Last updated January 2026
🚨 Arrested for manslaughter in Fort Lauderdale? You’re facing a life-altering felony — and a system that assumes the worst. But not all manslaughter charges are the same, and the prosecution still has to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
With the right manslaughter attorney in Fort Lauderdale, you may be able to avoid prison — or even beat the charges entirely.
📜 What Counts as Manslaughter Under Florida Law?
Under Florida Statute § 782.07, manslaughter is defined as:
“The killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another, without lawful justification.”
There are several types:
Voluntary Manslaughter – Often charged when emotions run high (e.g., fights, bar disputes)
Involuntary Manslaughter – Typically results from reckless or negligent conduct
Manslaughter by Act – Direct actions caused the death
Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence – A person acted with reckless disregard for human life
⚠️ Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter — or 30 years if a weapon or firearm was involved.
🛡️ How We Defend Manslaughter Charges
At Michael White, P.A., we defend all types of manslaughter cases — including fights gone wrong, domestic altercations, DUI-related deaths, and accidental shootings. Common defenses include:
🔹 Justifiable Use of Force
Was it self-defense or defense of others? We use Stand Your Ground laws and Florida’s self-defense statute aggressively.
🔹 Lack of Intent or Culpability
Many cases hinge on proving the defendant’s state of mind. If the death was truly accidental, it may not meet the legal standard.
🔹 Forensic & Medical Disputes
We consult independent experts to challenge causation, timing of injuries, and autopsy findings.
🔹 Insufficient Evidence
If the State’s theory depends on unreliable witnesses or circumstantial evidence, we attack it at every stage — especially pretrial.
✅ Why Clients Hire Michael White
✅ Former prosecutor with experience handling homicide and violent crime cases
✅ Strategic use of pretrial motions and early negotiations
✅ Aggressive courtroom advocate with a focus on dismissal or drastic charge reduction
✅ Trusted by families, working adults, and those facing complex or publicized cases
📞 Charged with Manslaughter in Fort Lauderdale? Your Life Isn’t Over.
Don’t navigate this alone. The right defense can change everything.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
👨⚖️ What’s the sentence for manslaughter in Florida?
Up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine. With a weapon, it can be reclassified and carry up to 30 years.
⚔️ Can I claim self-defense in a manslaughter case?
Yes. If you reasonably believed deadly force was necessary, you may have immunity under Florida’s self-defense laws.
🧪 How do you challenge the cause of death?
We use independent forensic experts to dispute the medical examiner’s conclusions, especially if timing or mechanism of death is unclear.
📉 Can manslaughter be reduced to a lesser charge?
In some cases, yes. With strong negotiation or factual challenges, charges may be reduced to culpable negligence or even dismissed.
📂 Can manslaughter charges be sealed or expunged?
Generally, no — not if convicted. But if charges are dropped or you receive a withhold of adjudication, sealing might be possible.