Minneapolis Homicide Lawyer

Defending Against Murder and Manslaughter Charges in Minnesota

Broadly defined, homicide refers to one person causing another's death, whether the act is premeditated, intentional, or unintentional criminal charges can arise. The Minnesota Criminal Code classifies several crimes under this umbrella term, including murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide. A conviction for any of these offenses can have severe consequences, as they carry prison sentences of decades to life.

If you have been accused of homicide, it's crucial you speak with a Minneapolis homicide attorney about your case immediately. Fighting such charges requires thorough preparation, and the sooner you get started on your defense, the sooner your representation can begin building a compelling strategy on your behalf.

How We Can Help

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis homicide defense lawyers take such accusations seriously. When you turn to us, we will learn everything there is to know about your situation. Our team will get to know you as a person and really understand your needs and wants. From there, we can develop a persuasive strategy that tells your side of the story.

We recognize the lasting impacts of a conviction, which is why we will be your zealous advocate throughout your case, seeking a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Minnesota's Homicide Laws

As mentioned earlier, Minnesota law enumerates several different homicide offenses. The type of conduct involved determines the level of charge as well as the potential penalties.

Below are the state's homicide laws:

First-Degree Murder (MN Statutes § 609.20)

The law lists seven ways a person can be charged with this offense. They include causing another's death:

1. After intending and planning to do so;
2. While committing or attempting to commit first- or second-degree criminal sexual conduct;
3. After intending to do so while committing or attempting to commit a specific crime;
4. When the victim was a peace officer, prosecutor, judge, or correctional facility guard;
5. While committing child abuse and having a history of engaging in such conduct, and showing an "extreme indifference to human life";
6. While committing domestic violence and having a history of engaging in such conduct; or
7. While committing or attempting or conspiring to commit a terroristic felony crime

First-Degree Murder Penalty

• Life imprisonment

Second-Degree Murder Minnesota (MN Statutes § 609.19)

The conduct comprising second-degree murder falls under two categories: intentional acts and unintentional acts.

An intentional murder occurs when the actor wants to cause someone else's death.

The two situations in which an intentional second-degree murder charge may be levied include the following:

1. When a person intended to kill another but did not plan the act beforehand; or
2. When a person causes another's death while engaged in a drive-by shooting

An unintentional murder is one in which the actor did not mean to take another's life, but such resulted.

The two circumstances that give rise to an unintentional second-degree murder charge are as follows:

1. When a person is committing a felony other than first- or second-degree criminal sexual conduct or drive-by shooting; or
2. When the actor was under a restraining order and they intended to seriously injure the person named in the order but death resulted

Second-Degree Murder Penalty

• Up to 40 years' imprisonment

Third-Degree Murder Sentence in Minnesota (MN Statutes § 609.195)

A person can be charged with third-degree murder if, without intending to cause death, they engaged in either of the following:

1. An imminently dangerous act that showed disregard for others and a depraved mind; or
2. The selling, exchanging, or delivering of a Schedule I or II controlled substance that was the proximate cause of another's death

Penalty for Third-Degree Murder in Minnesota

• Up to 25 years in prison and/or
• Up to $40,000 in fines (if the death was caused by a controlled substance)