Looks like Florida prosecutors will charge Zimmerman with 2nd Degree Murder.
I wondered what the difference was between 1st Degree Murder and 2nd Degree Murder, under Florida law.
Found the following on the internet (ooh, there's a reliable source!), from someone who claims to be a "Criminal Defense Attorney" in Rockledge, FL:
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In Orlando fl, what factors drop first degree charge down to second degree and what's maximum sentence for second if convicted?
Jeffrey David Boston , Criminal Defense Attorney in Rockledge, FL:
Basically speaking, 1st degree murder is murder that was planned, whereas 2nd degree murder is murder that was unplanned. One common factor, and sometimes the sole reason, for the prosecutor's office lessening the charge to 2nd degree murder is that it does not believe it can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the murder was premeditated.
Being found guilty of 1st degree murder typically results in a sentence of death or life in prison. A 2nd degree murder conviction results in prison for years. How many depends on several factors, including the facts of the case, the defendant's criminal record, and the players present in the courtroom. There would not be a death or life imprisonment sentence.
Source:
http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/wh...de-545642.html
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Anybody know if this is accurate? Anything more to add?
BTW, what's the difference (in Florida) between "Manslaughter" and "Murder"?
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In Florida, difference between 1st Degree and 2nd Degree Murder?
