If the police accuse you or a loved one of murder, you can get immediate help from a seasoned and aggressive Cleveland murder defense lawyer to handle the case. Our team at HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys can immediately step in to provide the support you need in this situation.
We have over six decades of combined experience that we can use to assist you with legal matters. You can rely on a Cleveland criminal defense lawyer to explain the steps you need to take after an arrest and to stand by you every step of the way.
Why Hire a Murder Defense Lawyer in Cleveland, OH?
Murder is the most serious offense a person can face. For taking the life of another person, you could face years in jail and even the death penalty. Facing these serious charges, you need someone on your side who will represent your best interests.
An attorney can immediately get to work on a defense strategy to handle your charges. You can also rely on our team to:
- Stand by you during legal questioning
- Protect your rights
- Monitor the police during their investigation
- Look for ways to resolve the charges you face
Our legal team is standing by now to begin providing the support you deserve.
Do You Have to Wait to Hire a Lawyer?
You never have to wait to get legal help. In fact, it is possible to hire a criminal defense attorney before the prosecution officially files murder charges. You should seek legal representation as soon as possible, including during a criminal investigation, to ensure that your rights are protected and to build a strong defense in case charges are filed.
A criminal defense attorney can advise you on your legal options and represent your interests during any questioning or legal process that may arise.
For a free legal consultation with a murder defense lawyer serving Cleveland, call 216-774-0000
How We Resolve Murder Allegations
Our criminal defense team can use several strategies to support clients facing murder accusations. Depending on your circumstances, our legal team may focus on:
Getting Your Charges Reduced
We know how to assess plea deals offered by the prosecution and may suggest you take one of these deals in some cases. However, plea bargains require you to admit fault for a less severe crime and may not always represent your best choice.
Having the Justice System Drop Your Charges
Sometimes, the court will drop a criminal charge, especially if your attorney can show that the prosecution lacks evidence. A judge may also drop your charges if we can show that the police violated your rights.
Cleveland Murder Defense Lawyer Near Me 216-774-0000
Fighting for You in Court
We’re fully prepared to fight the criminal charges you face after a murder accusation. You can rely on our criminal defense law firm to assess your situation so we can develop a personalized defense strategy.
Click to contact our Cleveland Criminal Defense Lawyers today
We Understand Murder Defenses That Work
Common defenses include self-defense on your part or on behalf of another person, or that you lacked the intent to kill someone, in which case we could argue your charges down to manslaughter. Regardless of the circumstances, you can count on our Cleveland murder defense attorneys to defend your future.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
We Help With Different Murder and Manslaughter Charges
A murder defense attorney in Cleveland can handle all forms of murder and manslaughter charges that you can face under Ohio’s laws. Regardless of the charges filed in your case, you can feel confident in leaving it to us.
Some of the most prominent and common homicide-related charges are:
Negligent Homicide (O.R.C. 2903.05)
Negligent homicide involves the accidental killing of another with a deadly weapon, such as what can arise in a hunting accident using a firearm. A conviction of this first-degree misdemeanor may result in 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A Cleveland negligent homicide lawyer can help with this charge.
Reckless Homicide (O.R.C. 2903.041)
Reckless homicide involves the unintentional killing of another due to reckless behavior that the accused knew or should have reasonably known could have resulted in a fatal injury. A conviction of this third-degree felony may result in 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. You can get professional help from a Cleveland reckless homicide lawyer after an arrest.
Murder (O.R.C. 2903.02)
Murder is the unlawful taking of someone else’s life, either intentionally or due to the consequences of a violent crime that you intentionally carried out. A conviction can result in 15 or more years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Aggravated Murder (O.R.C. 2903.01)
Aggravated murder is the killing of another with intent and premeditation, such as if someone planned to assault another person and that assault inflicted fatal injuries. A conviction of this capital offense can result in life imprisonment or a death sentence, as well as a $25,000 fine.
Take charge after an arrest with a Cleveland aggravated murder lawyer.
Voluntary Manslaughter (O.R.C. 2903.03)
Voluntary manslaughter is the killing of another with unclear intent and no premeditation, such as what might happen if someone were “killed in the heat of passion.” A Cleveland voluntary manslaughter lawyer can support you after an arrest. A conviction of this first-degree felony may result in 3 to 11 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Involuntary Manslaughter (O.R.C. 2903.04)
Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another while committing a misdemeanor or felony. This can be charged as a third-degree felony, which can result in up to 5 years in prison and more than $5,000 in fines, or as a first-degree felony, resulting in 3-11 years in prison plus fines.
You can face this charge with a Cleveland involuntary manslaughter lawyer.
Vehicular Homicide (O.R.C. 2903.06)
Vehicular homicide involves the killing of another due to the willfully negligent or reckless actions of someone who is operating or driving a motor vehicle. Vehicular manslaughter is similar but involves negligent or reckless vehicle operation. A Cleveland vehicular homicide lawyer can tell you more.
Penalties for Murder in Ohio
The state of Ohio has strict penalties for murder. It considers any purposeful taking of another person’s life or the unlawful termination of a pregnancy to be murder. Furthermore, causing the death of another while attempting to commit a violent crime that is a felony can also be considered murder.
Murder carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Aggravated murder is even worse and can result in the death penalty.
Talk to Us After an Arrest for Murder in Cleveland, OH
You can turn to our team at HMW Law—Ohio Trial Attorneys when you need legal assistance from a Cleveland murder defense attorney. We have decades of experience and the resources necessary to support you throughout the legal process.
You don’t have to wait to get help. We’re ready to take charge of legal matters today, so reach out now.
Call or text 216-774-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
