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The offense of murder, in any form, is one of the most serious offenses known to our society and criminal system. If you face one of these charges, you will need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can navigate the intricacies of the criminal justice system, build a strong defense against your charges, and help you fight for your rights.
The attorneys at Hirsch Law Group are dedicated to protecting clients facing murder or homicide charges in Chicago. Our team has experience defending clients on serious criminal charges and understands the stakes of your case. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality legal representation and will fight aggressively for the most suitable outcome in your case.
When you are charged with murder, timing is everything. You will need a lawyer immediately. The attorneys at Hirsch Law Group have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide you with an aggressive defense. We will work hard to protect your rights and freedom.
Do not waste a moment. Even if you have not yet been formally charged, Contact the Hirsch Law Group. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you and guide you through the legal process.
In Illinois, the potential consequences of a murder conviction are severe and life-altering. Understanding these penalties is crucial for anyone facing homicide charges and further emphasizes the importance of securing experienced legal representation.
The accused acted with intent to cause great bodily harm or intended to kill and knew such acts would cause death to that person. This includes cases such as robbery when the murder occurred while a forcible felony was being committed. Conviction in Illinois of first-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 20-60 years without the possibility of an early release.
Second-degree murder is a Class 1 felony that, if convicted, carries a sentence of 4-20 years. If charged with second-degree murder, the accused acted under sudden intense passion resulting from provocation. People acting in self-defense could be charged with second-degree murder if the force used was not necessary or excessive.
Manslaughter / Reckless Homicide
Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide are both Class 3 felonies that, if convicted, carry a sentence of 2-5 years. However, if certain aggravating factors exist, the penalty can be increased to incarceration of up to 28 years.
Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone is killed accidentally due to someone’s reckless behavior.
Reckless homicide occurs when the accused was is driving a vehicle. Other factors could cause these charges to be upgraded to a Class 2 felony if aggravated factors come into play, such as the incident occurring in a school zone or the death of a police officer.
Attempt to commit first-degree murder is a Class X felony. You could be facing a life sentence depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, including aggravated factors. Read Illinois statutes on attempted murder.
If you have been accused or charged with attempted murder, this is a serious criminal offense if convicted. You will need an experienced criminal defense attorney representing you throughout all stages of the legal process, including interrogations with the police.
Hirsch Law Group is experienced in representing clients facing attempted murder charges. If you are convicted of attempted murder charges, it can affect your ability to obtain housing and employment in the future. If you have children, a judge may decide that it is in your children’s best interest not to live with you, resulting in loss of custody.
If you are operating a motor vehicle and someone is killed, you could be charged with vehicular homicide. Vehicular homicide isn’t limited to the death of other passengers; it also includes the death of pedestrians and bystanders involved in the incident. The sentence for vehicular homicide ranges from 2–5 years in prison. Penalties may become more severe if other charges are filed, such as aggravated DUI if alcohol is involved.
Those who are survived by a vehicular homicide victim can pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation of the following:
Funeral costs
Medical expenses
Loss of income
Loss of consortium
If you are facing vehicular homicide charges or are survived by a victim of vehicular homicide, call Hirsch Law Group immediately for aggressive legal representation. Our Chicago criminal defense attorney will tirelessly protect your rights and defend you against accusations. Having an experienced attorney present can make all the difference in your case.
Proving innocence is the most challenging aspect of defending a murder case. Your defense attorney will need to build a strong argument and use all available evidence to support your case. This may include:
An alibi is a defense where the defendant can prove their whereabouts at the time of the crime. For example, if the defendant was at a different location or with other people during the time of the murder, this could be used as evidence to prove their innocence. Receipts, surveillance footage, or witness testimonies can support this.
In certain situations, self-defense can be used as a defense against murder charges. If the accused believed their life was in danger and used force to protect themselves, it could be argued that they acted in self-defense. This defense requires evidence of imminent danger and the necessary amount of force used to defend oneself.
Similar to self-defense, if the accused used force to protect another person from harm, this could be used as a defense against murder charges. This will require evidence of imminent danger to the other person and the necessary use of force to protect them.
In some cases, an insanity defense may be used in a murder case. If the defendant was not in their right state of mind when committing the crime, they may not be held fully responsible for their actions. This defense requires extensive psychological evaluation and expert testimony.
If the accused did not have the intent to cause harm or death, this could be used as a defense against murder charges. This may apply in cases where the death was accidental or occurred during a non-violent act. Evidence such as witness testimonies, character witnesses, and past behavior can support this defense.
Securing a plea bargain can significantly reduce the severity of charges faced by a defendant. In cases involving first-degree murder, experienced attorneys may negotiate with prosecutors to lower charges to second-degree murder or manslaughter. This often involves demonstrating mitigating factors such as a lack of premeditation, intense emotional provocation, or acting in self-defense under excessive force.
For example, Illinois law distinguishes first-degree murder from second-degree murder based on provocation or sudden passion. A successful plea could reduce a potential sentence of 20-60 years to 4-20 years, saving decades of imprisonment. Similarly, in cases of manslaughter or reckless homicide, presenting evidence of diminished culpability can lead to a Class 3 felony sentence of 2-5 years.
With thorough preparation and persuasive argumentation, a skilled legal team can often achieve outcomes that balance justice with fairness for the accused.
Facing a murder charge can be an overwhelming experience, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Having an experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer by your side can help you through this challenging time, ensuring your rights are protected and fighting for a fair outcome. Here’s why quality representation from Hirsch Law Group matters in such cases:
Professional Guidance: We have extensive experience handling complex murder cases, providing professional guidance throughout the legal process.
Strong Defense: Our Chicago criminal defense lawyers work tirelessly to build a robust and aggressive defense, challenging evidence and finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Former Prosecutors: Our attorneys are former prosecutors with an intimate knowledge of the criminal justice system and a deep understanding of negotiating successfully for favorable outcomes.
Client Advocacy: We understand that your freedom is at stake, and we will fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure a positive outcome.
At Hirsch Law Group, we understand the serious nature of criminal charges and are dedicated to providing our clients with superior legal representation. We will guide you through the criminal process and provide the detailed advice and information necessary to make informed decisions about your case.
We have defended murder cases successfully. They are the most important cases we handle because the outcome can cause someone to spend the rest of their life in jail. In Illinois, anyone convicted of murder is not entitled to an early release for good behavior.
Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly scrutinize every piece of evidence, cross-exam witnesses, and call in expert witnesses to defend each client aggressively. If your case goes to trial, Hirsch Law Group will provide a quality criminal legal defense by experienced attorneys. We will build a solid defense and fight for your freedom. The consequences of murder charges are severe, so it is essential to have skilled attorneys on your side.
Visit our law offices today for a consultation and let our award-winning legal counsel work for you. We will provide compassionate support, aggressive representation, and comprehensive guidance every step of the way. Let our Chicago criminal lawyer help you navigate through this difficult time and fight for your rights.
