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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.
Speak with your witnesses.
Present legal motions to the judge.
Investigate your defenses.
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Try to get the best possible result for you.
  • 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

I would like to share my experience. I had a pending case with the law and one day I got involved into a car accident and when we reported the case to the police my problems began and I was arrested and in serious trouble and I started looking for a lawyer and through a friend I met the Lawyer Chapman. I called him and he very kindly answered my call and gave me an appointment with him and his assistant Elizabeth Amaro. He and Elizabeth very thoroughly reviewed my case and the way how he explained things to me, this convinced me that I was in the right place. Mr. Chapman resolved my case in a very satisfactory way for me and without any problems. If at any time I would need him again I would not hesitate to get his services. Thanks to Mr. Chapman and his assistant Elizabeth for their kindness and competent work.
Juan O
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Recent Blogs/News

Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald S. Chapman Reacts to “Super Speeder” Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman draws attention to Florida’s new House Bill 351, effective July 1, 2025. This legislation creates a criminal offense, a second-degree misdemeanor, for driving either 50+ MPH over the speed limit or at 100+ MPH in a manner that endangers others, even absent a collision. Basic Provisions of HB 351 […]

September 4, 2025
Ronald S. Chapman

West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Reacts to Trenton’s Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — In the wake of a devastating and preventable tragedy, Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. speaks out about the high stakes surrounding House Bill 687, also known as “Trenton’s Law,” which seeks to increase penalties for repeat offenders of vehicular homicide (VH) and DUI manslaughter (DUIM). This important legislation, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, […]

September 4, 2025
Ronald S. Chapman

FL Makes Hoax 911 Calls That Cause Harm a Crime, Effective July 1, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman emphasizes the gravity of Florida’s newly enacted House Bill 279, which took effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation imposes far-reaching consequences on those placing malicious or deceptive calls to 911, commonly known as “swatting,” when such actions result in serious injury or death. Under HB 279’s strict new measures: A […]

August 25, 2025
Ronald S. Chapman
400 Clematis St. Suite 206, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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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.