Compassionate Yet Aggressive Representation When It Matters Most
If there was ever a time for an experienced, fearless attorney, it is when you are facing murder charges. At The Law Offices of Blake A. Poole, LLC, in Gainesville, our attorneys have represented clients throughout Georgia. We listen to each person’s story and are here to offer you strong advocacy and will do everything we can to protect your freedom.
Whether you are facing violent crime charges or you have a loved one in jail on these charges, we understand what you are going through. We will work diligently to mitigate the consequences or seek a dismissal, when possible.
Understanding The Charges Against You
In Georgia, there are not multiple degrees of murder when it comes to filing charges. There is only one degree. A murder charge occurs when someone willfully and knowingly takes another life. It is considered premeditated when there was an intention to kill or a blatant disregard for human life. It is also considered premeditated when a person kills someone while they are committing a felony. The minimum sentence for a murder charge is life in prison. Depending on the circumstances, you could also be facing the death penalty.
When it comes to manslaughter, there are two different kinds. Voluntary manslaughter happens in the heat of the moment or when someone cannot control their anger. It carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars. The difference here is that negligence caused the death of another person. Our attorneys listen without judgment. We can provide you with an honest analysis and create a tailored defense strategy. When faced with an obstacle, we will not back down from a challenge.
Potential Defenses Against Murder/Manslaughter Charges
Facing murder or manslaughter charges is a serious and daunting experience. As noted above, the stakes are high, with the potential for life imprisonment or the death penalty. However, with the right legal strategy, it is possible to mount a strong defense. Below, we discuss some common defense strategies that may apply to your case.
Unlawful search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects you against unlawful search and seizure. If evidence against you was obtained in violation of your legal rights, it may be suppressed. This means it cannot be used to convict you. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Lack of intent: To secure a conviction for murder, the prosecution must prove that there was intent to kill. If intent is too difficult for prosecutors to prove, your attorney may argue that the murder charge should be reduced to manslaughter. If prosecutors continue with murder charges but cannot prove intent, it could result in an acquittal.
Alibi: Providing evidence that you were elsewhere at the time of the crime can be a straightforward yet powerful defense to any felony charge. An alibi can completely undermine the prosecution’s case by showing that you could not have committed the crime.
False confessions: Each of us would like to believe that we’d never confess to a crime we didn’t commit. Unfortunately, however, false confessions are far more common than people realize. They are often attributed to coercion or deceit by law enforcement or due to stress or misunderstanding on the part of defendants. It can be difficult to convince a jury that a confession wasn’t genuine, so your defense attorney will need to carefully explain the circumstances under which the false confession was offered.
Insanity defense: In some cases, it is possible to argue that at the time of the offense, the defendant could not distinguish right from wrong due to a severe mental disorder. This is not an easy strategy to implement, but if successful, an insanity defense can lead to a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Although this could prevent the imposition of prison time, it may result in involuntary commitment to a mental health facility instead.
With extensive experience in criminal defense, our attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and your freedom. They understand what you are up against, and they will utilize all available defense options on your behalf.
To Discuss Your Case, Call Today
When it comes to criminal charges, it is crucial that you seek out a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. We are committed to our clients, their future and restoring their reputation. Call our Gainesville office at 770-573-3707 today to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out our contact form online.