Homicide
Our experienced Gwinnett County criminal defense lawyers provide the aggressive legal representation needed to protect you when facing homicide charges.
There are several classifications of criminal charges in Georgia relating to the killing of a human being caused by another human being, known as homicide. Murder is the most serious type of homicide and is a crime for which you can be punished with the death penalty in Georgia. At Zimmerman & Associates, we have the level of legal skill and experience you need when facing such a serious charge. Our Gwinnett County criminal defense attorneys act as a fierce legal advocate on your side, taking the aggressive actions needed to protect you and avoid a conviction.
We Protect You Against Severe Penalties for Murder in Georgia
Murder under Section 16-5-1, of the Georgia Code, is defined as the unlawfully killing of a human being with malice aforethought, either express or implied. Express malice is the deliberate intention to unlawfully take the life of another human being. Implied malice exists when there is no clear provocation or where the circumstances show a reckless disregard for life or an abandoned and malignant heart. In contrast, a person commits the offense of murder when, irrespective of malice, he or she causes the death of another human being during the commission of a felony, such as burglary, arson, rape, robbery, or kidnapping. This is known as felony murder.
When one person’s actions result in the death of another, it can be classified as murder or manslaughter. Manslaughter involves a death that happens unintentionally as a result of your actions or arises out of serious provocation.
Penalties for murder, and felony murder, involve either life in prison or the death penalty. Even if cause the death of another human being without malice aforethought, you can be charged with murder in the second degree, if the death arose out of a situation involving cruelty to children. Murder in the second degree carries a potential criminal sentence of up to 30 years in prison, in addition to the penalties you face for any other charges that are filed.
We Protect You Against Severe Penalties for Manslaughter in Georgia
Voluntary Manslaughter under Section 16-5-2, of the Georgia Code, is defined as an intentional killing mitigated by adequate provocation or other circumstances negating malice aforethought. Adequate provocation, measured objectively, must be such that a reasonable person would lose self-control. However, if there should have been an interval between the provocation and the killing sufficient for the voice of reason and humanity to be heard, the killing shall be attributed to deliberate revenge and be punished as murder. Voluntary manslaughter carries a potential criminal sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Involuntary Manslaughter under Section 16-5-3, of the Georgia Code, is defined as an unintentional killing resulting without malice aforethought caused either by reckless or criminal negligence or during the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful act other than a felony. Involuntary manslaughter carries a potential criminal sentence of up to 10 years in prison. An unintentional killing that occurs during the commission or attempted commission of a misdemeanor, or of a felony which is not of the inherently dangerous type required for felony murder, is classified as involuntary manslaughter under the so-called misdemeanor-manslaughter rule, and carries a potential criminal sentence of up to 1 year in prison.
Get the Trusted, Professional Legal Representation You Need
Murder elicits a strong sense of outrage both among the victim’s next of kin and in the community at large. These types of cases often make headlines and you could easily be tried and convicted in the court of public opinion before actual charges are ever filed. To protect yourself and your legal rights, you need our experienced Gwinnett County criminal defense attorney on your side.
At Zimmerman & Associates, we have extensive experience representing clients in these types of cases in the Gwinnett County Courts. Depending on the situation, possible defenses to murder include:
- Mistaken identity;
- Mental capacity;
- Intervening causes;
- The death resulted from an accident;
- You acted in self-defense or were protecting others;
- You had no malice or you were provoked to commit the crime.
In addition to taking the steps needed to build you a strong defense, we can take action to secure your freedom so that you can participate in your case. This includes appearing at preliminary or bond hearings and making arguments in favor of releasing you on bail.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Gwinnett County, GA Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
With so much on the line in murder cases, you need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney fighting on your behalf. Call or contact our office online to request a free consultation with Zimmerman & Associates today.