Minnesota Homicide Defense Lawyers

Arneson and Geffen, PLLC handle all arrests related to homicide offenses including first degree murder, second degree murder, third degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, first degree manslaughter, second degree manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide.

Murder, Manslaughter and Homicide

Many people are confused about these three terms. All of them have to do with the killing of another person but what does each criminal conviction actually mean? Simply put, when a person kills another person, this is classified as homicide. Both murder and manslaughter can fall under the umbrella of homicide. However, murder has the intent to kill while manslaughter means that the homicide happened without intention, either voluntary or involuntary. Although both are considered serious offenses under the state of Minnesota, a murder conviction is most certainly a lot worse. In fact, most murder convictions come with 25 years to life in prison.

Murder and Homicide Convictions

There are three different degrees of murder. First degree murder occurs when the death is premeditated with the intent to kill, during a sexual or domestic assault, during a burglary, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, arson or shooting or of a minor while committing child abuse.

Second degree murder occurs when the cause of death is without premeditation but with intent. Third degree murder occurs when the cause of death is committed without regard for human life but outside first and second degree murder restrictions, without premeditation and without intent but by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others.

Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter occurs during a heat of passion death where the defendant may have the intent to cause death or serious injury but this intent is not premeditated and is in response to a certain situation. For example, killing someone in self defense can be classified as voluntary manslaughter.

Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, involves an accidental death, usually due to negligence or disregard. Most criminal vehicular homicide cases are classified as involuntary manslaughter.

Criminal Vehicular Homicide

Criminal vehicular homicide charges may be laid if you kill someone while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, during a hit and run or when driving a vehicle that was known to be defective.

Facing Homicide Convictions

Regardless of whether you are facing manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide or murder charges, all three are considered felony offenses and come with extreme consequences including long-term prison sentences and hefty fines. Furthermore, a homicide conviction will remain on your criminal record which can negatively impact your life even after you have served your sentence.

Criminal Defense Lawyers Minneapolis

Arneson & Geffen, PLLC handle all homicide offenses, including manslaughter and murder charges and can provide you and your family with the aggressive representation, dedicated legal assistance and a sound defense that will make all the difference to your case. Contact one of our skilled attorneys by calling 612-465-8581 for a free consultation.

Minneapolis Criminal Lawyer & Defense Attorney

Arneson & Geffen, PLLC represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.