Homicide and murder are the most serious criminal charges and carry the most severe penalties. Even if you are innocent, it will have a devastating effect on your life. When the stakes are this high, it is absolutely crucial that you hire a Duluth criminal lawyer at Poole Law Office PLLC to handle your defense. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today.
First Degree Murder
Homicide is considered Murder in the First Degree when:
- The killing of another person was premeditated and death was intentional
- The killing was caused while committing or attempting to commit a criminal act.
- The killing was caused during a robbery, arson, kidnapping or burglary in the first degree.
- The killing was caused during a drive-by shooting, escape from custody or any other felony violation including the illegal sale of a controlled substance.
- There is death of an on-duty peace officer or a state-employed guard in any correctional facility within Minnesota, even if the intent was toward another person aside from the officer.
- A minor is killed during an act of child abuse, when the offender has engaged in such acts in the past.
- Death is caused while committing an act of domestic abuse, when the offender has engaged in acts of domestic abuse in the past upon anyone within the family.
- Death is caused when conspiring or committing a felony.
It is imperative that your hire a Duluth criminal lawyer to aggressively handle your defense.
Second Degree Murder
Second Degree Murder occurs when there is intent to cause the death of another but premeditation was not present. This includes death during the commission of certain felonies and the defendant does not intend to cause death.
Third Degree Murder
Third Degree Murder involves a killing without the intent to cause death but the actor is involved in a very dangerous act, evinces a depraved mind without regard for human life and causes a death.
Manslaughter in the First Degree
Manslaughter in the First Degree can occur in numerous ways, such as killing in the “heat of passion” after being provoked by words or acts of another. It can also occur from a death during the commission of a misdemeanor offense.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree
Manslaughter in the Second Degree occurs when a person is negligent and creates an unreasonable risk of harm, consciously taking a chance on causing death or great bodily harm. Negligently shooting a person while hunting or failing to restrain a vicious animal can also lead to second degree manslaughter charges.
Criminal Vehicular Homicide
Criminal Vehicular Homicide generally occurs when someone who is grossly negligent or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causes death of another as the result of operating a motor vehicle.
Contact a Duluth Homicide Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with homicide, you need to contact a Duluth criminal attorney immediately. To learn more about how Poole Law Office PLLC can help you, contact us by filling out our contact form or call us at 218-461-0247 to schedule your free consultation.
Poole Law Office PLLC also specializes in the areas of Criminal Defense, DWI / DUI, Divorce, and Bankruptcy.
(The content on this page is for informational purposes only, shall not be used as legal advice, and is absolutely no substitute for contacting an attorney for help)