If you or someone you know is facing charges related to homicide in Birmingham, AL, it’s understandable to be scared and overwhelmed. In a situation as serious as this, you should never try to handle it alone. it is critical to seek the expertise of a seasoned homicide lawyer who understands these charges and is equipped to provide an aggressive defense.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. is qualified to help you effectively. We have been helping clients in the area fight back against the prosecution since 1991. Our Birmingham homicide lawyers have 100 years of combined experience and can get working on your case today.
Contact us in Birmingham today at 205-930-9800 for a free consultation.
How Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. Can Help if You’re Arrested for Homicide in Birmingham
When facing homicide charges in Birmingham, AL, it’s crucial to have a dedicated and experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Our team offers comprehensive legal services to support you through this challenging time.
Our Birmingham criminal defense lawyers are experienced at trial and know state law inside and out. We will work tirelessly to offer you the best defense possible under the law, leaving no stone unturned. Here’s how we can help:
- We conduct detailed investigations to uncover all relevant facts, evidence, and potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Our team develops defense strategies to ensure the best possible outcome.
- We engage in negotiations with prosecutors to potentially reduce or eliminate charges.
- Our legal team provides continuous emotional support, understanding the emotional toll that homicide charges can have on you and your family. We ensure that you are fully informed and supported throughout the entire legal process.
For help with homicide-related charges in Birmingham, Alabama, we’re here to help. Contact our criminal defense law firm today for a free case review.
Overview of Homicide in Alabama
When facing homicide charges, it’s crucial to comprehend the various levels of seriousness and their specific definitions under Alabama law. Homicide encompasses multiple charges, each with distinct legal criteria and implications. The general charges related to someone’s death, ranked from most to least serious, are murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide.
Murder
Murder constitutes the most severe form of homicide. Under Alabama law, an individual commits murder if they:
- Intentionally cause the death of another person
- Act with extreme indifference to human life and cause death
- Cause death during the commission of certain dangerous felonies
- Cause the death of a firefighter or public safety officer due to an act of arson
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is considered a less severe charge compared to murder. It involves situations where the defendant:
- Recklessly causes the death of another person
- Causes a person’s death in a sudden heat of passion before a reasonable period has passed for the passion to cool
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Criminally negligent homicide is the least severe form of homicide. It occurs when an individual:
- Causes the death of another person by failing to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk, which constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe under similar circumstances.
There are some nuances to each of these charges that can be explained by a criminal defense attorney.
What Are the Penalties for Homicide in Birmingham, Alabama?
The penalties vary significantly depending on the specific charge. Knowing what you’re facing in each situation is essential.
Penalties for Murder
Murder is classified as a Class A felony in Alabama. Those convicted face severe consequences, including a possible prison sentence ranging from 20 to 99 years. Under certain aggravating circumstances, the penalty may escalate to death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Penalties for Manslaughter
Manslaughter, a Class B felony, carries less severe penalties compared to murder. The possible prison sentence for a manslaughter conviction ranges from 2 to 20 years, reflecting the charge’s severity.
Penalties for Criminally Negligent Homicide
Criminally negligent homicide is considered the least serious of the homicide charges, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The maximum sentence for this offense is up to 1 year in the county jail.
Collateral Consequences of Homicide Convictions
Homicide convictions carry legal penalties and collateral consequences that can impact various aspects of an individual’s life. Below are some of the most common collateral consequences:
Employment Prospects
A homicide conviction can severely hinder an individual’s ability to secure employment. Many employers conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire someone with a serious criminal record. This barrier can limit access to job opportunities, contribute to long-term unemployment, and impede career advancement.
Housing Opportunities
Securing stable housing becomes a significant challenge for those with a homicide conviction. Landlords often perform background checks and may deny rental applications based on criminal history. This discrimination can result in limited housing options and force individuals into less desirable living conditions.
Voting Rights
In many jurisdictions, a homicide conviction can lead to the loss of voting rights, either temporarily or permanently. This disenfranchisement affects civic engagement and the individual’s ability to participate in the democratic process, which can further marginalize and isolate them from society.
Social Stigma
The social stigma associated with a homicide conviction extends beyond legal and economic repercussions. Convicted individuals often face ostracism and judgment from their communities, friends, and even family members. This pervasive stigma can have detrimental effects on mental health and social integration, exacerbating feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
Defendants facing homicide charges should seek the guidance of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Homicide in Birmingham?
If you are arrested for homicide, it is crucial to understand the possible defenses that can be raised to challenge the charges against you. Each case is unique, and a skilled criminal defense attorney can determine the most appropriate defense strategy based on your situation’s specific facts and circumstances. Below are some common defenses used in homicide cases:
Self-Defense
One of the most common defenses in homicide cases is self-defense. This defense claims that the defendant acted to protect themselves from imminent harm or death. To successfully argue self-defense, it must be demonstrated that the force used was necessary and proportional to the threat.
Defense of Others
Similar to self-defense, defense of others involves protecting another individual from imminent harm. The accused must reasonably believe that the person they defended was in immediate danger and that their actions were necessary to prevent harm.
Alibi
An alibi defense involves providing evidence that the accused was not present at the scene of the crime when it occurred. This may include witness testimony, video surveillance, or other evidence that places the accused elsewhere at the relevant time.
Constitutional Violations
Constitutional violations can serve as powerful defenses in homicide cases. These defenses argue that the accused’s constitutional rights were breached during the investigation or prosecution of the case.
Common constitutional violations include unlawful searches and seizures, coerced confessions, and violations of the right to a fair trial. If successfully proven, such violations can lead to the exclusion of crucial evidence or even the dismissal of charges.
Accident
An accident defense asserts that the death occurred as a result of an unintended and unforeseen event without any criminal intent or negligence on the part of the accused. Evidence such as eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, and physical evidence from the scene can be crucial in establishing that the incident was indeed accidental and that the accused did not act in a way that could cause them to be legally culpable.
Seeking qualified legal representation immediately after an arrest is essential for mounting an effective defense and navigating the complexities of homicide charges.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Birmingham Homicide Lawyers
Dealing with the ramifications of a homicide charge can be overwhelming and complicated. To navigate these challenges effectively, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel. Our Birmingham criminal defense lawyers offer comprehensive legal support.
We provide a free case evaluation to assess the specifics of your case and outline the best possible defense strategy. Contact Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with a Birmingham homicide lawyer.