Murder / Homicide

Anyone accused or arrested on homicide charges will face the most serious penalties under Michigan law, including several years to life without the possibility of parole behind bars. Different classes of murder and manslaughter are involved, and you’ll be up against a prosecuting attorney that will do everything possible to secure a conviction.

The best way to fight back is to retain a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney that has the necessary experience to handle your homicide cases in Michigan.

Your choice of a legal advocate to protect your rights makes a significant difference in a murder case. The attorneys at the office of Michigan Defense Law have the skills and experience necessary to take on tough prosecutors, and will employ every legal strategy possible to gain the advantage. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so our lawyers will work meticulously to identify and exploit weaknesses in the allegations against you.

Skilled Representation When the Stakes are High in a Michigan Criminal Case

Our attorneys defend clients at every stage of the criminal process, including pre-file (before charges are actually filed), pre-trial, trial, and post-conviction stages. Still, with your freedom on the line, it’s critical to consult with our legal professionals as early as possible. Time is of the essence when strategizing for your defense, especially where it may be possible to avoid the homicide charges or have them dismissed or reduced. We assist clients with all types of murder cases, including:

• First and Second Degree Murder: The most severe forms of homicide, first and second degree murder are only separated by one component: Pre-meditation. In other words, a prosecutor must prove that the crime involved a certain thought process and/or planning in order to secure a conviction for first degree murder. This isn’t required for second degree murder, but a conviction in either type of case is very serious but first degree murder comes with a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.
• Manslaughter: There are different types of manslaughter cases, depending on the circumstances. A voluntary manslaughter offense is commonly a type of “heat of the moment” crime. With an involuntary manslaughter charge, the allegations are usually that the accused killed another person, but didn’t intend for death to result. Very reckless or negligent conduct is usually involved. Either type of case could lead to a sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.
• Negligent Homicide: If you’re operating a motor vehicle recklessly and cause an accident that results in another person’s death, you could be charged with negligent homicide. A conviction carries the potential for prison time and fines. However, there is often great range between the worst case scenario and the best case in these types of cases. It is very important to get skilled counsel as early as possible.

A Bloomfield Hills Criminal Defense Attorney Will Protect Your Interests

If you are facing homicide charges, a strong defense will give you an advantage in fighting the allegations. There are no offenses treated more seriously than homicide in Michigan, even if the specific crime is a lower level murder or manslaughter case. Your future is bleak unless you have an experienced, knowledgeable attorney that will attack any weakness in the prosecution’s case and secure every advantage available. When your freedom is on the line, you can trust the lawyers at Michigan Defense Law Please contact us or call our Bloomfield Hills office directly at (248) 451-2200 with questions or to set up a case evaluation.