Boston Homicide Lawyer
Killing another person is considered homicide, unless it is in self defense, which is legal. The two illegal types of homicides are manslaughter and murder, which vary in severity of punishment. Some convicted of manslaughter may only serve a few months in jail, while others spend a decade behind bars. First and second degree murder defendants face anywhere from years to life in prison if found guilty. If you are facing a homicide charge of any kind, we strongly urge you to contact an experienced Boston homicide lawyer as soon as you are able. Leontire and Associates, P.C. has represented many defendants in high profile murder cases and won what other lawyers would have considered unwinnable cases. Our knowledge of felony law and courtroom experience is virtually unmatched on the eastern seaboard.
Types of Unlawful Boston Homicides
The Boston homicide defense lawyers of Leontire and Associates, P.C. have in-depth experience defending against all types of homicide.
Involuntary Manslaughter
If a careless or reckless driver kills someone in a traffic collision, they will likely face involuntary manslaughter charges. Involuntary manslaughter is the accidental killing of another person. However, this does not mean that the negligent person will not face penalties. Involuntary manslaughter, such as DUI manslaughter, can result in serious punishment including jail or prison time. Punishment varies depending on the method of death. A prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter not related to a motor vehicle death can be up to 20 years, while a felony motor vehicle involuntary manslaughter sentence ranges from two and a half to 15 years. A misdemeanor motor vehicle manslaughter sentence is between 30 days and two and a half years.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Just as it sounds, voluntary manslaughter is not the accidental killing of another person, but the intentional killing of another. The killing, or taking actions that would likely end in a death, are intentional but are not premeditated. Voluntary manslaughter is a heat of the passion crime. An example of voluntary manslaughter is getting into a fist fight where you end up killing them. Punishment can be up to 20 years in prison.
Second Degree Murder
Second degree murder is the intentional killing of another when the confrontation did not result from mutual physical fight or provocation by the victim. The most common type of second degree murder is the non premeditated killing of a spouse for various reasons.
First Degree Murder
First degree murder, defined under Chapter 265, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws, is “committed with deliberately premeditated malice aforethought, or with extreme atrocity or cruelty, or in the commission or attempted commission of a crime,” such as burglary. First degree murder is punished with a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Professional Legal Defense Against Boston Homicide Charges
No matter what type of homicide you have been charged with, our homicide defense lawyers at the Leontire and Associates, P.C. will be able to develop a defense strategy to fit your needs. Do not hesitate to call our Boston homicide lawyers today for help.
