If you're currently being accused of murder, it's time to get in touch with an attorney. Homicide is one of the most serious allegations you can face -- you don't want to underestimate the potential repercussions of an improper defense. At O'Keefe Law, we're one of the few attorneys in the Lansing region that has considerable experience defending murder cases.
Our team of criminal defense attorneys understands the complexities of Michigan homicide law. We will work with you to ensure you have a fair hearing in court.
Murder/Homicide Charges
If you receive a murder allegation, there are two types of charges that you may receive from prosecutors: first-degree murder and second-degree murder.
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most severe charge of the two. This implies that the killing was pre-meditated. The court will have to prove that you pre-meditated the murder, which means the burden of proof is much higher.
As this is the most serious murder charge, the potential sentences are extremely high. You may receive a life sentence without parole. Meaning, you may never leave jail if you’re convicted.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder is murder without pre-meditation. For this reason, the court does not need to prove that you planned the killing. This can also carry a life sentence if you are convicted.
What makes this sentence less severe is that you may be eligible for parole after 15 years, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
Manslaughter
Even if you had no intention of killing someone, you could still end up with a long sentence. Manslaughter allows prosecutors to charge you with the unintentional killing of someone else. There are two types of manslaughter in the state of Michigan: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary manslaughter requires you to kill someone intentionally, but without any prior intention to do so. It is typically a charge that arises from an emotional, split-second killing. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when you kill someone with no intention of doing so.
Many involuntary manslaughter charges include car accidents, shooting accidents, etc. Regardless of whether you commit involuntary or voluntary manslaughter, you could be looking at up to 15 years in prison.
Just because you didn't intend to kill someone, doesn't mean you don't have to take your case seriously. If you are facing manslaughter allegations, it's time to get in touch with O'Keefe law today.
Appealing a Previous Conviction
If you've already been convicted of murder or manslaughter, this doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to decades in prison. The appeals process allows people to appeal their previous verdict in court. If you had an attorney that underrepresented you in your first case, it's time to choose a team that can ensure you have a fair trial in court.
We can work in the appellate courts to overturn your previous case. If you're innocent, take advantage of the opportunity the US justice system provides you -- appeal your decision!
Verdict: Contact a Trusted Attorney
Whether you're in East Lansing or another part of the region, you need to use an attorney that understands Michigan state courts. As a former prosecutor, Patrick O'Keefe has experience in the courtroom on both sides. He knows how prosecutors think.
If you want a defense attorney that values your freedom, O'Keefe Law is the perfect partner. We work hard to ensure that our clients' lives are appreciated in court.
