Homicide includes both murder and manslaughter. Murder is the intentional killing of a person. Manslaughter is causing death while acting recklessly or with criminal negligence. A common manslaughter charge, for example, would be for killing someone while operating under the influence of alcohol.
The penalties and affirmative defenses for each type of these crimes vary but can result in 25 years to a lifetime in prison if convicted. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers are ready to fight to defend your right to a fair trial and get your charges dismissed or reduced.
Under Maine criminal statutes, there are three kinds of homicide murder, felony murder, and manslaughter. Murder is simply, intentionally causing the death of another human being. Penalties for murder range from a minimum of 25 years to life in prison depending on various factors. Murder cases are the highest stakes cases our team deals with and almost always go to trial. Maine has no parole. So, a 50-year sentence for murder will result in the Defendant serving almost all of this time other than for minimal “good time” deductions.
Steve has been involved in some of Maine’s most serious and high-profile murder trials and knows how to fight these cases.
Felony murder occurs when a murder occurs at the same time as a related felony crime. Felony murder charges commonly occur when a group of people engages in a crime, such as a robbery, and then one of the members of the group kills. The person who is alleged to have killed the victim will be charged with murder. The other members of the group will be charged with felony murder. Felony murder carries a potential 30-year sentence.
There are defenses that can be used to overcome murder charges. Common defenses include self-defense or mistaken identity. There may also be a defense if the defendant can show that he acted in the heat of anger caused by extreme provocation. Of course, the best defense will depend on the specifics of your case.
In criminal court, you are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution has the burden of proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty. If the jury has a reasonable doubt about whether you committed the crime, they must find that you are not guilty. A strong defense focuses on creating reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. Steve Smith has tried many murder and manslaughter cases. Murder and manslaughter cases are very difficult and expensive to litigate. The State of Maine throws its most experienced teams of homicide prosecutors and its full resources against these defendants. Steve has tried many of these cases before a jury and is not afraid to fight for his clients.
Although not technically murder or manslaughter, the crime of “Elevated Aggravated Drug Trafficking Resulting in Death” is charged when the state suspects that the defendant has supplied drugs to someone who has died as a result of an overdose. There is much overlap between the homicide defense and the defense of Elevated Aggravated Drug Trafficking.
If you’re facing charges for murder or manslaughter in Maine, you are fighting for your freedom. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers are in your corner and ready to zealously advocate on your behalf. Contact STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers today to schedule a consultation.
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