Colorado Homicide Lawyer

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, murder and manslaughter are legally distinct homicide charges under Colorado criminal law:

• Murder involves the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. First and second-degree murder charges require
• Prosecutors to prove the accused acted with intent and malice. Premeditation must be proven for a first-degree murder conviction.
• Manslaughter does not involve intentional homicide. Voluntary manslaughter involves knowingly causing a death due to provocation or heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter stems from a reckless or negligent act leading to an accidental death.
• Murder is a more serious felony charge than manslaughter.
• Manslaughter does not require proof of malice or premeditation.
• Manslaughter can result from accidental deaths, while murder cannot.
• Manslaughter convictions result in shorter prison sentences than murder.

Because the stakes are so high, working with an attorney who understands these distinctions is critical when facing homicide allegations. The defense lawyers at Right Law Group can challenge a murder charge and work to get manslaughter charges if appropriate based on the circumstances.

Have You Been Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Colorado?

A specific type of homicide charge that our firm frequently defends against is vehicular homicide. Under C.R.S. 18-3-106, you may face criminal charges if you cause the death of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, engaging in reckless driving, participating in a drag race on a highway, or eluding or attempting to elude police.

There are often defenses in vehicular homicide cases that an experienced DUI lawyer can raise on your behalf:

• The accident was not your fault, and you were not reckless. For example, weather or road conditions contributed.
• There are doubts about whether drugs or alcohol impairment caused the accident.
• Procedural errors occurred, such as a lack of probable cause for blood testing.
• You were not the driver, and misidentification occurred.

The defense lawyers at Right Law Group have successfully defended numerous vehicular homicide charges by carefully examining the evidence and building a strong defense. If you face such charges, do not leave your fate to chance. Contact our Colorado Springs, Castle Rock or Highlands Ranch law offices immediately to schedule your free case evaluation.

What to Do if You Are Questioned or Arrested for Homicide in Colorado

If questioned by police about a homicide or arrested on homicide charges, we recommend the following:

1. Remain silent and politely decline to answer any questions. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you.
2. Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately. Do not say anything more or sign any documents without counsel present.
3. Do not try to explain what happened or make excuses. Wait to tell your side of the story to your attorney once retained.
4. Cooperate with the booking process and avoid resisting officers.
5. If released on bond, follow all instructions from the court to avoid additional charges or bail revocation.
6. Immediately contact our Colorado Springs criminal defense law firm to schedule a free consultation.

The homicide defense lawyers at Right Law Group understand how to protect your rights during a homicide investigation and trial. Do not say anything to the police before first speaking with a defense lawyer. We will handle communications with investigators to avoid any damaging statements.

How a Skilled Homicide Attorney Can Defend Your Rights

Facing any type of homicide charge in Colorado can feel terrifying. However, an aggressive criminal defense lawyer can analyze the prosecution’s case, identify weaknesses, and build a strong defense to either get charges reduced or dismissed.

A dedicated homicide attorney will:

• Thoroughly examine all evidence, from D.N.A. and blood samples to witness testimony and police reports. Weaknesses in the prosecution’s physical evidence or witness accounts can be exploited.
• Work to get certain evidence or testimony excluded from trial. Violations of your rights or sloppy police work can make evidence inadmissible.
• Develop alternative theories for what occurred. Question eyewitness reliability. Highlight reasonable doubt.
• Engage in discussions with the prosecutor to seek charge reductions when deemed suitable. For example, a voluntary manslaughter charge may be negotiated down to involuntary manslaughter.
• Prepare necessary expert testimony. Expert witnesses can weaken the prosecution’s version of events.
• Advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain or take your case to trial. An experienced attorney will know which route is likely to produce a favorable outcome.

The right legal advocacy can mean the difference between a long prison sentence and your charges being dismissed or reduced. Hiring a homicide lawyer with specific experience defending these complex cases is key.