Do I have rights?

My brother was murdered in Florida in December. I hear that the guy who did it is on house arrest, he's wearing an ankle bracelet. Go figure!! Anyway, As a sibling do I have rights to file a civil suit. I live in the state of Ohio and I don't know if that will have an affect on anything. Any suggestions?

Thank you everyone 4 ur simpathy. I will take ur answers into consideration. Thanks.

You can certainly institute a civil action at any time (within filing limitations), even prior to the state bringing a criminal action. There are some tactical pros and cons to filing an early civil action. If you go after the individual before the state does, then (if you win) you will be able to reach his or her assets prior to the state getting their hands on them. Bringing an early civil action can also have problems associated with it; not the least of which will concern your probable inability to access evidence that may be in the process of being developed by state authorities. A lawyer will be able to explain the options in much greater detail and will be able to help you make the best choice for the circumstances of your situation. Good luck.

First of all, the guy who "did it" is innocent until proven guilty.

I don't think you can file a civil suit until the criminal trial is over.

Sorry about your brother. It seems you should be able to file a wrongful death petition on behalf of your brother.

i would think its worth it to try...i mean he murdered your brother.......by the way i am sorry for your loss

You could probably file a civil suit for damages ( like the OJ Simpson case). But since it's through different states you will probably have to file it in Federal Court. Good Luck and I'm sorry to hear about your brother.

I'm very sorry about your brother. Please accept my condolences. (On a non-legal note, you might want to get involved with a support group for the families of victims. It helps a lot to see what others go through, and you might get some legal help there as well.)

In most states, and I'm pretty sure Florida is included, you can sue a perpetrator for the wrongful death of a family member. You should contact a wrongful death or personal injury lawyer (look in your yellow pages or call your local bar association for a referral), and find out what your options are.

Was he was convicted of the murder, or is he out on bond or bail? If he's just be out on bond awaiting trial, then it's good they have him wearing an anklet. And if that's the case, you might have to wait until after his trial before suing him in civil court.

If they are punishing him for murder by sentencing him to house arrest, I'd sue the hell out of him (and the state).

I don't think so, the guys served (is still serving) his time. He is on house arrest, he can't leave his home that's more torture than you would think.