Chicago Murder Defense Lawyer
Dedicated Murder Attorney in Chicago
Murder is defined as the criminal act of intentionally taking another person’s life. Under Illinois law, murder charges are classified as either First Degree Murder or Second Degree Murder.
A person will facefirst degree murder charges when:
- They kill an individual without lawful justification, and:
- they intended to kill or inflict bodily injury to the victim, or they knew their actions would cause death or injury; or
- they knew their actions created a strong probability of death or bodily injury; or
- they committed, or attempted to commit, a forcible felony (other than second degree murder)
A person will face second degree murder charges when:
- They kill an individual without lawful justification, and:
- at the time of the killing they were under a sudden and intense passion due to a serious provocation by the victim or by another person the defendant was trying to injure or kill; or
- at the time of the killing they felt they had reasonable cause to believe their actions were necessary to protect themselves or another against the victim’s use of unlawful force, but in reality, their actions were not justified. (Note: A person is only justified in causing injury or death when there is reasonable cause to believe that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm to themselves or another, or during the commission of a forcible felony).
Penalties for Murder in Chicago
If you are convicted of murder, you can expect to face harsh legal penalties. First degree murder is a felony offense that is punishable by no less than 20 years in state prison, including the possibility of the death penalty. Second degree murder is a lesser felony charge that carries a sentence of 4 to 20 years in prison. However, in some second degree murder cases probation is available as an alternative to jail.
Contact a Chicago Murder Defense Attorney
If you or someone you love are facing charges for murder, it’s imperative that you retain the representation of a Chicago criminal defense lawyer who has extensive knowledge, experience, and practice defending people against murder charges. At Fagan, Fagan & Davis, we have experience defending people against all degrees of murder. Murder is the most serious crime a person can commit, and will undoubtedly result in intense criminal prosecution. In many murder cases, the prosecution’s investigation will begin well before you’re even aware of your charges. These prosecutors are very powerful, backed by unlimited resources and numerous people supporting their case. They are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure you are convicted of the charges, and are not afraid to seek the toughest penalties possible. At Fagan, Fagan & Davis, we know you have a lot riding on this case. We promise to do our utmost to protect your rights, aggressively fight your charges, and provide you with the superior defense you need to increase your chances of avoiding a life-altering conviction!
For more information about our murder defense services, please contact a Chicago murder lawyer at Fagan, Fagan & Davis today!