Accomplished Murder Defense Attorneys in Raleigh, North Carolina

At the Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Raleigh believe most people understand the gravity of manslaughter, homicide, and murder charges, and how their very freedom is on the line from the moment they are arrested for taking another person’s life.

What they may not know is that partnering with a skilled murder defense trial attorney in North Carolina as soon as they are being investigated, arrested, or charged with this serious offense is their most valuable resource.

That is why we are here.

With so much on the line, it is imperative to partner with a team of Wake County murder defense attorneys who have over 110 combined years of experience producing positive results for North Carolinians facing these difficult charges.

To ensure your rights are protected when navigating the criminal justice system, contact our homicide and murder defense attorneys in Raleigh today to discuss the details of your case and learn how we have procured a Not Guilty verdict on a charge of first-degree murder and solid results in other severe violent crime charges in the past.

What are the Different Types of Murder Charges in North Carolina?

High-level felony charges require prestigious legal representation, which is exactly what our dedicated team of murder defense attorneys in Raleigh at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC provide each day.

In North Carolina, there are multiple types of murder charges first-degree murder, felony murder, and second-degree murder but there are also categories of homicide and manslaughter that include the loss of life because of another person’s action or inaction.

Each of these charges can leave the accused in jail for decades or even the rest of their lives.

First-Degree Murder in North Carolina

First-degree murder charges can be applied to the loss of life under multiple scenarios, including lying in wait, imprisonment, poisoning, starving, torture, or any other willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing.

Felony Murder in North Carolina

Felony murder is the result of the loss of life committed in the perpetration or attempted perpetration of arson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping, rape or another sex offense, or any other felony.

Second-Degree Murder in North Carolina

Second-degree murder occurs without premeditation or deliberation. Second-degree murder can also be the result of an inherently dangerous act or omission, done recklessly without regard for human life.

Homicide in North Carolina

Homicide differs from murder charges in that they can be justifiable or excusable.

Justifiable homicide may include the authorized and legal killing of another if:

  • Intended to prevent a crime
  • Committed in defense of another individual
  • The action was taken in the line of duty

Excusable homicide may include the loss of life that is committed accidentally or with adequate provocation in line with lawful activity.

Manslaughter in North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are three types of potential manslaughter charges, including involuntary, voluntary, and vehicular.

The difference between involuntary and voluntary manslaughter charges in North Carolina is the intent of the person charged with committing the crime.

Voluntary manslaughter requires evidence that the person intended to kill the victim.

Involuntary manslaughter requires evidence that the person’s reckless or negligent actions caused the loss of life.

Vehicular manslaughter charges are reserved for deaths caused by vehicle accidents caused by:

  • Drowsy driving
  • DUI and DWI
  • Reckless driving
  • Running a red light
  • Speeding
  • Texting or talking on a cellphone while driving

If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter in North Carolina, your future and freedom are at stake. Contact our skilled murder defense attorneys in Raleigh today to learn how we can help you understand your legal rights and options, so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your case.

What are the Penalties for Murder and Manslaughter in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the severity of the punishment that you face for murder or manslaughter charges will be based on the circumstances of the crime, and any aggravating factors that may increase your potential penalties and mitigating factors that may reduce the severity of your penalties, which includes each defendant’s criminal history.

Potential penalties for murder and manslaughter charges in North Carolina may include:

First-Degree Murder, Class A Felony

Punishable by life in prison with no parole or death by lethal injection

Felony Murder, Class A Felony

Punishable by life in prison with no parole or death by lethal injection

Second-Degree Murder, Class B1 Felony

Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 144 months to life in prison

Second-Degree Murder, Class B2 Felony

Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 94 months

Voluntary Manslaughter, Class D Felony

Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 38 months

Involuntary Manslaughter, Class F Felony

Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 10 months

Vehicular Manslaughter, Class F Felony

Punishable by a minimum prison sentence of 10 months

If you are already under arrest, police may attempt to bargain with you by offering reduced criminal charges or reduced sentencing for confessing to your role in the murder, homicide, or manslaughter: Do not attempt to negotiate with the police department or the prosecution on your own.

Law enforcement officers frequently use controversial, manipulative tactics to get suspects to confess or provide incriminating information.

Even if you are innocent, never speak with investigators, detectives, police officers, or anyone from the prosecutor’s office without first consulting an attorney.

Far too often, law enforcement officers trick the accused into incriminating themselves — or worse coerce false confessions, which happens far more often than most people think.

Contact our skilled team of Raleigh murder defense attorneys today to learn how we have provided real results for clients facing life-changing charges.

Marcilliat & Mills PLLC: Established Murder Defense Attorneys. Real Results.

If you have been accused, charged, or investigated for murder, homicide, or manslaughter in North Carolina, do not leave your future to chance by discussing your case with the investigator or prosecutor’s office without an accomplished criminal defense attorney by your side.

Contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Raleigh at the Marcilliat & Mills PLLC today by calling 919-838-6643 or online to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can empower you to take a stand and pursue real results.

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