Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
The Levy County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a 58-year-old Inglis man for attempted first-degree murder and arson after he allegedly tried to set his girlfriend on fire and ultimately burned his house down.
Deputies responded to the Inglis home after receiving a phone call from the man’s girlfriend. She claims the man came home from the bar intoxicated and they began to argue in the living room of the home.
At some point, deputies believe the man poured rubbing alcohol on the woman and the floor next to her and attempted to set both on fire with a lighter. However, the man could not ignite the woman or the floor.
According to reports, the man proceeded to enter the bedroom and destroy it. He allegedly ignited the mattress and fled the house, locking the door behind him so his girlfriend could not escape. She apparently hid in the bathroom.
The girlfriend eventually freed herself from the home by removing the key the man left inside the lock.
The home was not able to be saved by fire personnel and was written off as a complete loss.
Police located the man on the property and took him into custody. He was taken to the Levy County Detention Center with bail set at $2 million.
The State of Florida views attempted murder charges the same way as a murder case – quite seriously. Judges and prosecutors consider it irrelevant that the alleged victim survived the incident, and feel that attempting to commit a crime is still a crime that should carry serious consequences. The penalties associated with any violent crime, such as attempted murder, are quite severe. Whether you have been charged with attempted first-degree murder or attempted second-degree murder, a Levy County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton can help you through this difficult time.
Given the severe sentences that accompany a conviction, anyone accused of attempted murder must retain the help of a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The Levy County Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton have the experience needed to prepare a hard-hitting defense and fight on your behalf. As former prosecutors, we know what to look for in your case to help persuade the State to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
To achieve the best possible outcome for your case, it is critical that you do not delay in obtaining legal counsel after you have been arrested for or charged with attempted murder. An investigation into the facts and circumstances of your arrest must be conducted immediately in order to identify any flaws or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can ultimately work in your favor. If you or someone you love has been charged with attempted murder in Inglis, Bronson, Cedar Key or the surrounding area, contact a Levy County Criminal Defense Attorney at Whittel & Melton today online or call 352-264-7800. We can aggressively fight for your rights and see to it that you receive the best possible outcome for your case.