Sarasota Homicide & Vehicular Homicide Lawyers
Serving Manatee & Sarasota Counties
Homicide involves the death of another human being. These charges leave you or your loved one vulnerable to a potentially lengthy prison sentence. Emotions and anger are often high in these cases, and they can be unfairly directed at the defendant. Bond can be set very high or not offered at all. People can be judged by public opinion, particularly in cases that attract significant media attention. Defendants need a homicide lawyer who won’t flinch in the face of all this, and who will fight for their rights. That’s exactly the kind of attorney you can find in our Sarasota office.
We’ve fought for defendants in Sarasota County and Manatee County, including Lakewood Ranch, for over 25 years. We will explore every aspect of your case in the effort to build a strong defense.
Call (941) 299-0701 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
The Difference Between Homicide & Murder Convictions
While both homicide and murder involve the death of a human being, there are significant legal differences between the two charges. The distinction boils down to intent.
For a murder charge to be brought, the prosecution must be prepared to prove that not only was there a death, and not only was the defendant at fault, but that the killing was intentional. As such the sentences in murder convictions can be severe. Depending on the circumstances, the sentence could be for life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Homicide is when the death was an accident, but the defendant still bears responsibility. Vehicular homicide is a prime example of this. If the defendant was driving recklessly or intoxicated, they are still legally responsible for a death that results. While sentencing is not as harsh as in murder cases, the consequences will still be very serious—convicted defendants face a minimum of 9 years and 3 months, with a maximum of 30 years.
Skilled Defenders On Your Side Over 100 Years of Combined Experience
Here's What Sets Us Apart
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Deep Local Knowledge & Dedication
With over 25 years serving Manatee County, McIntosh Law is committed to defending our community’s rights with integrity.
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Powerful Team Approach
You don’t just get a lawyer—you get an entire team collaborating for your success. Our attorneys and paralegals have over 100+ years of combined experience.
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Strategic & Experienced Defense
Your case deserves a personalized strategy. Every team member has over twenty years in law, ensuring a skilled, thoughtful defense tailored to your specific case.
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Proven Success
Trusted by thousands, we know what it takes to navigate complex criminal cases, bringing experience and results-driven focus to every stage of your defense.
The Homicide Investigation Process
The homicide investigation process begins when law enforcement officers secure the crime scene to preserve evidence and ensure public safety. This step involves setting up barriers and documenting the scene with photographs and videos. Evidence collection follows, encompassing physical, biological, and digital evidence, each vital in piecing together the case.
Forensic experts often play a pivotal role, utilizing advanced techniques to analyze evidence, which can include DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and digital forensics. These analyses are a key part of identifying suspects for the police and corroborating timelines.
However, the process is fraught with challenges, such as preventing evidence contamination and degradation. Law enforcement may feel pressure to resolve the investigation quickly, and defendants can be caught in the crosshairs.
The homicide and vehicular homicide lawyers in our Sarasota office have an in-depth familiarity with how the investigative process unfolds, and how to protect the rights of our clients. Our experience has taught us that a diligent and thorough investigation may reveal facts that contradict the prosecution’s theory of the case.
Depending on the circumstances, our efforts may include working with a private investigator and other experts to reconstruct the accident or crime scene, examine the forensic evidence, and interview any witnesses to fully examine the situation and build a compelling case on your behalf. Furthermore, we are accomplished trial lawyers who can skillfully present your case to a jury.
An Experienced Legal Team
When you work with McIntosh Law, you get much more than an accomplished attorney with a strong track record of success. You also get access to a deep legal team. Our paralegals have over 20 years of experience. We’re determined to conduct our own investigations, independent of law enforcement and leave no stone unturned in the fight to protect your best interests.
Call (941) 299-0701 today. We can meet either in person or via video conference, whichever you prefer.
