Last updated November 2025
Defending the Most Serious Charges in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
Facing violent crime or homicide charges in Florida means your freedom, future, and entire life may be on the line. You are up against some of the harshest penalties in the state — including mandatory prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients charged with the most serious felony offenses across Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Michael White understands exactly how the State builds violent-crime cases — and how to dismantle them.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 for a free consultation.
🔥 Types of Violent Crime Charges We Defend
Violent crime cases often move fast, involve aggressive prosecution, and carry life-changing consequences. We represent individuals accused of:
Homicide & Manslaughter
Aggravated Assault & Aggravated Battery
Felony Battery & Domestic Violence
DUI Manslaughter
Robbery & Armed Robbery
Violent crimes involving firearms
Resisting with Violence
Culpable Negligence
Related reading:
👉 Florida Assault Law: Definition & Penalties
⚖️ Homicide Charges in Florida
Homicide includes intentional killings, reckless conduct causing death, and deaths caused during other felonies. We defend:
First-Degree Murder — § 782.04
Premeditated killing; punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
Second-Degree Murder — § 782.04(2)
Intentional but unplanned homicide; up to life imprisonment.
Manslaughter — § 782.07
Killing without intent; often charged in reckless or heat-of-passion incidents.
Aggravated Manslaughter — § 782.07(3)
Enhanced penalties when involving children, elderly persons, disabled adults, or law enforcement officers.
Vehicular Homicide — § 782.071
Death caused by reckless driving.
DUI Manslaughter — § 316.193(3)(c)
Death caused while DUI; carries mandatory prison and lifetime consequences.
Related post:
📊 Violent Crime Statistics in Florida & Broward County
Florida ranked #3 nationwide for violent-crime arrests (FBI 2023).
81,000+ violent crimes reported statewide.
6,000+ violent cases filed in Broward County last year.
Over 90% of violent-crime convictions result in incarceration.
DUI manslaughter arrests increased 9% in South Florida.
These numbers highlight the State’s aggressive stance — and why early intervention matters.
🚔 Other Violent Crimes We Defend
Assault Crimes
Simple Assault — § 784.011
Aggravated Assault — § 784.021
Battery Crimes
Simple Battery — § 784.03
Aggravated Battery — § 784.045
Felony Battery — § 784.041
Domestic Violence
As defined under § 741.28
Other Violent Offenses
Culpable Negligence — § 784.05
Resisting with or without Violence — §§ 843.01 & 843.02
Armed Robbery
Home Invasion
Related pages:
🛡️ Defense Strategies in Violent Crime & Homicide Cases
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Michael White uses insights from “inside the State” to identify weaknesses in the case and exploit them.
1️⃣ Suppression of Illegally Obtained Evidence
Traffic stops, searches, interrogations — if any step violates the Fourth or Fifth Amendment, evidence can be thrown out.
2️⃣ Challenging Witness Credibility
Violent crime cases often rely on unreliable witnesses, conflicting statements, and coerced confessions.
3️⃣ Cross-Examining Forensic Testimony
We challenge:
Ballistics
DNA analysis
Blood-alcohol timelines
Crime-scene reconstruction
4️⃣ Stand Your Ground Immunity
Under § 776.012, defendants may be immune from prosecution if force was used in lawful self-defense.
5️⃣ Negotiating Charge Reductions or Dismissal
Early intervention can lead to downgraded charges or diversion away from prison exposure.
❓ FAQs — Violent Crime & Homicide in Florida
1. What’s the difference between first- and second-degree murder?
First-degree requires premeditation (§ 782.04); second-degree is unplanned but intentional.
2. Can I be charged if the death was accidental?
Yes — manslaughter (§ 782.07), vehicular homicide (§ 782.071), or DUI manslaughter (§ 316.193) may apply.
3. What is Stand Your Ground?
§ 776.012 allows the use of force if necessary to prevent death or serious harm. It can provide immunity.
4. Will I go to jail if convicted?
Most violent felonies result in incarceration. But with strong defense, reductions or dismissals may be possible.
5. How can a lawyer help?
We investigate immediately, challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, negotiate with prosecutors, and file immunity motions.
📞 Facing Violent Crime or Homicide Charges? Call Now.
Your future depends on what you do right now. Don’t delay. At Michael White, P.A., we serve clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and across South Florida with aggressive, strategic defense against the most serious criminal allegations.
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request your free consultation online