Top Northbrook, IL First Degree Murder Lawyers Near You
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If you are facing serious criminal charges, find a firm who is trial ready and has a track record of success. Call to work with Frank directly - he will build your defense.
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7356 N. Cicero Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60712
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Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. has experience helping clients with their First Degree Murder needs in Northbrook, Illinois.
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240 E. Lake St., Suite 109A, Addison, IL 60101
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The Law Offices of Charles Rohde & Pierina Infelise, P.C. has years of experience helping clients with their First Degree Murder needs in Northbrook, Illinois.
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121 E. Liberty, Wauconda, IL 60084
If you need First Degree Murder help in Illinois, contact Clay J. Mitchell, Attorney at Law, a local practice in Northbrook, for legal representation.
33 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 1950, Chicago, IL 60602-3249
150 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606
58 North Chicago St, 7th Floor, Joliet, IL 60432
47 Dupage Ct, Elgin, IL 60120
674 W. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville, IL 60560
100 N LaSalle St, Suite 812, Chicago, IL 60602
70 West Madison Street, Suite 5200, Chicago, IL 60602
1001 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle, IL 60532
140 S Dearborn St, Suite 1020, Chicago, IL 60603
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 3800, Chicago, IL 60603
321 N. Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654
190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL 60603
71 South Wacker Drive, 45th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
1136 S Delano Ct, B201, Chicago, IL 60605
205 W Randolph St, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60606
100 North Riverside Plaza, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60606
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603
1 North Wacker Dr, Suite 4500, Chicago, IL 60606-1901
111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL 60601
555 South Randall Road, Suite 200, St. Charles, IL 60174
30 N LaSalle St, Suite 2140, Chicago, IL 60602
Northbrook 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 Illinois?
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.