Georgia Murder Attorney
Murder is a form of criminal homicide in which one person intentionally kills another without legal justification. Considered one of the most serious crimes, Georgia reserves its harshest penalties for those convicted of murder. If you have been accused of this crime, you must immediately speak to a Georgia murder attorney.
Murder is defined as the act of killing another with malice or intent. It should be noted that if a person commits homicide because of self defense or another justified reason, this act may not lead to criminal charges.
Degrees of Murder
Murder is classified in terms of degree, with first degree murder being the most severe. A person may be charged with first degree murder if the homicide was deliberate, premeditated, or a malicious act that was intended to cause the death of another. First degree murder merits the harshest penalties because it is calculated and executed with the intention of killing the victim.
Second degree murder, while still serious, is a lesser offense than first degree murder. This crime may occur “in the heat of passion,” and the offender may have acted in ways never thought possible because of anger, rage, fear, or terror. For example, if a wife catches her husband cheating on her and kills him, this may lead to a second degree murder charge because it was not planned or premeditated.
Third degree murder, often known as involuntary manslaughter, occurs when a person unintentionally kills another through reckless or negligent actions. A common example of third degree murder is when a drunk driver kills a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Although the homicide was unintentional, the driver’s disregard for other caused the victim’s death. Reckless use of explosives, firearms, medicine, and even animals could also lead to an involuntary manslaughter charge.
Murder Penalties
The penalties for murder depend on many factors, the most important of which is the degree of murder that was committed. A person convicted of first degree murder could face life in prison without parole, or even the death penalty. Second and third degree murder convictions could also lead to a prison sentence.
If you have been accused of murder, you must speak to a Georgia murder attorney before speaking to law enforcement officials. Contact HTW&W today to learn more about your rights during this difficult time.
