Among the most serious criminal charge you can face is murder. In a variety of different states, one of the punishments for being convicted of murder is death. If you are facing murder charges, you will have to get some legal representation. The team at The Cochran Firm DC, have the experience needed to build an adequate defense against the murder charges you are facing. We understand just how serious these charges all and will do all we can to help you with your case.
Hiring a lawyer when facing these charges is important for a number of reasons like:
- Negotiations and Plea Bargains- If at all possible, our lawyers will be able to help you during the negotiating of a plea bargain in your case. We know how to work with prosecutors and have perfected the art of give and take. With our help, you may be able to get a lighter sentence.
- Investigating the Details of Your Case- When dealing with a serious legal matter like a murder charge, you will need to find legal representation who has investigators on their side. Our firm has a team of experienced investigators who will be able to find out every detail of your case. With this information, we will be able to start building your defense.
- Reviewing the Evidence the Prosecution Has- Before your case goes to trial, the prosecutors handling the case will send over all of the evidence they have against you. Our firm will go over this evidence with a fine tooth comb to find any inconsistencies that may exist.
Statistics about Murder Cases in the United States
Each year, the FBI puts out information regarding murder cases in the United States. The following are some of the most interesting and surprising statistics in this report.
- The number of murders in the U.S. last year was 14,196.
- The number of murders is down nearly 4.4% since the previous year.
- For every 100,000 people in the country, there are 4.5 murders.
- The Southern United States is responsibility for 43% of all of the murders in the country.
When faced with a murder charge, the first thing you need to think about is your defense. Let our lawyers help when it comes time to put forth a plan for your defense.
Types of Murder Cases
Read below to find out about the common types of murder cases we handle:
- First and Second-Degree Murder- First-degree murder is when a person is convicted of maliciously planning the killing of another person. This type of murder conviction will usually have the worst sentences. Second-degree murder is when someone unintentionally kills another person. If convicted of this type of crime, you may spend the rest of your life in prison.
- Manslaughter- If a person is killed as a result of a mistake or accident, the party who inflicted the damage caused will be given a manslaughter charge. The sentences given for this type of charge vary from state to state.
- Justifiable Homicide- In instances where a person is killed in an act of self-defense, then a justifiable homicide may be in order. A justifiable homicide will usually not result in a criminal conviction, but the deceased person’s family can go after damages in civil court.
Regardless of the types of charges you are facing, letting our legal team help you out is a good idea. We will be able to listen to the details of your case and advise you on your best course of action.
Defenses Used During Murder Trials
Finding the right defense for the charges against you is important. The following are some of the most common defenses used in murder cases:
- Mistaken Identity-Â There are numerous cases on record where the person being charged was not even at the crime scene. In instances of mistaken identity, you will need a law professional with experience to help you out. The Cochran Firm DC will use our team of investigators to find out as much information as we can about your case. This information will allow us to start building your defense against the murder charge you are facing.
- The Self-Defense Argument- In order to use the self-defense argument successfully in a murder case, you will have to prove you were in fear for your life before causing harm to the other party. The amount of force used in a case of self-defense has to be proportional to the threats made by the other party.
- An Accidental Death- There are a number of cases on record where a person was killed due to an accident. In some instances, using this defense can get a person’s charges lowered from first-degree murder to manslaughter.
Call The Cochran Firm DC Today!
Facing a murder charge alone can be a daunting task. Contact The Cochran Firm DC, at 1-800-THE-FIRM to find out how we can help you. With over 20 years of experience, our team is more than capable of taking on the prosecution in a case like this.
Contact Us At Washington DC Criminal Defense Lawyer
Remember, no matter the charge, you deserve the chance to defend yourself. We’ll give you that chance (and then some). Call us today at (202) 682-5800 to make an appointment, or fill out the contact form on this page to seize the opportunity to protect your future.
Call us for a Free Consultation at 1-800-THE-FIRM
The case types above are handled by attorneys who operate independently of The Cochran Firm, DC, PLLC at their own physical location and with separate ownership and management.
