HAVE YOU BEEN ACCUSED OF MURDER?

It does not matter if it was an accidental shooting, a bar fight that resulted in death, a fatal car accident or accidental poisoning or overdose, when you’re under suspicion of murder, you need help from a experienced criminal defense attorney.

At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our Raleigh homicide attorneys know that you need a vigorous defense when you’re charged with a serious felony such as murder. We are here to help you through the entire criminal process – and can assist you even if you have not been charged yet. If you suspect that you are being investigated, call us at 919-838-6643 or contact our office online to learn how we can help.

Homicide Charges in North Carolina

North Carolina breaks down homicide into four criminal charges:

  • First-degree murder – a willful, deliberate and premeditated killing; a killing that took place during the commission of a felony or the attempt to commit a felony such as robbery, rape or arson or assault with a deadly weapon (felony murder)
  • Second-degree murder – an intentional but unplanned killing
  • Voluntary manslaughter – a killing that occurs during the heat of the moment that was not pre-planned
  • Involuntary manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter – an accidental killing that was not preplanned, including a fatal drunk driving accident

First-degree murder is a capital offense in North Carolina. That means that your life is on the line, and you could be given the death penalty, if you are convicted of first degree murder. Alternatively, you will face life without parole if convicted.

Learn more about murder cases in North Carolina.

An attempted murder charge is also a serious criminal charge. In North Carolina, attempt crimes are punished at the felony level one below the actual attempted crime. A conviction for attempted first-degree murder is punishable as a Class B felony, the same punishment level for second degree murder.

Tell Only Your Defense Lawyer Your Side Of The Story

Whether you were charged with murder after acting in self defense, misidentified by an eye witness or have an alibi that places you somewhere other than where the homicide took place, you should talk to an attorney about your charges and no one else. A Raleigh criminal defense lawyer is on your side; the police and the prosecutor are not. If you were in the wrong place at the wrong time with a group of friends, your friends may not even be on your side if implicating you will guarantee their own freedom.

Remain silent. Contact Marcilliat & Mills PLLC and say nothing else to anyone.

Former North Carolina Prosecutor Committed To Defending The Rights Of The Accused

The burden of proof is on the state. The prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you committed the crime(s) you are charged with. If the prosecution cannot show that you intended to kill the victim, then it is possible to have your charges reduced to manslaughter or possibly even dropped, depending on the facts of your case. That is where the attorneys at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, come in: We will carefully investigate your charges, including what led up to your arrest and examining the evidence and allegations against you.

Contact Marcilliat & Mills PLLC For Legal Defense Against Murder Charges

Murder is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with. If you are under investigation or facing charges of murder, do not wait to contact a Raleigh murder defense lawyer – your future is at stake. Contact our office online or call 919-838-6643 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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.

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