What To Know About Homicide Charges in Minnesota
Have homicide charges been brought against you? Being charged with homicide is a very grave matter, and it’s one that could potentially result in you having to spend several years of your life in prison and even potentially having to pay a hefty fine as well. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled defense lawyer on your side who can help you to potentially reduce the odds of you having to face serious penalties. Here is what you should know regarding the various types of Minnesota homicide charges: Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Minneapolis Minnesota
What Are the Different Types of Homicide Charges?
There are different types of homicide charges that a person can be charged with in Minnesota, each with a differing degree of severity and different potential penalties that you may be faced with if you are found guilty. Here are the different types of homicide charges that you can potentially be charged with and found guilty of in Minnesota:
- Murder in the First Degree: causing the premeditated death of a person while committing heinous crimes against them, such as intentionally causing the death of a person while committing burglary and other serious crimes (i.e., criminal sexual misconduct charges, etc.)
- Murder in the Second Degree: intentionally causing the death of a person, but without premeditation or planning
- Murder in the Third Degree: doing something that is an eminently dangerous act without regard for human life that results in the death of another person
One can also be charged with manslaughter, which is less culpable than homicide murder. One can potentially be charged with manslaughter in cases that involve the death of another person wherein the alleged perpetrator acts in the heat of passion (i.e., after being provoked), and can also involve culpable negligence, such as causing an unreasonable risk to others.
What Are the Potential Penalties For Homicide Charges?
As previously explained, the type of homicide charge that you are charged with can result in different potential penalties in the event that you are found guilty of what you have been charged with. However, there are also various categories of the law for each type of homicide, and each category of homicide or murder charges comes with different potential punishments:
- First Degree Murder: Life in prison
- Second Degree Murder: Up to 40 years in prison
- Third Degree Murder: Up to 25 years in prison
- Voluntary Manslaughter: Up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $30,000
- Involuntary Manslaughter: Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000
Being charged with homicide or manslaughter can be scary and overwhelming, especially as a guilty verdict could result in lifelong consequences. That’s why you should put in the time and effort to find a good criminal defense attorney who can represent and assist you with your case. Moreover, a criminal defense lawyer can also potentially help you to lower a criminal offense or charge, if not helping you to prove your innocence and avoid having to face any harsh penalties. Contact Lauren Campoli, the best criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis-St Paul MN, if you’re in need of legal defense for your case.