Criminal Defense
Since 1993
Since 1993
Murder, Mortality, and the “Prison Myth”: What the Stats Really Say
By: John Guidry
We’ve got statistics for everything. Any sports fan knows this. But one interesting statistic came out of our government’s recent analysis of mortality trends.
The Good News: Deaths caused by Murder have dropped off the chart of the Top 15 causes of death. Actually, murder rates peaked in the mid-’70s.
- The Theory: Some say this drop is the result of the end of the crack cocaine epidemic. Others say it’s because we put so many citizens in prison.
- The Rebuttal: I beg to differ on the “Prison” theory. You know what they say about opinions. We have the largest prison population on Earth. Shouldn’t China, Russia, or Iran top that list? Plenty of countries with low prison populations also have low crime rates (most of Europe, for example). So I’m not buying it.
Are you a statistic or a survivor?
If you are facing charges, don’t become a prison statistic. Call John today at (407) 423-1117.
The Top 15 Causes of Death (A Reality Check)
Just in case you’re curious, here were the Top 15 causes of death when the government released this data (2010):
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
- Stroke
- Accidents (Unintentional Injuries)
- Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Nephritis (Kidney Disease)
- Pneumonia
- Suicide
- Septicemia
- Liver Disease
- Hypertension
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Pneumonitis
The Takeaway: You are far more likely to die from an accident (#5) or by your own hand (#10) than by a stranger with a gun.
The Funeral: I’ve been to a few funerals in my day (though my mom tells me I’m not at that age where it’s a regular thing—she’s right). At one recent funeral, the preacher never questioned why God had taken the young lady. He just asked me to think about why God decided to keep me here. Every now and then, I think about that purpose. When I figure it out, I’ll let you know.
John’s 2026 Update: The New “Murder” (Fentanyl)
Note: In 2010, “Accidents” were #5. In 2026, they have climbed the charts, largely due to Fentanyl.
1. “Accidental Poisoning” vs. Homicide While traditional Homicide remains low on the list (around 5 deaths per 100k people), “Unintentional Poisoning” (Overdoses) has skyrocketed to the #3 cause of death in the U.S.
- The Legal Shift: Because the government can’t arrest a virus or a heart attack, they have focused their rage on these overdoses.
- Death by Distribution: If you share drugs with a friend and they die, prosecutors now charge this as First Degree Felony Murder. It doesn’t matter if it was an “accident.” In the eyes of the law, it is a homicide.
2. Suicide vs. Homicide In 2026, Suicide rates are still significantly higher than Homicide rates (nearly double).
- The Tragic Stat: You are statistically much more dangerous to yourself than anyone else is to you.
- The Defense Angle: We see many “Baker Act” cases where police intervene. Remember, having a mental health crisis is not a crime, and we fight to keep these cases in Mental Health Court rather than Criminal Court.
3. The Prison Population (Still #1) Despite the drop in violent crime, the U.S. still holds the title for the highest incarceration rate in the developed world.
- My Take: We are still trying to arrest our way out of social problems. It didn’t work in 2010, and it isn’t working in 2026.
Don’t Let the Stats Define You
Whether it’s a “Death by Distribution” charge or a DUI accident, the government uses these statistics to justify harsh sentences. We use the facts to defend your freedom.
Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s beat the odds.
About John Guidry II
John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.
Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.
Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.
When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.