Riverdale Homicide Lawyer

In Georgia, homicide is a serious crime that can result in life-changing consequences. There could also be lifelong effects of such an arrest or conviction. You could face a prison sentence and a damaged reputation even if you are innocent. Therefore, it is important you have the right legal team to assist in your defense.

It is also important to fully understand the possibilities before you when you are experiencing homicide charges. The legal system is complex, and it is too risky to navigate it alone. The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is hire a seasoned criminal defense attorney. When you are facing serious criminal accusations, you must hire a Riverdale homicide lawyer to defend you.

Important Local Laws

The state defines homicide as when a person commits a crime that results in the death of another. Unlike other states, Georgia does not categorize murder into different degrees.

Murder

Murder is codified in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1; a conviction has a sentence of life in prison and can also be accompanied by the death penalty. It is the most serious homicide crime.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Another form of homicide you could be charged with is manslaughter. There are two forms of this crime: involuntary and voluntary. Voluntary manslaughter means that someone causes the death of another person under circumstances that would otherwise be murder, but they acted due to a sudden, violent, and irresistible passion invoked from serious provocation. The provocation must be enough to excite a reasonable person. This crime has a penalty of one to 20 years in prison.

Involuntary Manslaughter

In comparison, involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person resulting from illegal or reckless conduct by the perpetrator. The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is 10 years in prison. It can also be a misdemeanor, which is punishable by less than one year in prison under certain circumstances. Involuntary manslaughter has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  

Because this state’s criminal laws are so complex, and the specific circumstances of each case can greatly affect the charges and penalties, it is smart to consult with an attorney in Riverdale when you are facing homicide accusations.

Common Defenses at Your Disposal

Our skilled team has years of experience defending criminal cases in the courtroom. Although every case is different, here are some common defenses that can be used to prove your innocence:

• Accidental act: If you had no intent to kill, the court may acquit you
• Insanity: This is a difficult defense to prove, and you need substantial witnesses and evidence
• Intoxication: This is not the best defense but if you were involuntarily intoxicated, it is a stronger one
• Job duty: This is a strong defense if you are a police officer or other sort of law enforcement officer and had to do so within your course of duty
• Defense of someone else: It must have been reasonable and there must have been a rational fear that the person could die or be injured seriously
• Self-defense: You must have genuinely believed you were in danger, your response was proportional to the threat, and the threat was immediate and unlawful

Each defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your situation, the type of case, and the available evidence. A lawyer in Riverdale could help create the best possible defense strategy for your homicide charge.

Consult Riverdale Attorney About Homicide Charges Today

A homicide charge could have a large impact on your life. Sometimes, defendants face overwhelming and invasive media coverage, and sometimes, the police investigation does not accurately portray the complete facts. 

The cases are rarely simple, so it is important that you have a Riverdale homicide lawyer by your side. Having a legal team can make a difference in the outcome of your current circumstances and offer you protection throughout the process. Call our law office today to schedule a consultation.