In a murder case, the state will use all of its resources and will try to find a suspect as soon as it can. Because murder is such an emotionally and politically charged crime, it can lead to a wrongful charge against innocent people. Sometimes an individual may have acted in self-defense, in defense of others, or been involved in an accident in which nobody was at fault.

Once an individual is suspected of murder, the state will often dial in on that individual despite contradictory evidence. For this reason, it is important to not say anything to police until consulting with an attorney. Because murder cases are complex and take a long time, it is important to hire a lawyer who will put in the work to make sure you receive the best defense possible.

If you are facing murder charges, it’s important to know how the system works, to protect your rights, to know what your options are, and the pros and cons of each and every choice. That’s what we do.

• We are here to help you understand the system. We walk you through and explain what will happen each step of the way.
• We protect your rights. Our job is to make sure that your rights are protected every step of the way. To ensure that questionable and falsified evidence is challenged. To force the State to do things by the book.
• We can help you understand your options and the ramifications that each option brings with it.

Nobody should be alone when facing murder charges. Although many people have friends and family supporting them during these rough times, unless you have a trained criminal defense attorney to stand by your side, you are still alone.

We offer free consultations so that you don’t have to fight alone. The best thing you can do is take the time to sit down with a trained criminal defense attorney and talk about your case.

Why should you call us?

• It’s free, you have nothing to lose but time;
• We can answer your questions;
• It’s confidential, we are bound by a code of ethics not to talk about your case;
• No strings. Yes, we would like to represent you, but you are in no way required to hire us.
• We want to help, it’s why we do what we do;
• It may change your life.

Additional Facts About Murder Charges

• If you, a family member, or a friend were wrongfully convicted of murder, there may be an option to overturn the murder conviction through post-conviction relief.
• Murder is the most serious crime and carries the most serious penalties. However, it is important to remember that not all acts that cause deaths constitute “murder.” Many less serious cases are considered “manslaughter.”
• Under Minnesota law, murder can be charged in the First, Second or Third Degree.

First Degree Murder (Minn. Stat. § 609.185)

A crime constitutes First Degree Murder if:

• An individual intentionally causes the death of another with premeditation; or
• An individual causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit First or Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct with force or violence.
• An individual intentionally causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit any of the following: burglary; aggravated robbery; kidnapping; first or second degree arson; drive-by shooting; first degree witness tampering; escape from custody; or certain felony controlled substance crimes; or
• An individual intentionally causes the death of a guard at a state or local correctional facility, while the guard is acting in a professional capacity; or
  An individual causes the death of a minor while committing child abuse if the individual has a past pattern of child abuse and the death occurs under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.
• An individual causes the death of another while committing domestic abuse if the individual has engaged in a past pattern of domestic abuse and the death occurs under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.
• An individual causes the death of another while committing, conspiring to commit, or attempting to commit a felony crime to further terrorism and death occurs under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to human life.

First Degree Murder carries a mandatory life sentence in prison

Second Degree Murder (Minn. Stat. § 609.19)

A crime constitutes Second Degree Murder if:

• An individual intentionally causes the death of another without premeditation; or
• An individual causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a drive-by shooting; or
• An individual unintentionally causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense other than criminal sexual conduct in the first or second degree with force or violence or a drive-by shooting; or
• An individual unintentionally causes the death of another while intentionally inflicting bodily harm against the victim where the victim has an order for protection against the individual.

Second Degree Murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Third Degree Murder (Minn. Stat. § 609.195)

A crime constitutes Third Degree Murder if:

• An individual unintentionally causes the death of another while perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard to human life; or
• An individual unintentionally proximately causes the death of another, directly or indirectly, by unlawfully selling, giving away, bartering, delivering, exchanging, distributing, or administering a controlled substance classified as Schedule I or II.

Third Degree Murder carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

What To Do:

If the State is accusing you, or someone you love, of murder. They need trained criminal attorneys to help them fight these charges. Call Now.