In Minnesota, there are various crimes involving the taking of antoher’s life, which is commonly known as homocide.  There are three degrees of murder,  two degrees of manslaughter, and there is the crime of criminal vehicular homocide.

 First Degree Murder is the most severe crime, carrying a mandatory life sentence without parole.  Regardless of the charge, a Minnesota homicide defense attorney is needed in order to provide you with a fair defense. You may have the right to assert self defense or defense of another in your case.   With an aggressive defense that works for you from start to finish, will obtain the best possible defense.

First Degree Murder

A homicide is considered in the Murder in the First Degree when:

• When the murder of another is premeditated. The death of the victim was intentional.
• The death of another human being was caused while committing or attempting to commit a criminal act, such as criminal sexual conduct.
• The death of another human being was caused during a robbery, arson, kidnapping, or burglary in the first degree. This also involves drive-by shootings, escaping from custody, or any other felony violation, including the illegal sale of a controlled substance.
• The murdered individual is a peace officer or a state-employed guard in any correctional facility within Minnesota, even if the intent was toward another person aside from the officer. The death must be caused while the officer is on duty.
• A minor is killed during an act of child abuse, when the offender has engaged in such acts in the past. An indifference to human life must be present.
• Death is caused while committing an act of domestic abuse, when the offender has engaged in acts of domestic abuse in the past upon anyone within the family.
• Death is caused when conspiring or committing a felony.

Second Degree Murder

Second Degree Murder occurs when there is intent cause the death of another, but premeditation was not present.  Additionally, it includes deaths which occur in different circumstances, such as during the commission of certain felonies, and the defendant does not intend to cause death.

Third Degree Murder

A homicide is considered Third Degree Murder in Minnesota when the actor, without intent to cause death, perpetrates a very dangerous act, evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life, and causes a death.   Providing another certain controlled substances which leads to death can also be Third Degree Murder.

Manslaughter in the First Degree

Manslaughter in the First Degree can occur in numerous ways.   For example, taking the life of another in the heat of passion after being provoked by words or acts of another, or causing death during the commission of a misdemeanor offense,  can be Manslaughter in the First Degree.

Manslaughter in the Second Degree

Manslaughter in the Second Degree occurs in many circumstances.  For example, a person who is negligent and creates unreasonable risk of harm, consciously taken a chance on causing death or great bodily harm can be charged iwth Manslaughter in the Second Degree.  Negligently shooting another while hunting can lead to the same charge, as can failing to restrain a dangerous animal known to have vicious tendencies.

Criminal Vehicular Homocide

Criminal Vehicular Homocide occurs, generally, when someone who is grossly negligent or under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, causes death of another as the result of operating a motor vehicle.

Minneapolis Criminal Lawyer and Attorney

If you have been accused of committing murder, manslaughter, or criminal vehicular homocide, you are facing a very serious charge.  Even if you believe you might be guilty, you need a strong attorney in your corner.  Call criminal defense lawyer James Sheehy at 612-341-1011 for your free initial consultation and exercise your right to an aggressive defense.  

Mr. Sheehy provides his clients with aggressive representation that yields results.    Call today and get the excellent representation you need and deserve.