HOMICIDE DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN ALEXANDRIA

Comprehensive Legal Defense Against Homicide Charges

Homicide in Virginia is an extremely serious matter, and a conviction can mean years to life in prison. King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell’s team of highly skilled defense attorneys understands what’s at stake in a homicide case and has the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights. From aggravated murder to DUI involuntary manslaughter, we will work tirelessly to protect your legal rights and freedom.

Additionally, it’s important to fully understand the charges against you and their associated penalties. Keep reading for the most up-to-date and complete homicide information in Virginia.

Charged with homicide? Contact us now at (703) 468-8557 for legal defense and a thorough review of your case.

Understanding Aggravated Murder Charges in Virginia

Aggravated murder is considered to be the most egregious form of homicide, with especially heinous circumstances.

It’s a Class 1 felony. In order to qualify as aggravated murder the killing must be willful, deliberate, premeditated, and must be the killing of a:

• Prisoner or individual in custody
• Law enforcement officer or a firefighter with police authority
• Pregnant woman
• Person less than 14 years old (if the suspect is 21 years or older)
• Judge in order to interfere with his/her official duties
• Witness in a criminal case to prevent them from testifying
• More than one person with a single crime
• Two people in a three-year time span

OR

Under Circumstances Involving:

• Abduction or kidnapping
• Robbery
• Rape
• Crimes involving Schedule I or II controlled substances
• Acts of terrorism

Additionally, orchestrating a successful murder by hiring another individual to carry out the crime is also considered an aggravated murder offense in Virginia.

The punishment for an aggravated murder felony conviction is life in prison and up to a $100,000 fine if the perpetrator is over 18 years old and not mentally retarded. If you've been charged with homicide, contact our attorneys now at (703) 468-8557.

The Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter in Virginia

In Virginia, homicide charges are categorized into murder and manslaughter. While both are serious crimes, the distinctions affect the severity of the charges, how the case is prosecuted, and the potential penalties.

Murder Charges:

• First-degree murder: This is the most severe form of murder and involves premeditated killing or a killing done with malice. It includes situations like planned killings or killings during the commission of a felony, such as robbery.
• Second-degree murder: This is a killing done with malice, but without the premeditation of first-degree murder. It can include crimes of passion or those occurring during heated arguments.

Penalties for murder:

• First-degree murder carries life in prison or the death penalty.
• Second-degree murder usually results in a sentence of 5 to 40 years in prison.

Manslaughter Charges:

• Voluntary manslaughter: This involves killing someone in the heat of passion, often following provocation that would cause a reasonable person to lose control. For example, a person who kills in a fit of rage after being attacked.
• Involuntary manslaughter: This is the unintentional killing of another person resulting from reckless or criminally negligent behavior, such as driving under the influence and causing an accident that leads to death.

Penalties for manslaughter:

• Voluntary manslaughter can result in 5 to 20 years in prison.
• Involuntary manslaughter carries a sentence of 1 to 10 years, but may be reduced if the person is convicted of a less serious crime.

Defenses Against Homicide Charges

Defending a homicide charge can involve various strategies. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Self-defense: Claiming that the killing occurred because the defendant was protecting themselves or others from imminent harm.
• Lack of intent: Arguing that the defendant did not have the intent to kill, which is crucial for charges like first-degree murder.
• Mistaken identity: Suggesting that the defendant was wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
• Insanity defense: Asserting that the defendant was not mentally capable of understanding their actions at the time of the crime due to mental illness.

Evidence, such as witness testimony, forensic analysis, and expert opinions, can help challenge the prosecution's case. An experienced defense attorney will work to show weaknesses in the evidence or present alternative explanations for the alleged crime.

The Role of Mental Health in Homicide Cases

Mental illness or diminished capacity can play a critical role in homicide cases. In Virginia, defendants who suffer from mental illness may argue that they lacked the mental state necessary to commit murder.

• Insanity defense: If a person is found to be legally insane at the time of the crime, they may be acquitted of the charge, although they may be committed to a mental health facility for treatment.
• Diminished capacity: In some cases, mental illness may not fully absolve a defendant but may reduce the charges from murder to manslaughter.

Defendants may present expert testimony from psychiatrists or psychologists to support their claims. This can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case, potentially leading to reduced charges or a more lenient sentence.

Charged with Homicide in Alexandria? Take Immediate Action

If you’ve been charged with homicide, it’s important to know your legal rights and have access to a quality defense.

The attorneys at King Campbell Poretz Mitchell, PLLC have extensive experience developing powerful defense strategies in cases of aggravated murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, felony homicide, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and DUI involuntary manslaughter.

Our meticulous and detailed-oriented criminal defense attorneys will perform an in-depth review of your case and take every measure possible to challenge your homicide charges, including any improper actions on the part of law enforcement.

Facing a serious homicide charge? Contact us at (703) 468-8557 to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.