Homicide offenses include much more than murder—they involve the loss of life, and an accusation of responsibility for that loss of life. It does not have to be a purposeful murder—homicide offenses can include reckless, negligent, or even strict liability states of mind. The circumstances of the death, and most importantly the defendant’s state of mind, will determine the severity of the charge.
When a case involves death, no matter the circumstances, the stakes are raised. In addition to the standard defenses employed in every case, successfully defending a homicide offense requires a dynamic approach including investigators, forensic analysis, mitigation, and empathy. There are several different degrees of homicide offenses, ranging from misdemeanor offenses to felonies carrying the possibility of death. We represent people accused of the following homicide offenses:
Death is different. No matter the severity of the charge, the state will make any homicide a priority, and devote time and resources to the end of securing a conviction and a punishment they deem just. It I imperative to exceed the state’s effort, and we exhaust every possible avenue of defense when representing someone charged with a homicide offense. We prepare every homicide case as if trial is a foregone conclusion, which results in forming the strongest defense necessary.
We also recognize the role mitigation plays in a homicide offense. Most homicides are not the cold-blooded murders depicted in the movies—they involve accidents, self-defense, and good people who are forced into a tragic situation. Through understanding the depth of our client’s humanity, along with communications with family, friends, and counselors, we are able to convey to the prosecutor and judge a complete picture of who our client is and why their life is worth saving.
It is our responsibility to make sure one tragic event does not lead to a second one. We have the skill necessary to defend a homicide case and the network of experts needed to present a full and complete defense. Contact us to see how we can help in your or your loved one’s case.