Being accused of murder or manslaughter is one of the most serious charges in Nebraska. You should not try to defend yourself. You need guidance from a highly competent homicide lawyer as soon as possible.
At Berry Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and believe you are innocent until proven guilty. We examine and analyze each case to determine the strongest defense strategies. Our professional legal team will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
What Is Homicide?
Homicide is the unlawful killing of another person. There are two classifications of homicide: murder and manslaughter. A skilled homicide lawyer can explain how your charges were determined and what it means for your case.
The categories of homicide are described as follows:
Murder
When someone intends to cause another’s death, it is deemedmurder. This applies when the accused had no legal justification for killing the victim and causing their death was their intention. Murder can be classified in the first- and second-degree.
First-degree murder is charged when the accused killed the victim purposefully and after they had time to plan or think about killing the victim. First-degree murder also includes felony murder and killing by poisoning. Felony murder occurs when a person commits a felony offense and kills someone during or as a result of the felony offense. Examples of the felony offense include rape, robbery, burglary, and arson. The suspect can be convicted for first-degree murder even if they are acquitted for other charges.
Second-degree murder is charged when the accused causes the death of another person intentionally, but without planning or thinking about the murder beforehand.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is the term used when the death occurs as a result of being provoked.It can apply when the killing was done in the “heat of passion.”It usually means a person killed someone as a result of some situation that caused them to lose their normal self-control.
Accessory to Murder
When a person helps another individual in committing a murder, they are considered an accessory. They may be charged with being an accessory before or after the fact. Examples include providing resources to commit the crime or helping them plan it, as well as hiding the suspect after the victim has died.
These can be charged as felonies and carry severe penalties.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Also known as motor vehicle homicide, vehicular manslaughter is when someone is unintentionally killed by a someone driving a vehicle. This charge is often used in cases of drunk driving or when a driver strikes and kills a pedestrian.
Defense Strategies for Homicide
In the US Constitution, the Sixth Amendment guarantees you the right to a speedy trial by a jury of your peers with legal representation. This means you can hire a criminal attorney to advise you and present your defense against these serious accusations. Because a conviction will likely result in significant prison time, it is essential that you speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
You should only talk with law enforcement or prosecutors when your attorney is present. It is very easy to say things the prosecution can use against you. Our team will help you protect your rights and advise you on when to speak and when to stay silent. In addition, we will craft the most robust defense possible, such as:
Alibi: If you have evidence that you were not present and were actually somewhere else when the victim was killed, you may be able to demonstrate that you have an alibi as a defense.
Self-Defense: If you committed the crime because someone threatened your life or the life of someone else, you may be able to claim that you acted in self-defense.
Mistaken identity: You could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and therefore become a suspect. Your attorney may be able to use current digital technology to show you were not involved in the homicide.
Improperly obtained evidence: Law enforcement officers must follow strict procedures when gathering evidence and interviewing suspects. Your attorney will examine every action they took and can assert that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used against you.
Improperly conducted tests: Chemical or DNA tests can be used against you, but if they were not maintained or inspected correctly, your lawyer can rebut the evidence and may have it thrown out.
Insanity: If a person cannot understand, at the time of incident, the nature or quality of the act of killing another to be criminal and was so deranged that they could not distinguish between right and wrong, a person may be insane at the time of the crime. .
Our attorneys have a combined 240 years of experience in the courtroom, defending our clients against the most serious charges. Nebraska homicide laws are highly complicated, but we will investigate and seek out every defense possible to show your innocence.
How Your Millard Homicide Lawyer Will Help You
When a person has died as a result of a crime, it may seem like the burden is on the defendant to prove their innocence. At Berry Law, we stand ready to provide compassionate and knowledgeable aid to guide you. Throughout the years, we have formed a team of experts that will help build your defense and fight the State’s accusations. We do this through:
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- Hiring experts to testify about the forensics of the case.
- Interviewing witnesses that could testify on your behalf.
- Aggressively protecting your presumption of innocence in the minds of the jury throughout trial.
- Meticulously examining evidence y and contesting any evidence that was improperly obtained.
- Conducting thorough research of all the applicable laws.
- Preparing you for trial, including analyzing your right to testify on your own behalf or to remain silent.
- Negotiating with the State to reach a plea agreement to reduce the charges.
We know that your future is at risk when faced with these serious charges, but we will commit to giving you the best legal representation possible.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Speak with a Millard Homicide Lawyer Today
When you are facing a charge of homicide, you must act right away in order to secure the best defense available. Not every lawyer is up to the task of confronting and challenging the State. You need an experienced attorney who will fight for you.
At Berry Law, we have been helping clients like you since 1965. We go into the courtroom prepared to present the best defense. Contact us today for your free consultation and case evaluation.