Facing criminal charges is stressful enough, but when those charges are for a felony offense such as murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or even careless driving causing death, the situation can seem overwhelming and impossible. It is important to remember you should not try to take on these cases alone. Let Jenn and Justie at Colorado Lawyer Team advocate on your behalf. We can guide you through how best to handle these situations!

Whether you are being investigated for murder, homicide, or manslaughter or have already been charged, a Greenwood Village murder lawyer could provide critical legal assistance every step of the way. A tenacious defense attorney could safeguard your constitutional rights throughout the entire investigation process and prepare a legal defense to the charges against you. If you are innocent, getting an attorney involved ASAP can help prove your innocence. Act today to help yourself and talk with a knowledgeable attorney immediately.

The best thing to remember is do not talk to the cops in these situations without an attorney present. Do not talk to anybody about this situation without consulting with an attorney first!

First and Second-Degree Murder in Greenwood Village

Murder involves deliberately or knowingly causing the death of another person. The offense of murder can be charged in either the first or second degree. Premeditated murders are charged in the first degree, while those that occurred in the heat of passion are charged in the second degree.

Murder in the first degree is considered a Class 1 felony punishable by life in prison or the death penalty in Colorado (although many homicide cases do not result in the DA actually pursuing the death penalty, it could still occur). Murder charged in the second degree is a Class 2 felony punishable by a maximum of 48 years in prison, a fine, and five years of parole. A seasoned Greenwood Village murder attorney could further explain the differences between first- and second-degree charges as well as provide you with valuable advice about your case before, during, and after!

The Consequences for Criminally Negligent Homicide

Criminally negligent homicide occurs when someone causes another person’s death through negligent actions. Even if there was not any intent to cause another person’s death, careless behavior could still lead to a person being charged with criminally negligent homicide.

Criminally negligent homicide is a Class 5 felony and is punishable by a prison sentence of one to three years, a fine, and two years of parole. A diligent homicide lawyer in Greenwood Village could answer questions about various murder offenses involving criminal negligence.

Manslaughter in Greenwood Village

An additional offense related to the offenses of murder and homicide is manslaughter. Manslaughter occurs when a person recklessly causes the death of another individual or intentionally causes or assists another individual to commit suicide. Manslaughter is a Class 4 felony which is punishable a maximum of six years in prison, three years of parole, and a fine.

Homicide Involving Automobiles

The Colorado statutes specify that vehicular homicide occurs when a person drives or operates a vehicle in a manner that is reckless and results in the death of another individual. Vehicular homicide is charged as a Class 4 felony unless a person was driving while intoxicated, in which case the offense is charged as a Class 3 felony.

If you recklessly operate an automobile and kill someone else, it is known as careless driving causing death. The difference between the two offenses is the mental state: reckless is a conscious disregard for an obvious and substantial risk, while careless driving results from negligence or failure to recognize a risk that the average person would have known about. Jail is a very real possibility even for careless causing death offenses.

Vehicular homicide and vehicular assault cases are very complex, often involving the need for many experts and traffic reconstructionists. An experienced Greenwood Village attorney can help you understand when and how to use such an expert in your defense case and advise you of the possible penalties you are facing.

Contact a Greenwood Village Murder Attorney Today

Murder is a serious criminal charge which requires a well-planned and proper legal defense. It is best not to fight such serious charges on your own. Call an attorney immediately. From homicide all the way down to careless driving, if a death is involved a Greenwood Village murder lawyer could prepare an appropriate legal defense or negotiate a plea agreement for you.

It is essential to have an attorney on your side who can safeguard your legal rights during all phases of the criminal justice process from investigation to trial. Justie and Jenn at Colorado Lawyer Team could fight on your behalf to achieve the best resolution possible in your case. Call today to start building your defense.