Garden City Homicide Defense Attorneys

Aggressive Legal Representation in Nassau County

Being charged with homicide is one of the most serious situations you can face. The consequences of a conviction are severe and can include life in prison or even the death penalty. If you are facing homicide charges, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side who can protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

At Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco, LLP, our Garden City homicide defense lawyers have a proven track record of success. We have defended clients in some of the most high-profile cases in New York and have earned a reputation for our aggressive and effective legal strategies. We understand the gravity of the situation you are in and are prepared to do everything we can to help you get the best possible outcome.

Call (888) 779-0267 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our homicide defense attorneys in Garden City, NY.

Types of Homicide Charges in New York

In New York, homicide is the legal term for the act of killing another person. Homicide charges can be broken down into two categories: murder and manslaughter. The primary difference between the two is the intent of the defendant.

The following are the different types of homicide charges in New York:

• First-Degree Murder: This involves intentional and premeditated killing or deaths that occur during the commission of certain serious crimes. It's the most severe charge and can result in a sentence of life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.
• Second-Degree Murder: This encompasses intentional killings without premeditation or deaths that occur during the commission of other felonies. The penalty can be 15 to 40 years.
• Voluntary Manslaughter: This involves a killing that happens in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel. Penalties can range from 5 to 25 years in prison.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: This refers to unintentional killings due to reckless behavior or criminal negligence. Penalties vary but can lead to several years in prison.
• Vehicular Manslaughter: This is when someone causes death through negligent or reckless operation of a vehicle. Penalties might include imprisonment, fines, and license suspension.
• Felony Murder: This is a charge that applies when a death occurs during the commission of a felony, even if the death was unintentional. It can lead to severe penalties akin to first-degree murder.

Defending Against Homicide Charges

Being charged with homicide does not mean you will be convicted. The prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are many defenses that can be used to challenge the evidence against you.

Some of the most common defenses to homicide charges include:

• Self-defense: If you can prove that you killed another person because you reasonably believed that you were in imminent danger of being killed or seriously injured, you may be able to claim self-defense.
• Defense of others: If you can prove that you killed another person because you reasonably believed that someone else was in imminent danger of being killed or seriously injured, you may be able to claim defense of others.