Murder is a charge that carries the possibility of severe punishment including fines, incarceration, or even the death penalty. When you face an accusation of murder, you need a lawyer with the experience to handle your case, and the commitment to see your rights protected. The attorneys of Banks & Brower are former prosecutors, including a former homicide prosecutor. When a murder charge is on the line, our attorneys have a proven track record of helping defendants get the best possible outcome.
If you were charged with murder or any other type of homicide, our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys at Banks & Brower will begin investigating your case and find the best defense for your circumstance. Call us immediately at (317) 870-0019 and schedule your free consultation.
Indianapolis Laws Against Murder
Indiana state law defines murder as the unlawful taking of human life. Additionally, you may be charged with felony murder if someone was killed while you were in the process of committing another crime including:
- Burglary
- Child molestation
- Arson
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Robbery
- Carjacking
- Drug dealing or manufacturing
Even if you did not intend to kill anyone while committing one of those acts, their death may result in an Indianapolis murder charge.
What Are The Penalties in Homicide Charges in Indianapolis?
In Indianapolis, penalties for homicide charges can vary significantly based on different circumstances and specific charges. According to Indiana Law punishment can range from imprisonment to even death.
- Murder: Being the most serious charge of homicide can result in 45-60 years in prison, but can be increased to the possibility of life without parole. In other certain cases, it can result in the death penalty.
- Voluntary Manslaughter: This charge involving killing another individual occurs in the heat of passion or due to deliberate actions. An imprisonment sentence can range from 1-20 years.
- Involuntary Manslaughter: This homicide charge involves an individual killing another individual unintentionally resulting from reckless conduct, such as a reckless driving accident. Penalties can range from 1-6 years.
- Neglect of a Dependent Homicide: If death results from the neglect of a dependent, it can hold penalties similar to involuntary manslaughter.
These penalties can vary by circumstances and factors such as prior criminal history. Also keeping in mind the eligibility for parole after serving part of a sentence can be an option as well. Contact our murder defense attorneys in Indianapolis to discuss your legal options today.
The Process of a Murder Trial in Indianapolis
The first part of a murder trial will deal with whether you are guilty of the charge. Here your attorney will present the evidence that shows your innocence of the charges, and any mitigating circumstances.
Should you be found guilty, the next phase of the murder trial is the sentencing phase.
You may be sentenced to death in a number of circumstances including:
- The murder happened in the process of committing another felony.
- The murder was planned beforehand.
- You have been previously convicted of murder.
- You were in police custody or on parole when the murder took place.
- You mutilated or tortured the victim or dismembered them.
- You intentionally fired a gun into a home or automobile.
- The victim was a police officer, judge, fireman on duty, and the murder was motivated by their job.
- The victim was under 12 years of age.
- You had been convicted of kidnapping the victim or committing a sex crime.
- The victim was a witness against you.
- The victim was pregnant, and the murder resulted in the death of the fetus.
Should any of these be true, you may be sentenced to death if convicted.
Accused of a murder or homicide? Need representation? Contact Our Indianapolis murder or homicide attorneys, we will protect your rights. Call (317) 870-0019.
The Right Attorney Makes a Difference
The attorneys of Banks & Brower will present the evidence on your behalf, and ensure that the police followed all the proper procedures in investigating and collecting evidence. In order to prove you are guilty of murder, the prosecution must prove that you committed the crime and that you intended to commit the crime.
Your homicide defense attorney will present the evidence of your innocence, or your lack of intent to kill the victim. Perhaps the deceased was the unfortunate victim of an accident that resulted in their death.
If you were being attacked by the deceased, you have the right to defend yourself. Self-defense is a defense against murder and your attorney will present the evidence showing the deceased was attacking you and you were merely defending your own life in taking theirs.
If found guilty, your attorney will present any mitigating circumstances on your behalf during the sentencing phase of your trial. If you have no prior significant criminal history, you may warrant a lesser sentence. If you were under extreme mental or emotional stress when the crime occurred, you may not have been fully aware of the circumstances, or unable to control yourself. In other cases, if you were too intoxicated to understand what was happening, you may be guilty of a lesser manslaughter charge, or may not receive as harsh a sentence.
Call Banks & Brower’s Indianapolis Murder Defense Lawyers
You have the right to legal counsel to preserve your rights when accused of murder. The Indianapolis homicide defense attorneys of Banks & Brower have the expertise to ensure you receive a fair hearing under the law. Contact us by calling (317) 870-0019 today.
