.