Keyser Law Firm practices exclusively criminal defense and immigration law. Our dedication and commitment to client service continuously results in criminal charges being dismissed or reduced and immigrants finding a legal pathway to the United States.
Homicide
Minnesota Homicide & Murder Defense Lawyer
In Minnesota, homicide and murder charges can carry the most severe penalties and consequences. There are three degrees of murder, two degrees of manslaughter in addition to criminal vehicular homicide.
First Degree Murder
A homicide is considered First Degree Murder when:
- The killing of another is premeditated and death was intentional.
- The killing was caused while committing or attempting to commit a criminal act.
- The killing was caused during a robbery, arson, kidnapping or burglary in the first degree.
- The killing was caused during a drive-by shooting, escape from custody or any other felony violation including the illegal sale of a controlled substance.
- There is death of an on-duty peace officer or a state-employed guard in any correctional facility within Minnesota, even if the intent was toward another person aside from the officer.
- A minor is killed during an act of child abuse, when the offender has engaged in such acts in the past.
- Death is caused while committing an act of domestic abuse, when the offender has engaged in acts of domestic abuse in the past upon anyone within the family.
- Death is caused when conspiring or committing a felony.
First Degree Murder is the most severe crime, carrying a mandatory life sentence without parole. Regardless of the charge, a Minnesota homicide defense attorney is needed in order to provide you with a fair defense. You may have the right to assert self defense or defense of another in your case.
Second Degree Murder
Second Degree Murder occurs when there is intent to cause the death of another but premeditation was not present. This includes death during the commission of certain felonies and the defendant does not intend to cause death.
Third Degree Murder
Third Degree Murder involves a killing without the intent to cause death but the actor is involved in a very dangerous act, evinces a depraved mind without regard for human life and causes a death.
Manslaughter in the First Degree
Manslaughter in the First Degree can occur in numerous ways, such as killing in the “heat of passion” after being provoked by words or acts of another. It can also occur from a death during the commission of a misdemeanor offense.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree
Manslaughter in the Second Degree occurs when a person is negligent and creates an unreasonable risk of harm, consciously taking a chance on causing death or great bodily harm. Negligently shooting a person while hunting or failing to restrain a vicious animal can also lead to second degree manslaughter charges.
Criminal Vehicular Homicide
Criminal Vehicular Homicide generally occurs when someone who is grossly negligent or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causes death of another as the result of operating a motor vehicle.
Minneapolis Criminal Lawyer and Murder Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of committing murder, manslaughter or criminal vehicular homicide, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of a Minnesota defense lawyer. Call our homicide defense lawyer directly at (612) 338-5007 for a free consultation and exercise your right to an aggressive defense.
