Known to some as the murder capital, Chicago can be brutal and homicides are on the rise. Murder and Homicide are some of the worst types of crimes with life-altering penalties. Facing such a serious charge can be scary, especially when you are innocent. Not every person who is charged with homicide is guilty. Circumstances and statements can be skewed to make the charges stick when there is evidence to the contrary. That is why you can not leave your future in the hands of just any defense attorney. The Chicago homicide attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter have the resources and knowledge to fight tooth and nail for your freedom. These are not charges to play with and scheduling an initial consultation is crucial to your success and freedom.
Prosecutors need to prove without a reasonable doubt that you (the defendant) killed the victim without justification. The defendant must have intended to kill the individual or had the intention to cause great bodily harm. It must also be known that the act would cause death or harm. This means it was not accidental. Every situation is different and penalties are based on what happened during the altercation. The death penalty was repealed in 2011 and therefore is no longer a penalty for first-degree murder. A separate sentencing hearing is made for those convicted of murder or homicide. During sentencing, a judge will take into consideration all of the factors that contributed to the crime. The sentence can range anywhere from 20 to 60 years. This can seem a bit vague which is why our homicide attorneys know this and know how to avoid getting to this point. Aside from first degree murder, there is also second degree murder which has a 4 to 20 year possible sentence. Involuntary manslaughter is when you unintentionally killed someone and can be classified as a Class 3 felony. Lastly, there is reckless homicide which involves the use of a motor vehicle. Every case is different and requires the expertise of a Chicago homicide attorney to determine the best force of defense.
When a person faces homicide or murder charges, they immediately think their life is over. This is not true. There are viable defenses we can use like insanity, intoxication, self-defense, lack of intent and lack of knowledge. These are not the only defenses available. Our team will look closely at your case and weigh out every possible defense. We have heavyweight attorneys on our team who have represented many high profile clients. Our Chicago homicide attorneys have represented men and women in the Chicagoland area. We strive to build a rock-solid defense that will place you in the best position to succeed. Contact the offices of Okabe & Haushalter today for a case evaluation. Your life and freedom are on the line, do not leave it in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer.