A homicide charge is the most serious accusation a person can face, and everything about how it is handled matters, from the first police contact to the courtroom. If you or someone you love is under investigation or has been charged, the decisions made now can shape the rest of a life. This is not a moment for the wrong lawyer, or for no lawyer at all.
At the Law Office of Lauren Campoli, we defend people accused of homicide with the seriousness these cases demand: careful investigation, close scrutiny of the State’s evidence, and a defense built for trial from day one.
How Minnesota Classifies Homicide
“Homicide” covers several distinct charges in Minnesota, and the differences between them, in intent, circumstances, and penalty, are enormous. Broadly, they fall into murder and manslaughter:
- First-Degree Murder, Minn. Stat. § 609.185. The most serious homicide charge, including premeditated intentional killing, killing committed during certain serious felonies, and the killing of a peace officer. A conviction carries a life sentence.
- Second-Degree Murder, Minn. Stat. § 609.19. Intentional killing without premeditation, and unintentional “felony murder,” where a death occurs during the commission of another felony. Punishable by up to 40 years in prison.
- Third-Degree Murder, Minn. Stat. § 609.195. Causing death through an act that is eminently dangerous to others and shows a depraved mind, without intent to kill any specific person. Punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
- First-Degree Manslaughter, Minn. Stat. § 609.20. Includes causing a death in the heat of passion provoked by words or acts that would provoke a person of ordinary self-control. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
- Second-Degree Manslaughter, Minn. Stat. § 609.205. Causing a death through culpable negligence, by creating an unreasonable risk and consciously taking chances of causing death or great bodily harm. Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
The charge the State files is not the final word. The line between these offenses often turns on intent and circumstance, and that line is exactly where a strong defense does its work.
Defending a Homicide Charge
These cases are won through preparation, not slogans. Depending on the facts, a defense may involve:
- Challenging intent and premeditation. The degree of the charge, and the sentence that follows, frequently depends on the defendant’s state of mind, which the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Self-defense and defense of others. Minnesota law recognizes the lawful use of force, including deadly force, in defined circumstances.
- The evidence and the investigation. Forensic evidence, witness accounts, and police procedure can all be tested, and weaknesses in the State’s case can change everything.
- Identity and causation. Whether the State can actually prove who caused the death, and how, is not always as settled as an arrest makes it seem.
Talk With a Minnesota Homicide Lawyer
If you are facing a homicide investigation or charge, get experienced defense involved immediately. Contact the Law Office of Lauren Campoli at 612-500-7777.
PRACTICE AREAS
› Assault
› Domestic Violence
› DWI Defense
› Juvenile Offenses
› Drug Crimes
› Theft and Property Crimes
› Homicide
› Federal Crimes
› Title IX Defense
› Expungement