Experienced North Carolina Murder Defense Attorneys Serving Guilford County
The taking of another human life is among the most serious offenses a person can be charged with. While the death penalty is rarely imposed in North Carolina, it is a possibility in certain murder cases. Needless to say, if you’ve been charged with murder or a lesser offense like manslaughter, you need the help of an experienced murder defense attorney.
In Greensboro and throughout Guilford County, the firm to contact is Aberle & Connolly, PLLC. Our lawyers bring more than 30 years of combined legal experience and have earned a reputation for their effective advocacy and dedication to clients. You are never just another case file at our firm. Your rights, freedom and future are our top priorities.
Understanding Your Murder Or Homicide Charges
Your criminal defense strategy starts with understanding the charges against you. Below, we’ve outlined the common murder/homicide charges in North Carolina in order of increasing severity:
Misdemeanor death by motor vehicle: A person unintentionally causes the death of another through a violation of traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light. The defendant’s actions are likely to be viewed as unintentional and without gross negligence or intent to harm.
Involuntary manslaughter: Unintentional killing resulting from reckless or negligent actions. For example, a fatal car accident caused by reckless driving could lead to an involuntary manslaughter charge.
Felony death by motor vehicle: A person causes the death of another person while committing a driving-related felony, such as driving while impaired (DWI).
Voluntary manslaughter: Someone kills another person in the “heat of passion” following adequate provocation, such as a sudden fight that escalates and results in death.
Second-degree murder: Intentional killing that was not premeditated or planned, nor committed in the heat of passion. It generally reflects a disregard for human life and is more severe than voluntary manslaughter because it involves intentional action without the mitigating factors of provocation.
First-degree murder: Any intentional killing that is premeditated, deliberate and done with malice aforethought. This can also include certain felony murders, where a death occurs during the commission of another felony, like robbery.
Capital murder: This is a subset of first-degree murder that can result in the death penalty. It includes specific circumstances, such as the murder of a law enforcement officer, multiple victims or murders involving torture.
No matter what charges you find yourself facing, our murder defense lawyers are ready to help you find the best path forward. The sooner you contact our firm, the more options they may be able to pursue on your behalf.
Answers To Common Questions About Murder Charges In North Carolina
Below, we’ve provided answers to questions often asked by prospective clients. If you have additional questions, you can ask them during a free initial consultation.
What happens after a person is arrested?
After being taken into custody by law enforcement, you will typically be read your Miranda rights, which inform you of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Once you’ve been booked and processed, you will either be held in jail or released on bail, depending on the circumstances of your case and your criminal history.
Next, you will have an initial court appearance, usually within 48 hours, where a judge will inform you of the charges against you and determine your bail. Following this, there will be a series of court proceedings, including preliminary hearings and possibly a grand jury indictment.
Do I still need a lawyer even if I plan on pleading guilty?
Yes, you should still have a lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties, and the long-term consequences of a guilty plea. They can also negotiate with the prosecutor to possibly reduce the charges or obtain a more favorable sentence. An experienced criminal defense attorney can almost always help you achieve a better outcome than you could negotiate or obtain on your own.
Pleading guilty is a serious decision that will significantly impact your future – particularly if you’ve been charged with a serious offense like murder. Working with a skilled legal advocate ensures that you make informed choices and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Will my case go to trial?
Whether your case goes to trial depends on several factors, including the strength of the evidence against you, the specifics of your case and your legal strategy. Many criminal charges are resolved through plea agreements. That being said, the stakes for murder charges are obviously much higher than they would be for a lesser violent crime like assault. As such, going to trial may be the best or only chance of securing a favorable outcome. This is a decision that you’ll need to make in close consultation with your criminal defense attorney.
Don’t Wait To Seek Skilled Legal Help – Contact Us Right Away
Aberle & Connolly, PLLC, serves clients throughout Guildford County. To learn more about your rights and legal options, contact our Greensboro office to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our murder defense lawyers. Just call 336-900-5452 or reach out online.