Hanover Homicide Lawyer

Facing homicide charges is frightening and serious. Attempting to fight these charges on your own is not an easy undertaking. Fortunately, you do not have to do it alone when you have a Hanover homicide lawyer on your side fighting on your behalf.

A dedicated criminal defense attorney who understands the laws regarding homicide-related offenses could prepare an appropriate defense to the specific homicide charges you might be facing. A lawyer could also protect your constitutionally guaranteed due process rights while helping you fight for the best possible legal outcome. Call and schedule an appointment to start discussing potentially effective legal defense strategies.

Types of Homicide Charges

At a basic level, the crime of homicide involves the killing of another person. However, homicide actually encompasses a range of different offenses. Types of homicide in Hanover include felony homicide, involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, murder in the first or second-degree, and capital murder.

Felony homicide involves the accidental killing of a person during the commission of a separate unrelated felony offense. For example, a person attempting to commit armed robbery who accidentally shoots and fatally wounds another individual could potentially be charged with felony homicide if there was no intention to wound or kill anyone. A Hanover homicide lawyer could provide more details about the offense of felony homicide.

Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter

Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are both characterized by a lack of premeditation, which means the killing was not planned in advance. The difference between the two offenses is that involuntary manslaughter involves unintentionally causing another person’s death, while voluntary manslaughter is committed intentionally, often in the heat of the moment with no time to calm down or cool off. A homicide lawyer in Hanover could provide further clarification regarding the differences between the two types of manslaughter.

Different Degrees of Murder

Virginia law differentiates between several different types and degrees of murder. A person can be charged with murder in either the first or second-degree or capital murder. All types and degrees of murder involve the intentional and premeditated killing of another person.

Several specific offenses constitute capital murder. Examples include the intentional and premeditated killing of another person while abducting that person, the intentional and premeditated killing of another person while also committing the crime of rape, and the intentional and premeditated killing of another person for hire.

All other types of murder that do not meet the criteria for capital murder are charged as first or second-degree murder. The willful killing of another person by starvation, imprisonment, poison, or lying in wait all qualify as first-degree murder. Other instances of murder could be classified as second-degree murder.

Penalties for Homicide Convictions

Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are class five felonies, punishable by one to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If aggravating circumstances exist, the maximum prison term could be extended to 20 years.

Capital murder is a class one felony, punishable by death or life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Murder in the first-degree is a class two felony, punishable by 20 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The penalty for second-degree murder is a prison term of between five and 40 years.

Under the law, the offense of felony homicide is charged as murder in the second-degree and is punishable by a prison term of between five to 40 years.

How a Hanover Homicide Attorney Could Help

It can be overwhelming to be charged with homicide, but help is available. A Hanover homicide lawyer could help you with your case.

A lawyer who is experienced in defending against homicide charges could work to safeguard your rights, prepare a reasonable defense to the charges, and fight to help you obtain the best outcome possible. Contact a Hanover homicide lawyer for assistance today.