Last updated March 2026
Defending the Most Serious Criminal Charges in South Florida
Violent crime and homicide charges are the most severe accusations under Florida law. A single arrest can expose you to mandatory prison sentences, life imprisonment, or permanent loss of rights—often before all evidence is fully reviewed.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients accused of violent felony and homicide offenses throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Michael White understands how the State evaluates violent crime cases, where overcharging occurs, and when early legal intervention can prevent a case from escalating.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 for a confidential consultation.
🎯 Former Prosecutor. Violent Felony Focus.
Violent crime cases are prosecuted differently from other criminal offenses. They are prioritized, fast-tracked, and often handled by specialized units within the State Attorney’s Office.
As a former prosecutor, Michael White understands:
how violent felony cases are screened and filed
when prosecutors pursue maximum charges early
how firearm, homicide, and escalation allegations are framed
where probable cause and witness credibility often break down
when early intervention can stop a case before it hardens
That insight shapes every defense strategy from day one.
⚖️ Homicide & Death-Related Offenses in Florida
Florida law treats homicide as a category of offenses rather than a single charge. For an overview of how these cases are classified and prosecuted, see Florida homicide charges.
We defend clients facing:
First-Degree Murder — § 782.04
Premeditated killings or deaths occurring during enumerated felonies; punishable by life imprisonment or death.
Second-Degree Murder — § 782.04(2)
Intentional but unplanned killings involving a depraved mind without regard for human life.
Manslaughter — § 782.07
Manslaughter involves an unlawful killing without premeditation, often based on reckless conduct or culpable negligence. Learn how these cases are charged and defended under Florida manslaughter law.
Aggravated Manslaughter — § 782.07(3)
Enhanced manslaughter charges involving children, elderly persons, disabled adults, or protected individuals.
Vehicular Homicide — § 782.071
Vehicular homicide applies when a death is caused by reckless operation of a motor vehicle, even without impairment. We explain how these cases work in vehicular homicide cases in Florida.
These cases turn on intent, recklessness, causation, and forensic evidence—not assumptions based on tragedy alone.
🚔 Violent Felony Charges We Defend
In addition to homicide cases, we defend individuals accused of serious violent felonies, including:
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault charges often involve alleged threats with a weapon or intent to commit a felony. We break down elements and defenses in our guide to aggravated assault in Florida.Aggravated Battery
Aggravated battery is a serious felony involving great bodily harm, deadly weapons, or protected victims. See how these cases are prosecuted inFlorida aggravated battery cases.Misdemeanor & Felony Battery
Even cases that begin as minor physical contact can escalate quickly. Learn how Florida prosecutes these offenses underbattery charges in FloridaRobbery and Armed Robbery
Robbery is prosecuted as a violent felony because it alleges force or fear during a taking. We explain the distinction inFlorida robbery charges.Resisting Arrest With Violence
Firearm-Related Violent Offenses
Firearm allegations dramatically increase sentencing exposure in violent crime cases, particularly when prosecutors allege threats or use of a weapon. We address these scenarios in aggravated assault with a firearm cases.
These charges are often stacked together, aggressively filed, and supported by incomplete or one-sided narratives—especially in fast-moving arrest situations.
🛡️ Defense Strategies in Violent Crime Cases
Every violent crime case is different, but successful defenses often focus on early evidence control and targeted motion practice.
1️⃣ Suppression of Illegal Evidence
Unlawful stops, searches, interrogations, and warrant defects can result in critical evidence being excluded.
2️⃣ Challenging Witness Credibility
Violent crime cases frequently rely on inconsistent or emotionally charged witnesses whose accounts change over time.
3️⃣ Forensic & Expert Cross-Examination
We aggressively challenge:
ballistics and firearm assumptions
DNA and blood-evidence interpretation
toxicology timelines
accident and crime-scene reconstruction
4️⃣ Self-Defense & Stand Your Ground Immunity
In appropriate cases, Florida law allows immunity from prosecution when force was used lawfully. Our approach to self-defense and Stand Your Ground in Florida often determines whether a case ends before trial.
5️⃣ Early Charge Reduction or No-File Advocacy
In many cases, early intervention leads to:
reduced charges
dismissal
avoidance of prison exposure
📊 Why Early Intervention Matters in Violent Crime Cases
Violent felony cases move quickly. Prosecutors often make charging and bond decisions before all evidence is reviewed, especially in firearm and homicide investigations.
Early defense involvement can affect:
whether enhancements are filed
how evidence is preserved or interpreted
whether a case escalates or is reduced
long-term sentencing exposure
Delay almost always benefits the State—not the defense.
📞 Facing Violent Crime or Homicide Charges in Fort Lauderdale?
Your future may depend on what happens in the first days or weeks after arrest. At Michael White, P.A., we provide aggressive, strategic defense for the most serious criminal allegations in South Florida.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request your confidential consultation online.