Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney

Do You Need Representation and Guidance from a Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney in Rhode Island?

Homicide charges are the most serious in Rhode Island.  They carry hefty sentences, including decades or even life in prison. Choosing the right homicide and manslaughter attorney to prepare for your case could be one of the most important decisions you ever make for yourself or a loved one.

Depending on the circumstances, several defenses could be available, including disproving the homicide charge or arguing  self-defense. The first step in your defense is to contact our law firm to discuss your case.

Degrees and Types of Homicide and Manslaughter in Rhode Island

A criminal homicide involves three different acts:

• Murder includes both first-degree murder and second-degree murder. Both carry severe penalties.  First degree murder is a premeditated killing, and may carry a penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.  Second degree murder involves a lesser degree of intent, but can be punished by a life sentence, and carries a minimum penalty of ten years in prison.
• Voluntary manslaughter is often referred to as a crime of passion because, though it is intentional, it is characterized by happening in the heat of the moment. A classic example is a killing after the defendant catches a  spouse in the act of cheating.
• Involuntary manslaughter is referred to as an unintentional killing, but it still involves a degree of extreme negligence or recklessness. A drunk driving or reckless driving accident that results in a death is a common example of involuntary manslaughter.

Homicide charges require extensive time and effort to defend.  Thorough case preparation, often involving the use of scientific experts, is often essential.  We have the experience and ability to handle these difficult and challenging cases.

Distinguishing Homicide, Manslaughter, and Murder

People often use these terms interchangeably, but in reality, they each mean drastically different things. To begin with, a homicide simply means that someone kills another person.

A homicide by itself isn’t a criminal act. Note that the definition of homicide doesn’t include the word “unlawful.” Homicide can be a justifiable act based on self-defense.

Manslaughter and murder, by contrast, involve unlawful or criminal acts. The difference between the two lies in the person’s state of mind.

While murder requires either a state of willfulness or premeditation, referred to as “malice aforethought,” manslaughter can be either a voluntary act committed in the heat of passion or an unintentional killing that occurred as the result of extreme or criminal recklessness.

Did The Death Allegedly Involve Use of a Controlled Substance?

When a controlled substance results in the death of another person, there are various charges you could be facing. First, the circumstances of how the deceased ingested the substance matter. If, for example, you delivered the controlled substance unlawfully by selling or distributing it, the penalty is different than when the controlled substance is shared.

Second, whether the deceased is a minor or an adult is significant. In a murder case where the result is the death of a minor, the punishment is life in prison. Crafting an appropriate defense in these circumstances is critical.

Investigating Your Case to Build a Strong Defense Against Charges of Homicide or Manslaughter in Rhode Island

Due to the seriousness of the penalties when someone is convicted of a criminal homicide or manslaughter, it is imperative to explore every possible avenue of defense with an experienced criminal lawyer. To be convicted of these crimes, the state of Rhode Island must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that threshold is relatively high.

No matter how bleak the outlook appears now, there could be legitimate defenses that could result in the reduction or outright dismissal of charges. If the state fails to prove the elements of a first-degree murder charge, for example, then the accused could only be charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, or no charge at all.

Start your defense as soon as possible to keep it on the right track.

Promptly Begin Working Closely With Thomas G. Briody, an Experienced Rhode Island Defense Attorney for Homicide and Manslaughter, As Soon As You Believe You Suspect You May Be Facing a Legal Issue

Rhode Island prosecutors are already working hard to prove a case against you, but there is almost always a possible defense. Whether the death was accidental, the police officer conducted himself inappropriately, or there was an illegal search or seizure, homicide defense attorney Thomas G. Briody will work to uncover any possible defense to instill reasonable doubt in a jury.

Our law firm works hard to help you get your life back to normal. Reach out to criminal defense lawyer Thomas G. Briody as soon as you suspect you’re facing criminal charges or as soon as you can after charges have been filed so we can discuss your case.

When you work with us, gain our decades of experience and our resources to support you. Contact us today to guide your next steps and build your defense strategy.

Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody — Aggressive, Compassionate Defense