Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Re: 1st degree murder X 2

You have raised a tough issue for anyone with a family member or friend who has been arrested for a major felony.

As Valerie Masters noted, he will appointed an attorney, either an Assistant Public Defender or a conflict (court appointed) lawyer. As for a free lawyer, there are very few willing to undertake such a case for free - we all have families and bills just like everyone else. Plus, if someone loses a case of this magnitude, they almost always sue their lawyer! Hiring a lawyer for this type of case usually starts around the price of a house.

My website, and others, have links to the Florida Statutes as well as the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. This way you and your friend's family can educate yourselves online about Florida law.

Finally, this appears to be a Death Penalty case. 'Death is Different' is actually the name of a seminar devoted to such cases in Florida - and the procedure is different: Unlike most other cases, these cases have a separate 'Penalty Phase' where evidence can be presented in mitigation - and turning yourself in voluntarily is something I would list as a mitigator if it went to a Penalty Phase, as well as anything else that looks favorable. Your friend also may have defenses we are not aware of.

Warmest regards,

Stephen G. Cobb

Re: 1st degree murder X 2

No self surrender doesnt really change anything. he will be appointed a lawyer by the court.