Killing of an Unborn Child

South Florida Killing of an Unborn Child Criminal Defense Attorney

Florida’s statute prohibiting the killing of an unborn child is not an abortion statute. The charge is leveled when an injury to a pregnant woman causes death to her unborn child. The penalty is the same as the penalty would be for the same injuries to the mother. That is, if the charge would be manslaughter if the injury were to result in the mother’s death, the charge will be manslaughter for the death of the unborn child. Similarly, if the charge would be first-degree murder if the injury were to result in the mother’s death, the charge for killing the unborn child is first-degree murder.

For purposes of the statute, an unborn child is defined as a fetus capable of meaningful life outside the womb, according to standard medical measures. Thus, an injury early in a pregnancy may not result in a charge under this law. However, if the mother also dies, the perpetrator may be charged with both her death and the death of the unborn child, making it essential that those charged get help from a skilled Fort Lauderdale killing of an unborn child lawyer.

If you or someone you love is charged with killing an unborn child, do not wait to contact a Palm Beach killing of a fetus criminal defense attorney. Miami-Dade killing of an unborn child defense lawyer Menachem M. Mayberg offers free, confidential consultations to potential clients. To reach us seven days a week and 24 hours a day, contact us through our Web site or call us at (305) 695-8750.

For further reading; see Florida Statue 782.09 Killing of unborn quick child by injury to mother.