Homicide charges are the most serious of all charges in Virginia. If you or your loved one is facing charges for the killing of another person, consider contacting an experienced defense attorney right away. Being arrested for murder or manslaughter in Lynchburg, Blackstone, or other parts of Virginia could result in life in prison. You do not want to take your chances when your freedom and future are on the line.
Contact a skilled murder defense attorney at E. Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law, to formulate a strong defense and help you combat the charges. Dedicated to protecting the rights of clients, Gordon is prepared to fight tirelessly and aggressively on your behalf. Gordon has represented numerous clients in a variety of homicide cases in Lynchburg and Blackstone, Virginia.
Virginia recognizes several types of homicide charges that fall into two categories: murder and manslaughter. Below is the list of different homicide charges in Virginia:
The difference between murder and manslaughter charges in Virginia is malice. If the killing was malicious, the defendant would face murder charges. However, murder is not as clear-cut as many people think. Individuals facing murder charges often have to deal with the stigma associated with the charge. Never forget that you are innocent until proven guilty.
Penalties for homicide charges depend on the type of the conviction, the circumstances of the offense, the defendant’s prior convictions, and many other factors. For example, capital murder is punishable by death unless the convicted individual is under 18 years old. Individuals convicted of first-degree murder face from 20 years to life in prison, while those convicted of second-degree murder can be sentenced to up 40 years in prison.
In addition to a prison sentence, people facing murder charges may also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $100,000. Manslaughter charges entail less severe punishment.
Depending on the facts of the case, a criminal defense attorney may mount any of the following defense strategies to fight or reduce murder charges in Virginia:
If you are facing murder charges in Virginia, you may feel as if everyone has turned against you. This is not true. At E. Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law, a murder defense attorney in Lynchburg & Blackstone, Virginia, is prepared to fight relentlessly on your behalf and will be there for you every step of the way. Gordon also serves clients in Bedford, Charlotte, Amherst, Campbell, Nottoway, and Prince Edward counties.