Newark Homicide Lawyer

Few criminal allegations are as serious as homicide charges. Because homicide is such a severe crime, it is usually prosecuted aggressively and carries harsh penalties. Under immense public pressure, law enforcement officers sometimes scramble to charge a suspect based on lax or illegally gathered evidence. Unfortunately, this can and often does result in the violation of individual rights and sometimes even the prosecution of an innocent person.

 

If you or a loved one has been charged with homicide, you need to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Please contact us today to speak with a skilled criminal law attorney who has extensive experience defending clients charged with homicide.

 

Homicide Charges

There are two types of homicide, namely murder (first, second, or in some states, third degree), and manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary).

 

Intent, malice, planning, and provocation are all factors that figure in to the exact type of charge. Other factors are also considered, including whether the victim was a police officer and whether the alleged killing occurred during the perpetration of another felony, such as a robbery or rape.

 

Penalties and Consequences

The penalties of a homicide conviction can vary greatly but generally depend on the type of charge, how well the defendant is represented, and individual state laws. Common penalties for those charged with involuntary manslaughter include a first-degree misdemeanor charge and a jail sentence of up to a year. Those charged with first-degree murder, however, face much harsher penalties, including life in prison or worse.

 

Homicide Defense

Oftentimes, it can be proven that a homicide was justifiable, meaning it was an accident or an act of self-defense. A skilled criminal defense attorney will consider the circumstances surrounding your case and employ various strategies to greatly reduce or eliminate the penalties you may face.

 

An effective criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction of first-degree murder and a lesser charge. In some cases, an experienced criminal defense attorney can obtain an acquittal.

 

If you or a loved one has been charged with homicide, please contact us today for a FREE consultation with an experienced and effective criminal defense attorney who will examine your case thoroughly, aggressively defend your best interests, and help to minimize the impact the charges will have on your life.