Savannah GA Murder Lawyer

Murder in Georgia

 

Clearly, murder is the most serious offense on the books in Georgia and around the country, and anyone who has been charged with murder must contact a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. There is never a time when it is wise to go it alone when you are accused of a crime, but the severity of a murder charge puts it in an entirely different category, and your choice of counsel can in a literal sense by a matter of life and death.

 

In most states the more severe murder charge is first degree murder, and there is also a lesser charge of murder in the second degree. The key factor on determining whether or not a case warrants a charge of first degree murder is premeditation. First degree murder is defined as killing with "malice aforethought," meaning the individual planned in advance to willfully and deliberately take the life of another person.

 

In the state of Georgia, however, the crime of murder is not divided by these degrees. There are two types of murder in Georgia: malice murder, and felony murder. Malice murder refers to the killing of another intentionally with the aforementioned "malice aforethought." Felony murder is applied when someone is killed during the commission of a felony, such as a robbery or a rape.

 

The penalty for murder in the state of Georgia can include the death penalty or life imprisonment. Since there are many mitigating factors surrounding the taking of a life, an expert Georgia homicide attorney can analyze the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the event and devise a strategy that can often times result in a reduction of the charges.

 

If the accused feels as though he or she is innocent of the charges entirely, an experienced trial lawyer can make their case in court. However, all defense efforts hinge on the expediency of the retention of counsel so that the attorney can guide the process from the start before any incriminating testimony has been recorded. In short, if you are charged with the crime of murder, do not discuss the matter with anyone until you have retained the services of an attorney.

 

If you are suspected of or charged with murder, then contact a GA murder lawyer from the Savannah area.