Atlanta Murder Defenses Attorneys
If you have been charged with murder in the State of Georgia, these are some of the most serious criminal charges you can face, and it is critical that you have strong representation from an Atlanta murder defense attorney.
For more than 30 years, the law firm of Garland, Samuel & Loeb has provided aggressive defense representation to clients throughout Georgia. Our criminal defense lawyers understand the specialized issues involved in the preparation and defense of a homicide charge and have the courtroom experience and skill to stand up against the State.
When the State seeks the death penalty and your life is on the line, our defense team at Garland, Samuel & Loeb has the skill and courage to stand between you and the State. We will leave no stone unturned to defend and protect your life. Use the contact form to the right to reach out for your free consultation.
Would you like to know more about murder charges in Georgia and how a criminal defense attorney can help you? While the information provided below is not legal advice, it can help you understand what you’ll face in criminal cases like these.
How Do You Fight Murder Charges?
To fight murder charges, you need to understand the criminal justice system process at every stage. A lawyer can help you understand what to do first. For example, when you are first charged, it is vital that you exercise your right to remain silent.
You have a right, under the constitution, to remain silent until speaking to your attorney. When you exercise this right, your lawyer can provide you with advice and guidance on what questions to answer before you speak to law enforcement.
You may think that law enforcement is on your side if you are innocent, but police officers and prosecutors are highly motivated to obtain a conviction. Many people have been falsely convicted over confused or confusing statements they made while answering police questions.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, several defenses may be available, including offering proof that someone else committed the crime or the killing was done in self-defense, that the murder was unintentional, or that the State’s evidence is insufficient to convict, or in the case of felony murder that the death was not caused by the commission of another crime.
Additionally, there may be mitigating circumstances such that the facts only support a lesser charge. Our attorneys have the skill to bring these defenses to life in the courtroom, whether through withering cross-examination of a Government witness or a compelling closing argument demonstrating the deficiencies in the State’s proof.
Extensive experience and a strong attorney-client relationship are essential to facing charges of this nature. That’s exactly what you can expect when you hire Garland, Samuel, & Loeb
How Garland, Samuel, & Loeb Handles Murder Charges
Murder charges are one of our firm’s core practice areas. Our firm has successfully handled a number of high-profile murder cases, including the defense of future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis and the defense of Jim Williams, whose case was the subject of the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
With every case we take, we closely scrutinize every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to use against you. Armed with a thorough understanding of the case, our attorneys drive the case toward the best possible outcome, whether convincing the State to dismiss or reduce the charges against you or crafting a successful defense at trial.
We are prepared to defend you against all types of murder charges, and manslaughter charges that may result from violent crimes like domestic violence, DUIs, and other sources including:
Felony murder
Malice murder
Voluntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter
Vehicular homicide
FAQs About Murder Charges in Georgia
If you have more questions about murder charges, the following quick questions and answers may help. If you still have more questions when you’re finished, remember that you can contact our trial lawyers in the Atlanta area to get the most accurate answers about your situation in a free consultation.
What is the penalty for murder in Georgia?
The state of Georgia only recognizes one degree of murder in its criminal law books, and it carries a minimum sentence of life in prison. You are considered to have committed murder in Georgia if you do any of the following:
Act intentionally to kill another person
Act with depraved regard for human life (such as driving through a blind barrier that may have pedestrians behind it
Killing another person while committing a crime like robbery (you can be charged and convicted even if the murder wasn’t intentional).
What is the Difference Between Murder and Homicide in Georgia?
In Georgia, homicide refers to all killings that are not legally justified, including charges of either murder or manslaughter. You should consider all homicide accusations or charges to be serious, and get legal assistance as soon as possible.
What is Manslaughter in Georgia?
Manslaughter is a serious crime, but it is separate from murder. Georgia recognizes voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person intentionally kills another person while influenced by sudden and violent passions. There will need to be significant evidence that the passion was provoked by something beyond a typical person’s ability to deal with responsibly. If you are found guilty, you can face up to 20 years in prison.
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another person unintentionally. In order to be charged with manslaughter rather than a less serious charge, there must be evidence that your behavior was illegal or reckless at the time.
Contact Our Team of Murder Defense Lawyers
As Atlanta’s murder charge firm, we have years of experience handling highly complex defense cases. Let the Atlanta criminal defense attorneys at our law office fight for you.
If you’re ready to start working on your defense strategy, request a free consultation to meet with one of our super lawyers. We’ll answer your questions, and determine if our firm can offer you the legal representation your situation needs. Get started by leaving your information on our murder charge contact form.
Contact our office today to discuss your murder case. We are available during regular business hours and by appointment at other times.
