Top Lakewood, CO First Degree Murder Lawyers Near You
Arrested? Police want to talk to you? Do not talk & do not plead guilty! Call us first to know all of your rights and options!
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Extensive track record of dismissals & acquittals. Aggressive criminal defense team helmed by former prosecutor who knows the system & how to win. Over 100+ 5-star reviews online.
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When your livelihood is at stake, you simply cannot take risks with a Criminal Defense matter. 25+ years of experience in State & Federal Courts. Don't plead guilty - call me now.
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With over 25 years’ experience, I give an honest assessment of your case. Payment plans. Call for a free consultation.
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We Are the Real Deal. We Will Go to Trial and Fight for the Result That is Best for You.
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Dedicated Practice Exclusively to Criminal Defense. Experienced in Handling all Types & Levels of Criminal Cases in State & Federal Court.
Charged w/ a crime? Don't plead guilty! You have rights & options - call us now to review your case. Se Habla Español
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200 Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228
Law Office of Elaine E. Lukic can help you find legal solutions for your First Degree Murder issue. The practice serves the Lakewood, Colorado area.
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720 South Colorado Blvd., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80246
Law Office Of Richard B. Huttner, a reputable First Degree Murder firm representing clients in the Lakewood, Colorado area.
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1001 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204
Connect with a proven Lakewood, Colorado law firm with experience helping clients with First Degree Murder issues.
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14142 Denver West Parkway, Building 51, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80401
First Degree Murder concerns can be addressed by Pearson & Paris, P.C.. This practice offers legal representation for clients in the Lakewood, Colorado area.
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1775 Sherman Street, Littleton, CO 80203
The Law Office of Sean R. Dingle, LLC is experienced handling First Degree Murder cases in the Lakewood area.
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110 16th Street, Suite 1400, Denver, CO 80202
Other Nearby Offices
Bulldog Law has experience helping clients with their First Degree Murder needs in Lakewood, Colorado.
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5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1175, Englewood, CO 80111
1626 Wazee St, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202
1225 17th Street, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202
501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80246
1630 Welton St, Ste 916, Denver, CO 80202
717 17th St, Suite 1825, Denver, CO 80202
1890 Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80206
1144 15th St, Suite 2700, Denver, CO 80202
216 16th St, Suite 750, Denver, CO 80202
700 17th Street, Suite 650, Denver, CO 80202
4643 South Ulster, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80237
1801 Wewatta Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80202
1873 S Bellaire St, Suite 1400, Denver, CO 80222
138 W 5th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204
3801 E. Florida Ave., Suite 725, Denver, CO 80210
6855 S Havana St, Suite 570, Centennial, CO 80112
675 15th St, Suite 2650, Denver, CO 80202
13599 E 104th Ave, Suite 300, Commerce City, CO 80022
469 South Cherry Street, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80246
Lakewood First Degree Murder Information
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What Is First Degree Murder?
First-degree murder, ranked among the most serious criminal offenses, is a crime where the perpetrator kills a victim, having planned the act out in advance. There are several enhancements that can be brought against such an offender, such as if the killing is considered to be the result of a hate crime (biases against the victim’s race, sex, sexuality, etc.) or if the victim is a law enforcement officer or public servant.
Elements of First Degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most serious charge you can get for killing another person. While the specific definition will differ by state, it typically requires premeditation and planning. Often first-degree murder charges occur when the killer was lying in wait or was committing a felony, such as rape or burglary.
What Is the Difference Between First, Second, and Third Degree Murder?
From a federal perspective, murder charges only apply in the first and second degree, with what many state courts refer to as third-degree murder being replaced with the charge of manslaughter.
First-degree murder, federally, refers to premeditated murder with “malice aforethought.” The statute includes poisoning and laying in wait, and also makes it clear that a killing that takes place during the commission of another felony offense such as sexual assault, arson, espionage or kidnapping also constitutes first-degree murder. All other murders are classified as second-degree murders.
Federal statutes also detail that manslaughter (both voluntary and involuntary) are the result of a killing without malice aforethought, lining up — in general — with state-level considerations of both manslaughter and third degree murder.
Second-degree murder at the state level typically refers to an unplanned killing that could be the result of extremely reckless behavior without concern for human life (firing a gun into a crowd on impulse), or a “depraved heart” murder. In some states, you can be charged with second degree murder if you acted in the role of an accomplice or accessory to a murder.
Third-degree murder, or manslaughter, is frequently charged as a killing set off by a quarrel or a fit of passion (for example, an enraged spouse attacking another individual while discovering an adulterous affair, killing them in a rage), in this case, an example of voluntary manslaughter. The crime can also cover involuntary killings made with a reckless mind or intent.
What Is Capital Murder vs. First Degree Murder?
Capital murder differs from first degree murder in that it involves aggravating circumstances that elevate the crime as well as the sentencing resulting from a conviction. The most common reasons capital murder may be charged include: the killing of a police officer or first responder, the killing took place during the commission of another felony act, the victim is tortured or raped prior to the murder, the murder is the result of hate, the murder was conducted in exchange for money or the murder was an act of terrorism.
Capital murder is a term only used in eight states (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Texas and Virginia) while other states prefer “aggravated murder” or “malice murder.” However, the end result is the same — capital murder can result in the death penalty in jurisdictions that allow for it, and prison sentences ranging from 25 years to life in states which do not.
Can You Get the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder in Colorado?
In states that allow for the death penalty, first degree murder charges — or capital murder charges, more particularly — could result in the death penalty for those convicted of the most serious offenses. Both the United States government as well as the United States military currently allow for the death penalty to be handed down.
How Long Is a First Degree Murder Sentence?
A first degree murder conviction could lead to a life sentence or even the death penalty. In broad terms, a conviction of first degree murder charges could lead to a first-time offender serving between 15 years to life, with a chance of parole (and subsequent probation) for eligible offenders.
Are You Facing First Degree Murder Charges?
Have you been charged with first degree murder? First degree murder is a felony-level homicide, and if convicted, you could be imprisoned for years, life or face the death penalty. Contact an attorney skilled in defending first degree murder cases to protect your legal rights.