Any criminal conviction can haunt an individual for years. However, a felony charge carries much more weight and can impact your life drastically. A felony charge involves a more seri-ous accusation, including but not limited to murder, terroristic acts, rape, robbery, and assault. A conviction can result in varying penalties, such as prison sentences and fines.
Recently a 19-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with first degree murder in the death of an Army veteran. The deceased, a 53-year-old man was killed in St. Petersburg, Florida, after confronting two men who were allegedly in the process of stealing his vehicle.
Authorities are looking for the second suspect, who remains unidentified. They are also look-ing at the woman who leases the apartment where the suspect was apprehended. She is be-ing interviewed to better understand what, if any, role she had in hiding the suspect.
Though the accused will eventually be taken to the county jail, when the suspect was taken into custody, he was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, which authorities believe he may have received during his alleged struggle with the deceased. The suspect was also bitten by a police dog when he was apprehended.
A conviction of first degree murder usually results in an exceedingly harsh penalty. In Florida, a murder conviction could result in the death penalty or life without parole. Although this case is still under investigation, it serves as a reminder of how complicated a felony case can become, and the serious nature of the consequences one may face if convicted. If you are facing such charges an attorney may be able to help you understand your rights.
Source: 10News, “Suspect arrested in Army veteran’s death,” May 14, 2014