Gurnee Murder Lawyer

Experienced Illinois Attorneys For Murder Defense

Murder is likely the most serious offense one can be charged with. The purposeful killing of another person is seen as perhaps the worst crime one can commit. There are different types of murder charges, some more serious than others, although all homicide offenses are felonies. If you are convicted, you are likely to face a long prison term. In both Wisconsin and Illinois, a conviction for some types of homicide could lead to a life sentence. That is what could be at stake in these situations. It is critical that you immediately contact a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are a person of interest in a murder case. You do not need to wait until you have been arrested if you suspect that you may be charged. The sooner an attorney can begin working on your case, the better they may be able to defend you.

Brady Cole Trial Lawyers has years of experience defending those accused of all types of violent crimes, up to and including murder. Our team of attorneys takes these cases extremely seriously, because we understand what the stakes are. With any murder charge, whether it is first-degree intentional homicide or manslaughter, you are in serious legal jeopardy. We will meticulously review the facts and evidence related to your case, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to identify the best possible defense for you.

Types of Murder Charges We Can Help With

The one thing all variations of homicide charges have in common is that the defendant must have caused the victim to die. If the killing was allegedly planned and purposeful, you are likely facing the most serious form of a murder charge. In nearly all cases, the highest form of murder will be charged as a first-degree felony, or in Illinois, a Class X felony. This type of murder is not as common as other types of charges, but a conviction is likely to result in a life sentence in many cases, barring special circumstances.

The degree of a murder charge may drop below the highest level if certain conditions are not met. If the killing happened in the heat of the moment, such as during a bar fight or immediately after catching your spouse in the act of infidelity, you may be charged with a lesser form of murder, such as second-degree murder. However, these charges are still very serious, and a conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Attorney for Manslaughter Charges

At the other end of the spectrum is manslaughter, which is sometimes known as negligent homicide. A manslaughter charge may apply if the defendant had no intention of killing the victim, but instead acted with reckless disregard for the victim's life. Many people who never thought they would be charged with a crime find themselves facing manslaughter charges after an accident they allegedly caused through careless or reckless behavior.

Today, many manslaughter charges are related to drug crimes. Providing a person with illicit substances that caused their death, such as by overdose or contamination, could lead to criminal homicide charges. This is an unfortunately common type of case.

Manslaughter and Drunk Driving

Manslaughter charges may apply in cases involving drunk driving. Intoxication manslaughter is, unfortunately, a very common charge. It may apply if a person is accused of DUI or OWI and allegedly caused a fatal car crash or struck and killed a pedestrian or cyclist. Courts rarely show leniency to drunk or otherwise intoxicated drivers who have killed another person. These charges represent the most serious form of felony drunk driving.

Contact a Lake County Homicide Defense Attorney

If you are facing murder or manslaughter charges, it is critical that you begin working with a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately in order to give yourself the best odds of success. At Brady Cole Trial Lawyers, we have years of experience representing clients in these types of cases, so we can provide you with the highest quality representation. To begin with a free and confidential consultation, please contact us at 847-752-9639.