Brooklyn
Murder Defense
Lawyer
Representing Brooklyn, NY Clients Facing Murder and Manslaughter Charges
Why Should I Hire the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC?
Types of Murder and Manslaughter Charges
- Murder in the first degree is the most serious homicide offense and pertains to the intentional and planned killing of another person.
- Murder in the second degree is often defined as a “crime of passion,” or an unplanned killing that occurs in the heat of the moment.
- Criminally negligent homicide applies to situations in which the accused’s gross negligence results in the death of the victim.
- Manslaughter in the first degree applies when the accused unintentionally killed another person as the result of intentional choices to cause harm. For example, if the accused attacked the victim with the intent of physically harming them but did not intend to kill them, this charge would apply.
- Manslaughter in the second degree applies when the accused killed another person but did not premeditate the act or hold any malicious intent to kill the victim.
- Vehicular manslaughter in the first degree applies when the accused causes the death of another person due to violation of traffic laws while driving with a suspended license.
- Vehicular manslaughter in the second degree applies if the accused causes the death of another person due to operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or by violating traffic laws.
It is vital for the accused facing any murder or manslaughter charges to understand that the penalties they face can be quite severe, even if they succeed in pleading to lesser charges than those for which they are originally charged.
It is not uncommon for prosecutors to add as many secondary charges that they can to a murder or manslaughter charge. For example, a defendant facing vehicular manslaughter because of driving under the influence will face vehicular manslaughter charges and DUI charges, but the prosecution may also add reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, and a litany of additional charges depending on the circumstances of the event in question and how the defendant’s arrest unfolded.
Potential Defenses Against Murder or Manslaughter Charges
Typically, when a person is arrested for murder or manslaughter, there is already enough evidence to establish probable cause for their arrest, and available defenses may seem minimal at first. Your Brooklyn murder defense lawyer’s main priority should be to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and uncover exculpatory evidence that proves the defendant’s innocence. For example, if you are accused of murder in the first degree, the prosecution has the burden of proving that you premeditated the incident in question with the explicit intention of killing the victim.
A mental health disorder that prevented you from making clear decisions during the incident in question may also provide a valid defense that mitigates sentencing. When you work with the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we will seek case dismissal whenever possible, but if a trial is unavoidable, we will help you explore every available legal defense to secure an acquittal or “not guilty” verdict. In any criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We will do everything we can to ensure they cannot meet this threshold of proof in your case, and if you did commit the offense in question, our team can handle plea bargaining on your behalf and potentially reduce your sentence.
Time is a critical factor when you are facing any kind of criminal charge, especially one as severe as murder or manslaughter. The sooner you hire a reliable Brooklyn murder defense attorney to start working on your case, the better your chances will be of securing a favorable result to your proceedings and avoiding conviction. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with a Brooklyn murder defense attorney, contact the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC today and schedule a case evaluation with our team.
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