Decatur, GA Murder Lawyer

Murder

Decatur, GA Murder Attorney

Anyone facing murder charges faces a life-altering ordeal. Georgia reserves the harshest penalties under the law for anyone convicted of murder. If you were charged with murder in Decatur, you need the legal services of a Decatur, GA murder lawyer. Not every defendant charged with murder is ultimately convicted, especially if they have strong legal representation.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has represented many defendants facing serious criminal charges, including murder. Our lawyer can create a legal defense strategy that works to reduce the legal penalties you are facing.

Why Choose The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman

Anyone charged with murder faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence. Any defense strategy that reduces the worst-case scenario is worth pursuing. The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman understands the severity of these charges and the stress they can cause for defendants. Defendants charged with murder often wait for their day in court behind bars.

Given the high stakes of a murder charge, defendants should consider working with a criminal defense attorney who understands what it takes to reach a successful outcome for defendants. Our founding attorney has more than 25 years of experience helping defendants resolve their cases on favorable terms.

Murder Charges Under Georgia Law

Georgia’s penal code ranks murder depending on the degree of premeditation involved, among other factors. Murder can be charged as malice murder, felony murder, or second-degree murder.

• Malice murder: Malice murder is the most serious murder charge that can be brought against someone in Georgia. The crime involves the unlawful and intentional killing of another person with “malice aforethought.” The term is similar to premeditation. The intent to kill or seriously harm is sufficient to be charged with malice murder. The penalty for malice murder can include life imprisonment, life without parole, or the death penalty.
• Felony murder: Felony murder occurs when someone is killed while a felony is committed. Even when the murder was not a part of the planned crime, the suspect can be charged with felony murder. Like malice murder, felony murder carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or life without parole.
• Second-degree murder: This level of murder carries lower penalties than malice murder or felony murder, but the consequences of a conviction can still be serious. Second-degree murder in Georgia involves unintentional killings caused by reckless behavior during a nonviolent felony. Any behavior that leads to someone’s death, even if it is not inherently violent, can be punishable with lengthy prison sentences.

Legal Strategies for Defending Against Murder Charges

Murder cases are often complicated, and any evidence that weakens the prosecution’s case can help the defendant. Prosecutors have the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. One of the first things an attorney can do is question whether prosecutors have credible evidence proving the defendant was at the scene of the crime when it took place.

A mistaken identity defense can be used to question whether police arrested the right person. Police officers are often under pressure to find a suspect following a murder, and they may jump to conclusions based on less-than-credible evidence. An alibi witness can further support the mistaken identity defense by providing corroborating testimony that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the crime.

Self-Defense

The self-defense argument can question the criminality of a murder charge. Anyone in Georgia has the right to defend themselves if their life is in danger. Often, this requires demonstrating that the person who was killed was a serious threat or reasonably appeared to be a threat at the time of the homicide. The response to the perceived threat must be proportional to the threat.

Each murder case is unique and requires a careful assessment by an attorney. In some cases, an established defense strategy may be necessary while other cases may require a more novel approach. The Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman can employ a wide range of legal defense strategies that can lead to reduced or dropped charges.

FAQs

Q: How Many Years Do You Get for Murder in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, a murder conviction can result in severe penalties. For malice or felony murder, the punishment is typically a life sentence in prison without parole. The death penalty is another potential penalty. Second-degree murder, a lesser charge, carries a sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the case. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges you face.

Q: What Is a Felony Murder in Georgia?

A: Felony murder refers to the act of killing someone while committing a felony like robbery. Even when murder was not the intent, the combination of an act of homicide and another serious crime can lead to a charge of felony murder in Georgia. While malice murder requires intent, felony murder does not.

Q: What Is the Sentence for Malice Murder in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, the sentence for malice murder is severe. A conviction typically can lead to one of the following possible penalties: a life sentence in prison with the possibility of parole, a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. The specific sentence depends on the circumstances of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the court’s discretion.

Q: What Is the Sentence for Voluntary Manslaughter in Georgia?

A: The minimum sentence for someone convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Georgia is one year. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another in the heat of the moment. If there is sufficient time for the person to cool down before the killing, the act is considered revenge and is charged as murder.

Schedule Your Murder Charge Consultation Today

A murder conviction will likely come with a mandatory prison sentence, depending on the details of the case and specific criminal charge. Hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney is one of the most powerful ways to avoid serious prison time.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman brings decades of experience to your service. Our lead attorney has represented many clients and helped them receive favorable plea bargains that significantly reduced the penalties they were facing. To schedule your murder charge consultation, contact our office today.