Denver Murder Lawyer

If you were arrested for murder, you need to speak to an attorney immediately. Homicide is one of the most serious crimes in Colorado, and the penalties range from years in prison all the way up to life in prison without the chance of parole. Denver murder lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law has substantial trial experience and has represented clients who have been accused of first degree murder, second degree murder, and manslaughter. We are here to help you navigate these troubling times, and will help you develop a defense strategy specific to your circumstances.

First Degree Murder

First degree murder is the premeditated, intentional killing of another person. First degree murder can also be charged in various circumstances in which another crime is being committed and someone is killed, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, first degree murder would apply if a person is killed during arson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault, or distribution of a controlled substance to a minor on school grounds. This type of murder is charged under the felony-murder theory. First degree murder is punishable by life in prison.

Second Degree Murder

Second degree murder occurs when there is no premeditation, yet the perpetrator knowingly caused the death of another person. It is punishable by up to 48 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. A lesser form of second-degree murder is called heat of passion murder, which carries a lesser penalty of four to 16 years in prison followed by five years of mandatory parole.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is recklessly causing the death of another person with an understanding that their conduct poses a “substantial and unjustifiable risk of death.” Manslaughter charges can also be brought when an individual aids another in suicide. Manslaughter is still a serious felony and carries a penalty of two to 16 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

Criminally negligent homicide occurs when an individual causes the death of another through a negligent act. Criminally negligent homicide is similar to manslaughter, but with criminally negligent homicide the perpetrator has no knowledge that their conduct poses a “substantial and unjustifiable risk of death.”

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide occurs when a person’s actions while driving causes the death of another person. It can be charged under several different theories, including reckless driving caused the death of another, driving under the influence caused the death of another or driving while ability impaired caused the death of another. The penalties vary, based on the act. The least severe version of this would be careless driving causing death. While these are traffic related charges, they should be taken very seriously as most of the time they are charged as a felony and you are facing prison time.

Heat of Passion Murder

Heat of passion murder is still second degree murder, but it is a Class 3 felony, as opposed to a Class 2 felony. In order for a murder to be considered a heat of passion killing, the offense must be caused by a “serious and highly provoking act of the intended victim, affecting the defendant sufficiently to excite an irresistible passion in a reasonable person.” There cannot be any time for a “voice of reason” to be heard in between the highly provoking act and the killing in order for the murder to be considered a “heat of passion killing.” An example of a heat of passion killing is walking in on one’s spouse with a lover and instantly killing one of them. An example of a similar scenario that would be a second degree felony and not a heat of passion killing would be first yelling at or arguing with the spouse and other party, and then killing them. The sentence for a heat of passion killing is 10 to 32 years in prison and a maximum fine of $750,000, with a mandatory  five-years parole period.

Call a Denver Murder Lawyer Today

We understand the pressure that you and your family are under, and the extreme fear that you are undoubtedly dealing with. Homicide is one of the worst crimes that someone can be accused of, and we here at DeChant Law are here to let you know that you are not alone. It is crucial you exercise your rights to remain silent and to an attorney and do not consent to anything prior to consulting with an attorney. Once we are hired, we can revoke any consent you may have already provided so that we can protect your rights. Call Denver homicide lawyer Reid DeChant at 303-409-7500 today for a free consultation.