Treasure Coast Homicide Arrests

A homicide arrest can devastate the lives of all involved, including the accused and his or her loved ones, who go through immeasurable suffering, especially if the accused is innocent or if the homicide was accidental. Those accused of homicide can feel persecuted as their lives are scrutinized and picked apart. Even for those who are not ultimately convicted, such an invasion can have long-term repercussions.

Contrary to common belief, homicide does not automatically equate to a charge of murder. Although the word “homicide” often is used in relation to “murder” or “manslaughter,” it could also refer to a non-criminal act, such as a self-defense fatality or death by misadventure. Under Florida statutes, homicide includes the following :

Homicide Rates in Florida

On a statewide scale, homicides in Florida have decreased by nearly 13% between 2008 and 2009.^[1] However, there appears to be an increase in the number of homicides in areas hit by large numbers of foreclosures since 2008. The National Institute of Justice reports an association between the number of foreclosures within the state and the number of homicides,^[2] meaning, as the foreclosures increase, so do the number of homicides in those areas. The correlation has existed since before the recent foreclosure crisis, but with the numbers increasing, the relation is pronounced.

A homicide investigation is a lengthy process, requiring time and effort by the authorities, but also by the defense team. All evidence, eyewitness accounts and motives must be viewed in detail before the case can move forward. News reports abound of innocent people convicted and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. This is one of many reasons why it's important that the accused that the seek the advice of expert Treasure Coast homicide lawyers like Perlet & Shiner, P.A.

Those convicted of homicide in Florida could face one of a number of sentences, including the death penalty. It is the job of their homicide attorney to investigate the case thoroughly to provide the accused the best chance of having charges reduced, or even dropped.

Perlet & Shiner, P.A. has successfully defended homicide and murder cases in all of the Treasure Coast, South Florida and Central Florida, including Ft. Pierce, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, and surrounding cities in Martin County, Okeechobee County, St. Lucie County and Indian River County.

• http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/563b1fa3-3c7b-4787-ac6d-96c8fea73dcd/CIF_Annual09.aspx
• http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/maps/foreclosure-crime-meeting/baumer-wolff2/baumer-wolff2-13.htm