When someone is charged with murder, it’s not just their life that’s at stake. It’s their freedom, too. At first glance, it may seem like there are only two types of homicide charges: first-degree and second-degree murder. But in fact, there are three different degrees of homicide charges in Minnesota. Each one carries a different penalty. Here we’ll explain what each degree entails and how they differ from one another. If you’re facing any kind of criminal charge for killing or injuring someone, this information–along with a trustworthy homicide attorney–can help you protect yourself against overzealous prosecution or wrongful conviction. Homicide Defense Lawyer in Oak Grove MN

Homicide Charges

Murder charges are among the most serious crimes a person can be accused of committing. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another with malice, and it’s typically charged when a homicide occurs during another crime.

However, murder can also result from an intentional act that wasn’t specifically intended to cause harm or death—for example, an intoxicated driver who causes a fatal accident.

Murder charges are typically broken down into three degrees: first-degree murder; second-degree murder; and third-degree murder.

What is a First-Degree Murder Charge?

A first-degree murder charge is the most serious type of murder charge. A person can be convicted of first-degree murder if they intentionally killed another person or if they caused the death of another person while committing a felony. In both cases, the intent is important—the prosecution has to prove that you intended to commit the crime, even if you didn’t plan it out in advance (like an armed robbery gone wrong). It may also include premeditation or planning.

If you’re charged with first-degree murder, you must hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. This is because there are several defenses available for this type of case, including self-defense and duress/coercion, which may help get your charges reduced or dismissed completely.

What is a Second-Degree Murder Charge?

The most serious type of murder charge is second-degree murder. Second-degree murder is a felony, and the sentence may include several years in prison.

To be charged with this offense, you must have killed someone with the intent to kill or with extreme indifference to human life. This means that you acted without any regard for the life of your victim or other people who could have been hurt as a result of your actions. If you did something like drive into traffic while drunk and hit someone’s car, then it would be hard to argue that there was no intent behind your actions (because they could potentially lead to death).

What is a Third-Degree Murder Charge?

Third-degree murder charges are the least severe of all homicide charges. When someone is accused of killing another person, he or she will face one of three possible types of murder charges: first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree. Third-degree murder charges are usually reserved for cases in which the evidence does not suggest that the defendant intended to kill his/her victim. This can be difficult for prosecutors to prove since it often requires them to show that the defendant acted with malice aforethought (a desire to cause harm). If convicted on this type of charge, an individual could receive a sentence of several years in prison, depending on how many convictions they have had over their lifetime and where they live at the time when court proceedings begin against them. This type of charge involves acting without regard for human life.

A Murder Charge in Minnesota

The first thing to know about murder charges in Minnesota is that it depends on a variety of factors. For example, there are different ways you can be charged with murder depending on your intention and the severity of your actions.

The most serious charge is First Degree Murder which can be either intentional or unintentional but premeditated. Second-degree murder is intentional but unpremeditated, while third-degree murder is unintentional without any premeditation involved at all (e.g., if someone gets drunk and accidentally kills someone). Depending on what happens during an illegal act that results in death, it’s possible for both parties involved to be charged with homicide charges even though they may not have meant to harm anyone else—for example: if two people are robbing a liquor store together and one takes off running while another shoots at police officers who arrive on the scene as backup support after hearing gunshots fired inside. Both will likely face similar types of penalties for their respective roles in this crime depending upon its outcome.

That decision depends mostly upon the evidence collected by law enforcement officials. This could include faulty witness testimony, as well as false identification given by somebody else, involved who wants revenge against another person involved so it’s crucial to find an experienced homicide defense lawyer to support you.