Being arrested for a crime is scary, but if you have been charged with homicide in Charlotte, you have more reasons to worry. Homicide is when one person is killed by another, and there are different types of homicide charges, ranging from first-degree murder and misdemeanor death by vehicle to voluntary manslaughter. If convicted of first-degree murder, one may face life in jail without parole or the death penalty. If you are in a similar situation, connect with The Snow Legal Group for immediate help. Below, we have answered common questions about homicide charges and related aspects for your help.
What mistakes should you avoid?
You should avoid everything that makes it easy for the state to convict you of homicide charges. When the police arrive at your door to arrest you, do not consent to a property search. The police may ask to search your car or phone, and you can decline unless they have a search warrant. You don’t have to answer their questions before or after you are arrested, and if you are being pressured, make sure to insist on talking to an attorney.
What are the penalties for homicide in North Carolina?
As mentioned, first-degree murder, which refers to premeditated killing, may result in death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. For second-degree murder, which is when the killing is done with malice but without premeditation, you get a longer sentence, depending on whether it is a Class B1 Felony or Class B2 Felony. For voluntary manslaughter, defendants can receive a prison sentence of up to 13 years. Voluntary manslaughter refers to cases where the murder happened upon provocation.
What are the usual defenses for homicide charges?
There are different kinds of murder charges, and each case is unique, and so is the defense strategy. The first strategy is that the crime never happened or that it is a setup. If the crime happened but the defendant has a strong alibi that they were nowhere close to the crime scene, it could be their defense. In some situations, lawyers may use other strategies such as mental insanity and self-defense, or it is also possible to argue that the defendant was charged with a wrong crime.
Do you need a criminal defense lawyer?
In short, you need an attorney. Homicide charges are not to be taken lightly, and besides the conviction and penalty, your entire life and career could be on the line. A confident and experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you get the most favorable outcome. In many situations, lawyers negotiate a plea bargain, but in others, they have a more serious and aggressive approach, where they do everything to find loopholes in the prosecution’s case, evidence, and strategy. Be honest with your attorney, and they should be able to fight for you.
How to find a reliable criminal defense lawyer?
First, go local. Choose someone who practices in the same court where your case will be heard, and because the lawyer probably knows the judges and prosecutors, they know things may shape up and work on the case accordingly. You should also check if the lawyer has a good standing in the industry and whether they have positive reviews from other clients. It is also essential to consider their expertise in specific types of cases, especially homicide. You shouldn’t be hiring someone without knowing the fees and expenses involved. There’s no denying that criminal lawyers are expensive, and you have to ensure you can afford the selected one for the entire duration of the case.
Don’t wait to call a criminal lawyer in Charlotte when you are arrested – Get help immediately!
