Find a Homicide Defense Lawyer

Homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another. It is different from murder in that murder is the intentional taking of a human life. It is also different from manslaughter which is the unlawful taking of another life but without preconceived malice. If you have been charged with homicide, your situation could not be more serious. It is crucial that you meet with a homicide defense attorney as soon as possible so that they can review your specific case and discuss what options are best for you.

There are several different categories of homicide recognized by the U.S. government. Criminal homicide or deliberate homicide is similar to murder. It involves the purposeful and premeditated killing of another human being. Excusable homicide is accidental homicide. It refers to a killing that was without any unlawful activity and without any criminal intent. If a killing took place that was without justification, a felonious homicide has taken place.

Homicide by misadventure refers to a homicide that resulted from an accident that was without malicious intent. Justifiable homicide refers to a killing that occurred because the one individual was acting in self-defense. It can also refer to a situation where someone was acting in the defense of another. Negligent homicide results from a person's negligent acts and reckless homicide results from a person's reckless acts. If someone was killed through the use of a boat or vehicle, they could be guilty of vehicular homicide.

Not all of these types of homicide can be charged as crimes. In fact, there are numerous sets of circumstances that could clear your name of any guilt. According to automatism, if an individual was unconscious or unaware of their behavior, they cannot be convicted of homicide. If they were defending themselves or their home, it is also within the law. Also, if the individual was insane at the time of the killing, they may be able to be cleared of all charges.

If you are facing homicide charges, it can feel as if you have nowhere to turn. An experienced homicide attorney will be able to examine your case and determine what the most strategic defense is for you.