Criminal charges are often filed whenever one person dies due to someone else’s actions. And while this loss of life is tragic, the question is whether or not a crime has been committed and whether the prosecution has charged the defendant with the appropriate offense if they have committed any crime at all. Please remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, and you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to defend against mere allegations.

What You Need to Know About Your Homicide Charges

Homicide is not the same thing as murder. Homicide refers to a variety of crimes that includes murder:

  • Aggravated murder
  • Murder
  • Manslaughter
  • Negligent homicide
  • Automobile homicide
  • Child abuse homicide
  • Homicide by assault

These charges are distinguished by the intent level or the circumstances surrounding the crime. For example, murder involves intentionally killing another person, while manslaughter is recklessly causing another’s death. Aggravated murder is distinct from murder in that there were specific circumstances, such as the defendant killed the other person while creating a “great risk of death” to other people. Manslaughter involves reckless behavior, while negligent homicide involves criminally negligent behavior.

To prove their case, the prosecution must introduce evidence that proves you had the requisite intent and that any other circumstances necessary to support the charge were present. An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and identify weaknesses in their case.

The Potential Consequences You Face if You Have Been Charged with Homicide

Any homicide charge is a severe offense. Most of these offenses are felony charges, meaning you face the possibility of dozens of years in prison if you are convicted. For example:

  • Murder is a first-degree felony punishable up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Aggravated murder is similarly a first-degree felony, but you can face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if you are convicted.
  • Manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
  • Automobile homicide and homicide by assault are third-degree felonies. If convicted, you face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
  • Negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a possibility of up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $2,500.

The best thing you can do to protect your freedom is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Facing a Homicide Charge? Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Nathan Evershed Today

If you have been charged with homicide, you need someone to fight hard for a fair outcome. As a former homicide prosecutor, criminal defense attorney Nathan Evershed knows what it takes to get the result you deserve. Call or email us today to schedule a free consultation, and let’s take control of your future.

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