There is nothing more serious than being accused of murder. An outcome not in your favor could result in you spending the rest of your life in prison or being executed at the hands of the state. You may not be able to undo what has happened up to this point, but the choices you make now can make all the difference in your defense.
The first step is making sure you have an accomplished Raleigh violent crime defense attorney working to minimize your exposure to criminal penalties and protect your good name. In Raleigh and surrounding North Carolina communities, you can rely on the proven team at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC to protect your interests every step of the way.
The time to act is NOW if you face murder charges. Call 919-838-6643 now for a free consultation with a proven Raleigh murder defense lawyer.
Types Of Murder Charges In North Carolina
The two primary types of murder charges in North Carolina are first-degree murder and second-degree murder. First-degree murder involves the deliberate and premeditated taking of someone’s life while second-degree murder stems from the intentional yet unplanned taking of a life.
Penalties For Murder In North Carolina
Murder can result in prison sentences up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. First-degree murder is a capital offense when there are aggravating factors, which means your sentence could include the death penalty. Aggravating factors include a murder being committed in conjunction with a robbery, rape, arson, burglary, kidnapping or another felony offense.
There is no such thing as a “light” murder sentence. You need a strong defense to limit your exposure to the harsh penalties of a murder conviction.
Murder Accusations Will Not Magically Disappear
Being accused of murder creates a cloud of suspicion around the accused that can only disappear by disproving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Simply ignoring the accusations against you will not provide you with peace and protect your good name. Every time new forensic technologies become available officers will be at your doorstep attempting to revisit their previous suspect.
With the help of an experienced Raleigh murder defense attorney, you can force the prosecutors to put up or shut up — in other words, bring forward a case against you or eliminate you as a suspect so you can move on with the rest of your life.
Is It Worth It To Hire An Attorney?
It is not an exaggeration to say that a murder conviction will end your life as you know it — or literally end your life if you are convicted of first-degree murder with aggravating factors. It is absolutely worth the money to invest in a strong defense because your life is priceless.
A murder defense lawyer in Raleigh can help you build the strongest possible defense and minimize your exposure to the harsh penalties of a conviction as well as the collateral consequences that come with being accused of murder. No matter how smart and thoughtful you are, there are things about the legal process and the criminal justice system that you simply do not know. Having an experienced murder defense attorney in Raleigh can help you avoid pitfalls that can derail your defense and leave you facing prison time or worse.
Protect What Matters Most
Your rights. Your freedom. Your good name. They are all on the line if you have been accused of murder. It is imperative to have a proven criminal defense lawyer in Raleigh working on your behalf to limit your exposure to the harsh criminal penalties and collateral consequences that come with murder charges. Call 919-838-6643 or contact us online for a free consultation, and we will handle the rest.
State v. B.S.: Not Guilty Verdict in First Degree Murder Case.
In this case, our client was charged with First Degree Murder in connection with a “drive by” shooting that occurred in Charlotte, NC. The State’s evidence included GPS ankle monitoring data linking our client was at the scene of the crime and evidence that our client confessed to an inmate while in jail. Nonetheless, we convinced a jury to unanimously find our client Not Guilty. He was released from jail the same day.
State v. S.G.: First Degree Murder Charge Dismissed.
Our client was charged with First Degree for the shooting death related to an alleged breaking and entering. The State’s evidence included a co-defendant alleging that our client was the shooter. After conducting a thorough investigation with the use of a private investigator, we persuaded the State to dismiss entirely the case against our client.
State v. B.D.: First Degree Murder Charged Dismissed.
After conducting an investigation and communicating with prosecutor about the facts and circumstances indicating that our client acted in self-defense, the case was dismissed and deemed a justifiable homicide.
State v. I.R.: Reduction from First Degree Murder to Involuntary Manslaughter and Concealment of Death.
Our client was charged with the First Degree Murder of a young lady by drug overdose. After investigating the decedent’s background and hiring a preeminent expert toxicologist to fight the State’s theory of death, we were able to negotiate this case down from Life in prison to 5 years in prison, with credit for time served.
State v. J.G.:
Our client was charged with First Degree Murder related to a “drug deal gone bad.” After engaging the services of a private investigator and noting issues with the State’s case, we were able to negotiate a plea for our client that avoided a Life sentence and required him to serve only 12 years.