New York City Homicide Attorney

Murder and Manslaughter

Murder is one of the most heinous and severely punished crimes in the state. When one person’s action or inaction results in the death of another or others, prosecutors will often seek maximum punishment and jail time. If you have been charged with any type of homicide, you need to seek competent legal representation immediately.

These charges are serious and could even result in the death penalty, depending upon the severity of the crime allegedly committed. For example, if you have been convicted with first degree murder, certain second degree murders or aggravated murder, you could face one of the following punishments:

• Death penalty
• Life imprisonment without parole
• Between 15-25 years imprisonment

Other Types of Homicide Charges in NYC

In New York City, there are a variety of criminal offenses that could be included under the umbrella term of "homicide." Since there are a number of different circumstances that could ultimately lead to the death of someone else, the criminal justice system has appropriately distinguished one crime from another—which subsequently places different penalties on each type of homicide offense. Some of these offenses include:

Manslaughter in the 2^nd Degree

• One may be charged with manslaughter in the second degree if they cause the death of someone else during the commission of another crime. This differs from murder, however, in that the killing must not have been carried out with malice and/or premeditation.

Manslaughter in the 1^st Degree

• One may be charged with manslaughter in the first degree if they have unintentionally caused the death of a person who they had the intention of physically injuring and/or they have caused the death of a third party while attempting to commit the murder of another.

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2^nd Degree

• One may be charged with vehicular manslaughter in the second degree if they have unintentionally caused the death of another person while breaking traffic laws and/or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1^st Degree

• One may be charged with vehicular manslaughter in the first degree if they have caused the death of someone else while breaking traffic laws and/or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—but with suspended or revoked license at the time that the crime was committed.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

• One may be charged with criminally negligent homicide if their carelessness, recklessness or indifference has ultimately led to someone else's death. For example, if someone was killed in a DWI-related accident, the intoxicated driver may be charged with this type of offense.

Aggravated Criminally Negligent Homicide

• One may be charged with aggravated criminally negligent homicide if their carelessness, recklessness or indifference has led to the death of a peace officer/police officer while they were in the process of performing their official duties.

Murder in the 2^nd Degree

• One may be charged with murder in the second degree if they have carried out the premeditated killing of someone else. It differs from a first degree offense when the offender is able to prove that they were emotionally disturbed at the time of the crime.

Murder in the 1^st Degree

• One may be charged with murder in the first degree if they have killed someone else with malicious aforethought. These charges may be reduced to a lesser offense if it can be proven that they were emotionally disturbed and/or that the killing was not premeditated.

How do I defend myself against these charges?

The legal team at our law firm has over 60 years combined experience pertinent to criminal defense law. Depending upon your circumstances, you could be facing the death penalty. This is the most serious punishment that you could possibly receive – therefore you need to approach it with the best possible legal team who has the extensive legal experience and successful litigation history that you need. If you have been charged with a homicide offense, it is crucial that you consult with a New York City criminal lawyer at our firm immediately. Call the Law Offices of Daniel A. Hochheiser today if you were arrested for murder charges in Westchester, Bronx, Manhattan, Scarsdale, or a nearby community.