Our Legal Blog

What is Aiding and Abetting Second-Degree Murder?

• August 13, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

Three more police officers face charges for the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, making many ask, “What is aiding and abetting second-degree murder?” Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter, according to the jury in his Minnesota trial. Three other former officers will also face charges relating to their roles in Floyd’s death.

If you’re charged with aiding and abetting a murder, your life is at stake. In Florida a murder charge is a capital felony, which could mean being put to death or sentenced to life in prison. A Panella Law Firm criminal defense attorney is ready to start your defense as soon as you hire us. Call us at 407-233-1822 to discuss your case.

Three Former Police Officers Charged with Aiding and Abetting in Death of George Floyd

Floyd was killed while being restrained in

What’s the Difference Between First- and Second-Degree Murder?

• August 6, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

In Florida, the difference between first- and second-degree murder is whether the killing is premeditated, it occurred during a felony, was due to selling illegal drugs or is the result of a “depraved mind.” Depending on the facts, the line between the two degrees may not be clear, though the differences in sentencing may be life and death. Prosecutors seek the death penalty in first-degree murder cases. The worst sentence for a second-degree murder conviction is life in prison.

If you face murder charges, your life is at stake. Our Panella Law Firm criminal defense attorney is ready to start your defense as soon as you hire us. Call us at 407-233-1822, so we can talk about your case. We will treat you with the respect and professionalism you deserve. We will aggressively fight for you, your rights, and your freedom when we negotiate with law enforcement and prosecutors, as well as in court.

What Does First-Degree Mur

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What are Aggravating Factors?

• June 8, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Criminal Defense

If you’re charged with a crime, there are issues that may increase your sentence, so you should ask yourself, what are aggravating factors? There are factors that increase the seriousness of the crime while others make the sentence harsher. Through these laws, the Florida legislature tells the public that some circumstances are worse than others, so there’s extra punishment to discourage the crimes.

What are aggravating factors? They vary with the crime. An aggravating factor in a DUI (having a child in the car at the time of the arrest, for example) is not the same as a robbery (committed with a firearm).

Criminal defense attorney Michael Panella understands the complexity of criminal prosecution and sentencing. There are many moving parts to the process, and he’ll work hard to get the best outcome possible for you. If you’re charged with a crime or subject to a criminal investigation, call him today at 407-233-1822.

What are Examples of Aggr

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How Do I Beat A Felony Drug Charge?

• June 2, 2021
• Lawyer Michael Panella
• Drug Charges

If you wonder how do I beat a felony drug charge, you may recognize that you face an uphill battle. Without legal representation, that fight will be even harder. The United States has made it clear for the last few decades that drugs and drug trafficking are going to be punished severely. What started off as local level enforcement quickly turned into a plethora of federal crimes and punishments intended to staunch the flow of drugs across state and national borders. Florida has become a prime location for federal and state law enforcement attention, clamping down on both commercial trafficking and individual users. Each year we have seen more laws and more punishments aimed at reducing serious drug crime. Unfortunately, many individuals whose offenses were relatively minor have found themselves being punished severely for felonies and crimes meant for much bigger problems than simple drug usage.

Drug Charges Should Not Be Ignored

Even a first-time drug felony violation