A murder charge can carry severe penalties and consequences, including imprisonment. However, a murder defense lawyer in Okemos, MI, can protect your rights during legal proceedings and provide a strong defense.
At White Law PLLC, we understand that facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience. Our team of experienced Okemos criminal defense lawyers provides strong legal representation to all our clients. Call us today to explore your legal options.
Why Do You Need a Murder Defense Attorney in Okemos, MI?
Without legal representation, the prosecution may take advantage of your position. For example, the prosecutor may lure you into a false admission of guilt, which they will not hesitate to use against you in court. However, an attorney can protect you from the prosecution’s coercive tactics and overreach.
A criminal defense lawyer will make sure you receive fair treatment throughout the criminal justice process. Given the circumstances, they will advocate for you and strive to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our legal team also makes sure that you understand the charges you face and the possible repercussions of a conviction. We effectively communicate and translate legal jargon into understandable terms so that you can make informed decisions about the case.
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Michigan’s Legal Definition of Murder
Murder refers to intentionally killing an individual. Michigan recognizes different degrees of murder representing varying levels of severity and intent associated with the crime.
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder in Michigan is defined by the Michigan Penal Code Act 328 of 193, section 750.316. Three main categories are outlined:
- Intentional killings that are premeditated and deliberate. These include acts committed through lying in wait, poison, or any other intentional act of killing with prior planning.
- Murders that occur during the commission or attempted commission of certain criminal acts, including arson, child abuse, major controlled substance offenses, robbery, carjacking, larceny, kidnapping, extortion, torture, or unlawful imprisonment.
- Murders committed against corrections officers or peace officers while they are lawfully engaged in performing their duties. The defendant knows the victim’s status as a corrections or peace officer.
Second-Degree Murder
Murder in the second degree is a lesser degree of murder compared to the previous category. It refers to intentional killings without premeditation and deliberation. In other words, it lacks the element of planning and indicates a more spontaneous act of causing another person’s death. Second-degree murder typically involves an intent to do harm or a willful disregard for human life.
This category includes impulsive killings with malice aforethought, which refers to killings that occur in the heat of the moment without premeditation by the perpetrator. These acts are characterized by a lack of deliberate planning or consideration.
Second-degree murders also refer to killings that result from a depraved indifference to human life. This refers to acts where the perpetrator disregards the value of human life, showing a complete lack of concern or empathy for the potential harm caused by their actions.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
The Penalties for Murder in Michigan
Michigan law differentiates between first-degree murder and second-degree murder, each with its sentencing guidelines. The most severe penalty in the state is life imprisonment.
First-degree murder is the most serious offense and is punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If the defendant was under 18 at the time of the offense and there are mitigating factors, a minimum term of 25 to 40 years without parole eligibility may be imposed.
Second-degree murder is also a severe offense, and the punishment can range from any term of years up to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole.
Michigan has sentencing guidelines that consider factors such as prior criminal history and the specific circumstances of the murder. These guidelines provide a recommended range of sentences for the judge to decide.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Types of Evidence Used for a Strong Criminal Defense Strategy
In a criminal case, a strong defense can be built on various types of evidence. A murder defense lawyer in Okemos, MI, will carefully investigate the details of your case to make sure that all available evidence is used to strengthen your defense.
- Eyewitness testimony: Testimony from individuals who witnessed the incident or have relevant information can provide critical insights into the events surrounding the crime.
- Forensic evidence: DNA analysis, fingerprints, ballistics, or bloodstain patterns, can help establish or challenge the connection between the defendant and the crime scene.
- Alibi evidence: Evidence that supports an alibi, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, or electronic records, can help demonstrate that the defendant was in a different location at the time of the murder, casting doubt on their involvement.
- Expert witnesses: Forensic experts, pathologists, or psychologists, can provide specialized opinions that support the defense’s arguments or challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Surveillance footage: Video recordings, photographs, or digital evidence from surveillance cameras, cell phones, or social media platforms may establish a timeline of events.
A skilled defense attorney will use a combination of these types of evidence to build a compelling defense strategy on your behalf. They will strategically select and present the most relevant evidence to challenge the charges against you.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Call Our Okemos Murder Defense Attorneys
As a carefully managed law firm, we can offer each client our full attention for the duration of the case. We recognize the gravity of the charges and the impact they can have on your life, which is why we are committed to dedicating our full resources to your defense.
The legal team at White Law PLLC will work closely with you, addressing any concerns you may have about your case. We believe in open and transparent communication, ensuring you are well informed at every stage of the legal process.
Our Okemos murder defense lawyers will create a defense approach tailored to your unique circumstances. You will have our unwavering support as we navigate the legal proceedings. Call us today to start planning your defense strategy.
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