Joliet Homicide Defense Lawyer

Legal Defense for Homicide, Manslaughter, & Murder Charges in Joliet, IL

Homicide charges are among the most severe criminal offenses. People who are accused of intentionally killing others or causing someone's death through recklessness or negligence will face serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and permanent criminal records. Anyone facing accusations of homicide will need to understand the specific laws that may apply to these cases, the consequences of a conviction, and the options for defense.

Carlson Law Group, P.C. provides compassionate representation for people who have been charged with homicide or other violent crimes. We understand the serious nature of these charges, and we work to ensure that our clients can protect their rights while advising them on the best strategies to respond to accusations and defend against convictions. Whether a case involves accusations of intentional murder, manslaughter, or attempts to conceal someone's death, we can provide strong, effective representation during a criminal case. We can assist with charges including:

First-Degree Murder

The most serious homicide charge in Illinois involves the intention to kill someone without legal justification for doing so. A person may be charged with first-degree murder if they:

• Kill another person while acting with intent to cause death or great bodily harm.
• Kill another person while knowingly acting in a way that creates a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.
• Kill someone during the commission of a forcible felony such as robbery or sexual assault or while fleeing after committing this type of offense.

The penalties for first-degree murder are severe. A conviction carries a prison sentence of 20 to 60 years. However, certain aggravating factors may lead to a sentence of natural life imprisonment, such as the murder of a police officer, teacher, school employee, doctor, nurse, a person protected by an order of protection, or a person attending a religious service. Life imprisonment may also be appropriate in cases involving torture, calculated and premeditated murder, exceptionally brutal or cruel behavior, or orders to commit murder by a person who organized or directed drug conspiracies.

Second-Degree Murder

If a person intentionally causes someone's death, but there were mitigating circumstances, they may be charged with second-degree murder rather than first-degree murder. Mitigating circumstances may include:

• Acting under a sudden passion due to provocation by the victim or another party.
• Believing that the killing was justified because of self-defense or other factors, but this belief was unreasonable.

Second-degree murder is a Class 1 felony, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of four to 20 years.

Involuntary Manslaughter

A person may be charged with involuntary manslaughter if they unintentionally cause the death of another person due to reckless or negligent actions. This charge is applicable when the defendant's conduct is so careless that it disregards the substantial risk of causing death or serious harm. Involuntary manslaughter is a Class 3 felony, and a conviction may result in a prison sentence ranging from two to five years.

Reckless Homicide

A person may face charges of reckless homicide if they cause the death of someone else through the reckless operation of a motor vehicle. These charges may apply when driving cars or trucks on roads or highways or when operating watercraft or off-road vehicles such as ATVs or snowmobiles.

Like involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide is typically charged as a Class 3 felony. However, a person may be charged with a Class 2 felony if they caused someone's death while driving recklessly in a school zone or construction zone. In these cases, sentences may range from three to 28 years in prison.

Drug-Induced Homicide

In addition to charges of drug distribution, a person may face homicide charges if they deliver controlled substances to someone else, and the use of those drugs results in the person's death. This charge does not require intent to kill, and it may apply if a person dies after overdosing on drugs purchased or received from the defendant. Drug-induced homicide is a Class X felony, and a conviction will typically result in a prison sentence of 15 to 30 years. In cases involving aggravating circumstances, such as a history of criminal activity or a victim who was disabled or over the age of 60, an extended term of 30 to 60 years in prison may be imposed.

Contact Our Joliet Homicide Defense Lawyer

If you are facing charges of murder or manslaughter in Will County, it is critical to make sure you have legal representation from an experienced lawyer. At Carlson Law Group, P.C., we can provide you with the defense you need, working tirelessly to protect your rights while helping you resolve your case successfully. We understand the serious nature of homicide charges, and we will work to help you avoid a conviction for these serious offenses. Contact our firm at 815-710-3700 and arrange a free consultation today.