Homicide / Murder Defense Lawyers

Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Zarrella is known for providing top-quality criminal defense. He will effectively and proficiently defend people accused of violent crimes such as child molestation, robbery and murder. His high level of experience as a criminal defense lawyer has been developed by his handing of all kinds of serious felony cases and capital cases.

Murder is one if not the most serious crimes a person can be charged with. Murder carries a penalty of life in prison and in certain cases a person can be sentenced to life in prison without the opportunity of parole. If a muder is commited with a firearm, the defendant can be sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. If you or a loved one has been charged with murder or manslaughter, you cannot wait to hire a qualifed defense attorney. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately. The Law Offices of Michael J. Zarrella has been helping people defend their criminal cases for two decades. He will fight hard to win your case or get you a favorable disposition. Criminal defense is not for those who are faint of heart. A criminal defense attorney's main job is to defend his clients against the prominent, well-organized, well-financed government. You need an attorney who will be a match for the prosecution and will fight for you.

Defense to Homicide cases under Rhode Island Law

Homicide is the killing of one person by another person. There are different types of homicide under Rhode Island law, such as first degree murder, second degree murder and manslaughter. Not every homicide is a crime. There are many defenses to murder cases under the law. First and foremost the state has the burden of proving a murder case beyond reasonable doubt. Often this is very difficult for the state to prove when a skilled defense lawyer his doing his job.

Some of the more common defenses are as follows:

justification;

self-defense;

defense of others;

castle doctrine;

insanity;

necessity; and or

accident.

In addition, there are other defenses that may not be a complete defense to a criminal charge, but may cause the charge to be reduced from murder to manslaughter. These defenses are provocation, heat of passion, and or an imperfect self defense.

Homicides under Rhode Island law

First Degree Murder

• Felony Murder which occurs when someone dies during the commission of a felony where the maximum penalty is life in prison;
• The use of a weapon that could have endangered the life of more than one person;
• Murder for hire, when someone murders for money;
• Severely battering or torturing the victim;
• If the victim is a member of law enforcement or the judiciary, Attorney General's office or firefighter;
• Someone is killed in the commission of a drug-related crime

The penalty for First-Degree Murder:

Life without parole if there are aggravating factors,

15 years in prison to life imprisonment.

Second Degree Murder

from 10 years to life in prison.

Manslaughter

up to 30 years at the ACI