Murder is the most serious crime a person can be charged with. When charged, the State of Minnesota charges with one of three – Murder in the First, Second, or Third Degree. Murder in the First Degree is the most serious because it involves the intent and premeditation to take the life of another person. If you have been charged with this, homicide, or manslaughter, you need a Minnesota homicide attorney who will be able to argue persuasively on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Degrees Of Murder
Murder in the First Degree can be the charge if a number of alleged factors exist, such as allegedly causing the death of someone while committing another crime. The other crime can be burglary, criminal sexual conduct in the first or second degree, arson, and other such offenses that puts other lives at risk.
Murder in the Second Degree is not as serious as First Degree Murder because, while there was intention to cause the death of another, it was done without premeditation. This is why some murder offenses tend to be labeled “unintentional murder” and may be the charge if death of another is the result when another felony is being committed.
Murder in the Third Degree is the charge when a person is allegedly involved in an act that has no regard for human life. The act is a dangerous one and simply involves carelessness.
For an act to be considered manslaughter, a variety of less serious factors are involved. Manslaughter tends to involve heat of passion because they were provoked by acts or words. Manslaughter may also be charged if it is believed that culpable negligence caused the death of another. In this case, a person may be charged with First Degree or Second Degree Manslaughter.
Other types of murder and homicide include vehicular homicide, assisted suicide, and attempted murder.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is all too common in Minnesota, although the state has seen a decline in the rate of accidents resulting in death. While accidents do happen, a person who is under the influence of alcohol can be charged with vehicular homicide because the act of drinking and driving is one that is known to put the lives of others at risk. Basically, a driver can be charged with vehicular homicide if they have been allegedly negligent in any way. If it is believed no negligence is involved, the resulting death in the accident is not considered a homicide. If you have been in an accident and you are facing a charge of vehicular homicide, you need a Minneapolis homicide lawyer to aggressively represent you in order to achieve results that will allow you to move on with your life.
Speak to a Minneapolis Homicide Lawyer
If you have been accused of homicide or murder, you need an attorney who will work hard to reveal the facts in the case. Because a conviction can bring with it very harsh consequences, the goal is for a reduction in charges or complete dismissal. To learn more about how Mark Herman, Attorney at Law can help you in your case, call 24/7 at 612-382-4545 for a free consultation.
