Under Georgia state law, “homicide” is when a person commits a crime that results in the death of another. The difference between murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter is particularly important because the seriousness of these crimes vary. The prosecutor may charge you with a more serious offense in the expectation that you will plea bargain your way into a lesser offense.
If you have been accused of murder, you are entitled to defend your rights with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at The Abt Law Firm have over 29 years of experience helping people accused of murder and manslaughter in Atlanta. We have successfully handled over 2,500 cases and over 100 jury trials.
Why Choose Our Atlanta Murder Defense Lawyers
The following are several reasons why you should hire our skilled murder lawyer in Atlanta:
- Expert legal advice to ensure you understand your rights, the laws related to your case, and the potential sentences you face
- In-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to navigate complex legal procedures
- Extensive experience in defending clients charged with murder and related offenses, include several murder cases won
- Ability to negotiate a favorable plea bargain or trial settlement, when appropriate
- Access to experts and resources that can help build an effective defense strategy
- A commitment to protect your rights and best interests from start to finish
Contact our experienced Atlanta murder lawyers today for a free case review at (770) 977-6105!
Georgia Murder Laws Explained
Unlike many states, Georgia doesn’t divide murder into “first degree” or “second degree.” Instead, Georgia classifies murder into two primary categories, malice murder and felony murder.
Malice Murder
Malice murder charges apply when someone kills another with malice aforethought by either expressing intent to kill or implied malice through an act of extreme recklessness showing disregard for human life. For example, deliberately driving through a crowded crosswalk demonstrates express malice.
Felony Murder
Felony murder charges can come up when a death happens during the commission of specific dangerous felonies (like armed robbery, rape, or arson), even if the killing was unintentional or accidental. The underlying felony provides the intent needed for the murder charge.
Penalties for Murder in Georgia
Murder convictions in Georgia carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system. The specific punishment depends on the circumstances of the case, your criminal history, and whether aggravating factors are present.
Standard Penalties Include:
- Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole (after serving a minimum term)
- Life imprisonment without parole for cases involving aggravating circumstances
- Death penalty in cases involving multiple victims, terrorism, or murder of a law enforcement officer
Aggravating Factors That Increase Severity:
- Murder committed during the commission of another felony (felony murder rule)
- Prior murder convictions
- Murder for hire, financial gain, or to prevent testimony
- Murder of a child under age 14, a law enforcement officer, or multiple victims
Even if facing the most serious charges, experienced criminal defense counsel can challenge evidence, negotiate reductions, or pursue alternative sentencing. Our Atlanta murder attorneys understand the sentencing guidelines and fight to minimize penalties at every opportunity.
What Are Defenses for Murder in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, being charged with murder is a serious offense, but there are several defenses that an experienced attorney may use to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case.
Common defenses for murder include:
- Self Defense: You may be entitled to self-defense if you acted in defense of yourself or others against imminent harm. In Georgia, deadly force is allowed where it is necessary to avoid serious injury or death.
- Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense applies if you used force to protect another person from imminent harm.
- Lack of Intent: Murder charges often hinge on proving intent. You may be able to defend yourself against murder charges if your actions were accidental or without malice.
- Insanity or Mental Incapacity: If you were suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of the crime and could not understand the nature of your actions, an insanity defense may apply.
- Mistaken Identity: In this defense, you argue that you were misidentified as the perpetrator based on the evidence presented by the prosecution.
By consulting with our experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney, you gain access to legal strategies tailored to your case, potentially reducing charges or achieving a dismissal.
How Our Experienced Atlanta Murder Attorney Can Help
Being convicted of any of these offenses is a serious matter that could negatively affect the rest of your life. At The Abt Law Firm we will fight for you aggressively so that your charges can be reduced, or even dropped, so you can avoid prison time altogether.
Contact our Atlanta manslaughter lawyers today for a free case review at (770) 977-6105. We are available 25/7 for our clients!
