Murder and homicide both refer to the taking of a human being’s life by another human being. While a homicide may not always be criminal in nature, a murder is. Non-criminal homicides can occur in many forms, such as self-defense, property defense, defense of others, prevention of a crime or during an episode of insanity and capital punishment. What makes murder, which is classified as a type of homicide, criminal is that the accused murderer knowingly, purposely, recklessly, or negligently caused the death of another. Murder is generally referred to as the killing of another human being with full intent, malice or aforethought.
As such, murder is among the most heavily penalized crimes in humanity. Degrees of murder include an intent to kill (the use of a deadly weapon or instrument to kill a victim), ‘abandoned and malignant heart’ (DUI deaths, giving someone a lethal drug overdose), and the felony-murder doctrine (when a murder occurs during a dangerous felony such as burglary or rape).
Murder Homicide Penalties
Murder charges primarily occur in the form of felony murder and capital murder, and are charged as first degree, second degree, murder with aggravating circumstances, murder with or without extenuating circumstances, and murder of a law enforcement official.
Possible Penalties
- Federal imprisonment with sentences ranging from suspended sentences, life sentences without parole, and even capital punishment
- Civil litigation from victims’ families
Murder Homicide Sentencing
When it comes to murder and homicide , there are many circumstances that can sway the judgment. Was it pre-mediated? Was it justifiable? Was it a crime of passion, or was it committed during a crime? Was it negligent? Was it by a hardened criminal? Was more than one person killed? Could the defendant lighten their sentence by co-operating with authorities on the case? With so many issues that can come into play, you are best served to retain legal counsel.
Hire a lawyer for Murder Homicide Charges
Murder and Homicide are serious, serious charges that society, judges, and juries do not look lightly upon. If you are ever arrested of such a crime, it is imperative you receive sound legal counseling, as such cases can hinge of any number of technicalities and mitigating circumstances. In addition, in some cases, you may not only be facing life in jail, but the death penalty as well. A lawyer can help reduce jail sentencing or help his client avoid a death penalty sentence.
- If you need help with a Federal Criminal charge, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a local Criminal Defense Lawyer.
