Homicide LAWYER Boston
Homicide (murder) cases can be some of the most difficult criminal cases to defend against. From sympathetic witnesses to complicated forensic evidence, you will need a seasoned attorney to handle this type of criminal defense case against you.
If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing a homicide charge, you will need a reputable criminal defense lawyer who has a track record of representing defendants and winning homicide cases. Because when your freedom and reputation are on the line, hiring an average attorney to represent you is too great a risk.
Homicide means the killing of one person by another. Homicide can be lawful or unlawful, depending on the situation.
- First-degree murder: The most serious homicide charge. This includes premeditated murder, killing committed during certain felonies (such as burglary and sexual battery), and death resulting from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
- Second-degree murder: Involves killings without premeditation committed during a dangerous act, during which the perpetrator had a “depraved mind” without regard for human life.
- Third-degree murder: Occurs when a person unintentionally causes the death of another person during the commission or attempted commission of certain non-violent felonies.
- Manslaughter: Unintentional death caused by a person’s reckless behavior or criminal negligence.
- Vehicular homicide: When a person kills another human while operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner that is likely to cause great bodily harm or death. Vehicular homicide charges are separate from DUI charges.
Criminal defense attorney Susan M. Rayburn has extensive experience practicing law and has worked many cases involving criminal homicides with successful outcomes.
Homicide Penalties
Homicide convictions are some of the most serious criminal charges a person can face. A criminal conviction for homicide can leave you with a long prison sentence, hefty fines, and reputational damage. However, the severity of the punishment for a homicide conviction varies greatly depending on the circumstances surrounding the event and the degree of culpability assigned to the defendant.
First-Degree Murder
If you are convicted of first-degree murder, you will face a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
A second-degree murder conviction can result in a term of years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Third-Degree Murder
A third-degree murder conviction can result in up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is typically a second-degree felony, although it can be a first-degree felony if it results in the death of an elderly person, an adult with a disability, a child, a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an EMT, or a paramedic. As such, it can result in a term of years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is typically a second-degree felony. However, it can be a first-degree felony if the driver knew or should have known the accident occurred and failed to give their information or provide aid, as with a hit-and-run. Therefore, it can result in a term of years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Other consequences:
- Probation
- Community service
- Restitution
- Loss of voting rights
- Limitations on getting certain types of licenses or jobs
Murder charges often coincide with drug charges (including drug possession and more serious drug charges), DUI charges, charges involving violent crimes such as domestic violence or child abuse, and other legal issues, which can result in more severe penalties.
If you’re being investigated for or have been charged with a homicide offense, you’re entitled to certain constitutional rights. Call Attorney Rayburn for help today.
Understanding Your Rights
Homicide is one of the most serious crimes under Massachusetts law. If convicted, you may suffer life-changing consequences. It’s crucial to understand your rights when facing a homicide investigation or charge.
First, you have the right to remain silent, even if a law enforcement officer is questioning you. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s best not to speak to a police officer or anyone else without your criminal defense lawyer present.
You also have the right to an attorney at all stages of criminal proceedings, from arraignment through sentencing. You should exercise this right as early as possible — even before you’re arrested — to protect yourself and give your attorney enough time to build a strong case.
Additionally, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to due process. This includes the right to be informed of any charges brought against you and access any evidence being used against you. As an experienced criminal lawyer, Attorney Susan M. Rayburn will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that all aspects of due process are upheld throughout the proceedings.
Another aspect of due process is that it protects you from conviction and punishment unless the prosecution can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is known as the “standard of proof.”
Understanding the standard of proof required for homicide cases is crucial in preparing a solid defense against your criminal charges.
The prosecutor must prove all elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. “Beyond a reasonable doubt” means that there can be no other logical explanation for the crime committed other than the defendant’s actions.
The burden of proof lies solely on the prosecution, meaning they must meet a high threshold before they can secure a conviction. Regardless, you must have a competent criminal defense lawyer to help prove you didn’t commit the alleged offense.
If you’re facing homicide charges, Attorney Rayburn will understand the facts of your case and how to defend you against such accusations. She will scrutinize every piece of evidence presented, finding flaws and inconsistencies in their case.
With detailed preparation and skilled representation, you can fight against these serious allegations and have the best chance of success.
As a criminal defense lawYER that has defended Many clients against various degrees of homicide charges, ATTORNEY RAYBURN knowS what strategies can increase your chances of success.
A successful criminal defense requires strategic planning, thorough investigation, and extensive preparation. Attorney Rayburn will comprehensively investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic reports.
She will also anticipate every state attorney’s office move. Then, she can cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses and question the evidence presented against you. If there are flaws in the prosecution’s case or inconsistencies in a witness’s testimony, an attorney can exploit them to raise a reasonable doubt about your guilt.
Additionally, Attorney Rayburn can use this criminal defense strategy – self-defense. If evidence suggests that you acted out of necessity to protect yourself from injury or death, she can aggressively fight to prove it in court.
Another successful defense is plea bargaining. Attorney Rayburn can negotiate to get your charges dropped or reduced in exchange for a guilty plea. While it may seem counterintuitive to admit guilt, accepting the consequences of a lesser offense can be preferable to the uncertainty of jury trials and the risk of facing a harsher penalty. Whether you should plead guilty ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of your criminal case and should only be determined after you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
If you go to trial, presenting a convincing closing argument is vital to swaying jurors towards acquittal or a reduced sentence. A compelling closing argument summarizes all the facts succinctly yet persuasively and highlights all the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Whatever the type of homicide offense you’re facing, it’s essential to retain a skilled homicide attorney who can help you understand your options, develop a strategy based on the unique facts of your case, and provide effective legal representation.
Homicide
- First Degree Murder
- 2nd Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Homicide
- Accessory Before The Fact
- Accessory After The Fact
- Joint Venture
- Aiding and Abetting
- Hit & Run
As one of the most respected and recognized criminal defense attorneys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Attorney Rayburn, with years of criminal defense experience, has an excellent record of favorable outcomes for her clients, whether through dismissals, negotiated resolutions, or jury trials.
Attorney Susan M. Rayburn effectively and aggressively represents people accused of a wide array of criminal offenses, including crimes of violence, firearms offenses, robbery, drug trafficking, possessory offenses, white collar crimes, major felonies and misdemeanors, grand jury subpoenas, restraining orders, and clerk magistrate hearings.
