Chattanooga Murder Defense Attorneys
Effective Defense Strategies Against Murder Charges in Tennessee
Murder is widely considered the most serious of all crimes and carries the most severe criminal penalties. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing life in prison, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty. Your life as you know it will drastically change. Who you choose to represent you at such a critical juncture is of the utmost importance.
If you have been arrested for or are merely under investigation for murder, turn to Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC for trusted and proven defense. With our firm, you will get the benefit of a team of seasoned Chattanooga murder defense lawyers who have vast experience in handling even the most difficult and complex of cases. Our Chattanooga murder defense attorneys will immediately get to work conducting a thorough investigation into all aspects of your arrest, as well as all of the circumstances surrounding your case. Through the use of our many valuable and expert resources, we can dissect the state’s evidence in search of advantageous strategies that can be used in your defense.
If you are facing charges for murder, turn to Speek, Turner, & Newkirk PLLC for the defense you need. Contact us today!
What Is First-Degree Murder in Tennessee?
First-degree murder is the most serious of all murder charges, and a conviction can result in the death penalty in certain cases. This type of crime can be committed in two ways: through intentional and planned action or as a murder that occurs while committing another felony, such as robbery. The latter is known as “felony murder.”
The death penalty can only be applied in aggravating circumstances, of which there are many. Aggravating factors can include:
- Killing someone under the age of 12 or over the age of 70
- Killing a police officer
- Killing multiple victims over a specific time period
- Having previous violent felony convictions
Mitigating factors may also be presented by your Chattanooga murder defense attorney to reduce sentencing, such as having the reasonable belief that the killing was justified, having no prior criminal record, acting under extreme emotional duress, and more.
The penalty for a first-degree murder conviction may be life in prison with or without the possibility of parole, as well as the death penalty.
Homicide Charges in Tennessee
The state of Tennessee has established various categories involving homicide. These include:
- First-degree murder, which is the premeditated and intentional killing of another person
- Second-degree murder, which is the knowing killing of another
- Voluntary manslaughter, which is the killing of another in the heat of passion which led to irrational behavior
- Criminally negligent homicide, which involves engaging in conduct that should have been known to cause death
- Reckless homicide, where a known risk of causing death is intentionally disregarded
- Vehicular homicide, in which a person was killed through reckless driving
Second-Degree Murder Charges in TN
Second-degree murder is classified as a Class A felony, which is the most serious felony category in Tennessee. It is characterized as the knowing killing of another or as the killing of another which was caused by the sale of illegal drugs. The penalty for this type of murder is 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000. Prison sentences will be dictated by the circumstances of the crime.
In some cases, the charge may lead to complete dismissal through a not-guilty verdict. In other cases, the charge may be reduced to a lower level of homicide, such as manslaughter or criminal negligence.
Contact Our Chattanooga Team Today for a Strong Defense
When facing any type of homicide investigation or charge, a thorough, dedicated, and effective defense is essential. Speek, Turner & Dunkirk PLLC brings extensive experience and resources to all criminal cases; our Chattanooga murder defense lawyers are ready to work tirelessly on your behalf in an effort to achieve the best possible outcome.
Talk to us about your homicide case today. Contact us online or call (423) 799-3030 now for a FREE and confidential consultation. Se habla español.
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