A homicide charge is the most serious charge in our system. Everyone charged with homicide has a right to present a defense.
Common Defenses in Homicide Cases
Self-Defense
Used to show a defendant acted to protect themselves from death or great bodily harm. The defendant must have believed they were in imminent danger, and the force used must match the threat.
Defense of Others
When someone acts to protect another person from death or great bodily harm.
Accident or Misfortune
Deaths happen without criminal intent. An accident defense is sometimes possible.
Insanity Defense
A mental illness prevented the defendant from knowing what they were doing or knowing right from wrong.
Diminished Capacity
A defendant's mental state prevented them from forming specific intent for first-degree murder.
Alibi
Proving a defendant was somewhere else when the crime occurred—credit card receipts, work time cards, surveillance footage, or witness testimony.
Mistaken Identity
Challenges the prosecution's identification. DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and other forensic evidence might support this defense.
Heat of Passion
Admits to the killing but argues it happened in the heat of passion. This defense usually reduces murder to manslaughter rather than an acquittal.
Intoxication
Voluntary intoxication rarely provides a complete defense. Involuntary intoxication might be a complete defense.
Constitutional Violations
Police misconduct or rights violations during investigation and arrest—searches without warrants, failure to give Miranda warnings, or coerced confessions.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
A defense attorney can:
- Evaluate cases and review evidence
- Conduct independent investigations
- Develop a legal strategy
- Handle plea negotiations
Why Hire a Professional Lawyer
- Knowledge of local courts and relationships with prosecutors
- Objective view of the case
- Protect rights throughout the legal process
Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
If you're charged with homicide, talk to a criminal defense lawyer now.
