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
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.
You Need a Powerful Defense
When facing any type of homicide invaestigation 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.