A fatal accident can completely upend life as you know it. If you have been charged with vehicular manslaughter in Florida, you’re likely overwhelmed and are probably unsure of what comes next.
At The Rickman Law Firm, our skilled Tampa criminal defense lawyers are committed to guiding our clients throughout every step of the legal process and providing a strong defense during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Under Florida law, two main charges fall under the category of vehicular manslaughter: vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
Vehicular homicide occurs when a person operates a vehicle in a reckless manner that is likely to cause death or serious injury and someone dies as a result. Recklessness means driving with a disregard for human life or safety, such as excessive speeding, racing, or running red lights.
DUI manslaughter applies when someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes a crash that results in a fatality. Unlike vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter does not require the state to prove that the driver was reckless, just that they were impaired and were the cause of the accident that led to a death.
Both vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter are classified as felonies in Florida, and both carry severe consequences.
Vehicular homicide is typically charged as a second-degree felony, which can result in up to fifteen years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. However, the charge can be elevated to a first-degree felony if the driver left the scene of the accident or failed to provide help to the victim. This escalation is punishable by up to thirty years in prison.
DUI manslaughter is also a second-degree felony, but Florida law imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison upon conviction. If the driver fails to stop and help the other(s) after the crash, the offense may be enhanced to a first-degree felony as well.
When it comes to choosing the best criminal defense lawyer in Tampa to represent you, consider choosing a law firm like The Rickman Law Firm that is known for successful case representation.
In addition to mandatory sentencing and heavy fines, a conviction of vehicular manslaughter will result in the revocation of your driver’s license for a minimum of three years. In some cases, depending on the facts of the case or your criminal history, it could be permanently taken away.
The moments after being charged with a crime as serious as vehicular manslaughter can be extremely difficult to navigate on your own. If you or a loved one are in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Tampa, look no further than The Rickman Law Firm. We have combined decades of nationally recognized defense, and we are prepared to fight for you.
For a complimentary consultation with an expert criminal defense lawyer in Tampa who knows how to properly handle your case, call The Rickman Law Firm at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
White collar crime is one of the most misunderstood areas of criminal law in Florida, and there are many myths surrounding it. At The Rickman Law Firm, our Tampa white collar defense attorneys proudly provide expert representation and defense for individuals facing white collar crime charges.
We have the know-how and combined decades of successful experience in dealing with these intricate legal cases.
One of the most persistent ideas is that white collar crimes result in a slap on the wrist and aren’t that serious. On the contrary, many of these charges carry heavy implications and repercussions, including lengthy prison sentences and severe fines. White collar crimes are defined as nonviolent offenses committed for financial gain, such as identity theft, healthcare fraud, securities violations, and money laundering.
The severity of the penalties often depends on the scope of the action and the amount of financial damage involved. For example, when multiple offenses affect ten or more victims like the elderly or veterans, a government agency, or involve state funds, the charge can be elevated to aggravated white collar crime, which is considered a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
White collar crime is not just limited to Wall Street professionals or high-ranking executives. Individuals of all kinds and professions, including small business owners, employees, and everyday citizens, can be charged if they are suspected of fraud.
In instances of insurance fraud, knowingly submitting a false insurance claim can lead to felony charges. In the United States, nobody is above the law. These laws apply equally to anybody, including medical providers and contractors. Regardless of your professional title, working with a Tampa white collar criminal defense attorney with The Rickman Law Firm is the best step to take in protecting yourself and your reputation.
Another dangerous myth is that repaying stolen or misappropriated funds will prevent any further prosecution and will keep you in the clear. While making restitution may influence an individual’s overall sentencing or plea negotiations, it does not eliminate criminal liability. Actually, Florida prosecutors can, and often do, move forward with charges even when the defendant attempts to “take back” their actions.
For instance, theft involving property valued between $20,000 and $100,000 is considered a second-degree felony, which can result in 15 years in prison. If an individual is convicted of this crime, they will continue to abide by the implications of a second-degree felony, regardless of whether that overall amount is repaid at any point in time.
Being accused of a white collar crime in Florida can turn an individual’s life completely upside down. That’s why individuals need to work with a knowledgeable and aggressive defense attorney. At The Rickman Law Firm, our Tampa white collar criminal defense attorneys provide trusted legal representation for clients facing serious white collar charges throughout Florida and beyond.
Take the first step in protecting yourself. To schedule an initial case consultation with an expert Tampa white collar defense attorney with The Rickman Law Firm, call our office at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Even an accusation of a sex crime can turn someone’s life completely upside down. Beyond the potential for prison sentencing, a conviction can lead to mandatory sex offender registration and irreparable damage to personal and professional reputations.
Unfortunately, many people facing these accusations are guided by dangerous misconceptions that can hurt their defense. At The Rickman Law Firm, our Tampa criminal defense attorneys are prepared to set the record straight. Here are some of the most common myths about defending a sex crime in Florida and the facts that could make all the difference in your case.
In Florida, sex crimes are aggressively prosecuted, and even if you have been unjustly and falsely accused, the prosecution may base its strategy on circumstantial evidence, personal testimony, or misinterpreted communications.
An experienced criminal attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm will help to gather the most effective evidence, skillfully challenge the credibility of witnesses speaking against you, and ultimately ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Representing yourself, even if you did nothing wrong, can potentially result in unintentionally incriminating yourself or missing key legal defenses.
While an accuser’s testimony can be powerful, it is not automatically enough to result in a conviction. Under Florida law, the prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Speaking to police without an attorney can be extremely risky. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Anything you say can and will be used against you, and in sex crime cases, even ambiguous or misunderstood statements can be taken out of context. Before speaking to anyone about your allegations, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney in Tampa with The Rickman Law Firm.
While physical evidence, such as DNA or forensic results, can be important, many sex crime convictions occur based on witness testimony, electronic communications, or circumstantial evidence. Florida law does not require physical evidence for a conviction, particularly in cases involving minors or claims of coercion. That being said, a thorough defense must address all forms of evidence presented, not just physical.
Trying to disprove and resolve your allegation without legal counsel is a serious mistake. From pre-trial motions to negotiating with prosecutors to preparing for trial, you need a legal team with experience, knowledge, and total dedication to client success.
At The Rickman Law Firm, our team of nationally recognized Tampa criminal attorneys is ready to thoroughly examine your case and provide the best defense strategy possible.
For a complimentary case consultation, call The Rickman Law Firm at (813) 370-1185 or fill out a consultation form today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.