Danbury Manslaughter Lawyer

Murder Defense Lawyer for Danbury, CT

Murder is a violent crime penalized with the highest punishment permissible by the court. In the case of murder, you may even be sentenced to death. Even if you are not punished by such extreme measures, you risk being in custody for years or indefinitely without the help of a truly competent Danbury criminal defense lawyer.

There are actually several types of homicide which range from manslaughter (the least severe, yet still an extremely serious charge) to capital murder (penalized by the death sentence). If you speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately after you are charged, you have a better chance of building up your defense and overcoming your charges.

It is best to speak with an attorney before making any statements to law enforcement that can be used against you later in a court of law. Contact our Danbury murder defense attorneys today.

What Are the Differences Between Murder and Manslaughter?

Homicide is defined as the ending of another's life lawfully or unlawfully. Lawful means here with a legitimate reason such as self-defense. If you are protecting yourself or another from death by killing someone, it would be lawful in the eyes of the court. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another individual with intent which is also called "malice aforethought." It is this aspect with differentiates murder form other charges of homicide. Malice aforethought may exist in the form of a statement, or be suggested within the actions that preceded the murder. Because murder inflicts pain and suffering on those who were around the victim, society has attempted to punish it with the highest penalties possible.

Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being without intent or "malice aforethought." Manslaughter is the result of an accident, temporary mental instability, or any situation where the intent to murder was not present but a death was the result. Any charges that are related to the demise of another person must be immediately addressed by a defense attorney from the firm. Do not discuss your case with any person until you have legal counsel to protect you.

What Are the Penalties for Murder/Manslaughter?

In Connecticut, murder is a Class A felony, which carries a prison sentence between 25 and 60 years. However, committing a capital murder (e.g. murdering an officer, firefighter, or someone else for profit) or a felony murder (e.g. killing someone while committing a felony offense) are punishable by either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

First-degree manslaughter (e.g. intent to cause serious injury or acting in a reckless manner without any regard for human life) is a Class B felony. Second-degree manslaughter (e.g. recklessly causing another person’s death or willfully aiding in a suicide) is a Class C felony.

Contact a Danbury homicide defense attorney immediately so that you can begin building a strong defense.