HOMICIDE/MURDER CHARGES
MICHAEL VERGIS APPEARS ON OXYGEN'S MASTERMIND OF MURDER AND SUCCEEDS AT GETTING CHARGES DISMISSED
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NORTHWEST LOUISIANA HOMICIDE DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Experienced Homicide/Murder Defense Attorney in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
Homicide crimes are the most severe crimes you can be accused of, and the consequences of a conviction can change the entire course of your life, so if you’ve been accused of murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide, a skilled Louisiana homicide defense attorney can help ensure your case has the best possible outcome.
At The Law Offices of Michael J. Vergis in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, we have the experience, skill, and commitment it takes to provide the defense you need in the face of such serious charges. The sooner you act, the better – call (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at our law firm to discuss your legal options right away.
Homicide Charges in Louisiana
Homicide refers to the unlawful killing of one person by another. While each homicide charge is a violent crime involving the loss of life, each one can vary significantly in severity, intent, and potential consequences.
Below are the various types of homicide charges in Louisiana.
First-Degree Murder
Under Louisiana law, first-degree murder is defined under La. R.S. § 14:30 as the unlawful killing of a human being with specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm, coupled with certain aggravating factors. In general, first-degree murder is considered pre-meditated murder due to the need for intent across the board.
Someone can face first-degree murder charges if, with specific intent to kill or cause great bodily harm:
- The murder occurred during the commission or attempted commission of specific felonies (e.g., armed robbery, kidnapping, or rape)
- The victim was a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other public servant engaged in their duties
- The offender had intent to harm or kill more than one person
- The victim was under the age of 12 or over the age of 65
- The murder occurred for financial gain
- The offender was trying to prevent someone from testifying in court or acting in retaliation for a person’s testimony in court
- The murder occurred while engaged in the distribution, exchange, sale, or purchase, of a Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V dangerous substance
- The murder occurred during a ritualistic mutilation, dismemberment, or torture
- The crime occurred in violation of a protective order which had been filed by the victim against the offender
It’s important to note that if the homicide occurred during the commission of another crime, the killing had to have been done with the intent to kill the victim or cause them great bodily harm.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder in Louisiana, as defined under La. R.S. § 14:30.1, is the killing of a human being under other specific circumstances that do not coincide with those required for first-degree murder.
Someone can face second-degree murder charges in Louisiana when they kill another person with specific intent to kill or cause great bodily harm, OR:
- The murder occurred during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies (e.g., armed robbery, kidnapping, or rape) WITHOUT intent to kill
- The murder occurred as a direct result of the offender distributing a Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V dangerous substance to the victim (or to another person who distributes the substance to the victim)
Manslaughter
In Louisiana, manslaughter, which is listed under La. R.S. § 14:31, is the unlawful killing of a human being in situations that do not rise to the level of murder. It includes killings committed in sudden passion or heat of the moment, immediately provoked by circumstances that would deprive an average person of self-control.
In general, they are killings that cannot fall under first-degree or second-degree murder because they cannot be pre-meditated. These killings occur immediately following provocation, so they can’t possibly be the result of prior planning.
Manslaughter also applies to deaths caused without intent to kill during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of non-violent felonies or certain misdemeanor crimes in Louisiana, as well as during the resistance to lawful arrest when the actions are unintentional. If you are charged with this crime, call an experienced Shreveport manslaughter defense lawyer like Mike Vergis today.
Negligent Homicide
Under La. R.S. § 14:32, negligent homicide is the killing of a human being by criminal negligence or by a dog or other animal when the owner is reckless or negligent in securing the animal. Criminal negligence is defined as conduct that exhibits such a disregard for the interests of others that it amounts to a gross deviation from the standard of care expected of a reasonable person. Additionally, negligent homicide in Louisiana includes vehicular homicide, which is when death results from the negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
Potential Penalties for Homicide Convictions in Louisiana
The penalties for homicide in Louisiana depend heavily on the specific criminal charge you are facing and the circumstances involved. These penalties include:
- First-Degree Murder
- Either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty
- Second-Degree Murder
- Life imprisonment without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence
- Manslaughter
- Imprisonment for up to 40 years
- If the victim is under 10 years old, imprisonment for between 10 years and 40 years
- Negligent Homicide
- Imprisonment for up to 10 years, with or without hard labor, a fine of up to $5,000, or both
- If the victim is under 10 years old, imprisonment for between 2 years and 10 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both
While these are the sentencing ranges based on Louisiana law, each homicide case is subject to the court’s discretion, and additional factors such as aggravating or mitigating circumstances may influence a person’s sentence.
It’s also important to recognize the collateral consequences of a homicide conviction, which can extend far beyond incarceration and fines. Since homicide will always result in a felony charge in Louisiana, homicide cases can result in the loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or own firearms, as well as damage personal relationships, hinder employment opportunities, and permanently tarnish an individual’s reputation.
With all this in mind, if you have been accused of homicide in Louisiana, you need the help of an experienced Shreveport violent crime defense attorney like Michael J. Vergis to defend you and your interests in the face of these severe criminal charges.
What is the Minimum Sentence for Murder in Louisiana?
The minimum sentence for murder charges in Louisiana (first-degree and second-degree murder) is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This is why it’s so important to have a criminal defense lawyer present for murder criminal charges in Louisiana.
What is the Minimum Sentence for Manslaughter in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, manslaughter charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with or without hard labor, if the victim was under the age of 10 at the time of the crime. If the victim was 10 years old or older at the time of the manslaughter, there is no minimum sentence for this crime in Louisiana.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney When Facing Homicide Charges in Louisiana
As you can see, homicide charges can result in serious, life-altering consequences, including life in prison or even capital punishment. That’s why it’s so important to have a local attorney with the right experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through the legal process and fight on your behalf, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
Homicide defense involves unique challenges, such as analyzing complex forensic evidence surrounding the case, scrutinizing witness statements for inconsistencies, and working with expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case. Experienced criminal defense attorneys like Michael Vergis will understand how to address these challenges and will be able to use their extensive knowledge of Louisiana criminal law to build a strong defense against the prosecution’s claims.
Possible Defense Strategies for Homicide Charges
There are various potential defenses that homicide defense lawyers can use, some of which include:
- The defendant acted in self-defense to protect themselves or others from imminent harm.
- The defendant did not have the intent to kill.
- The defendant has an alibi and was not at the crime scene at the time of the homicide.
- The defendant was legally insane or lacked the mental capacity to understand their actions or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense.
- The death was not intentional and resulted from an accident or unintended consequence.
- The evidence or identification of the defendant as the person responsible for the homicide is questionable.
- The defendant’s actions were reckless or negligent but did not rise to the level of murder, potentially reducing the charge to involuntary manslaughter.
- The prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Having experienced legal representation from a North Louisiana criminal defense attorney like Mike Vergis is incredibly important to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
How Michael J. Vergis Builds a Strong Defense
In order to build a strong case on your behalf, Attorney Michael J. Vergis will thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, including forensic evidence, witness statements, and any inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative. With his extensive legal experience handling criminal cases within the Louisiana criminal justice system, he’ll leverage his knowledge of local legal procedures and his relationships with experts to develop an effective defense strategy.
He’ll work with prosecutors to negotiate a favorable plea deal to secure a lesser sentence so that you can potentially avoid a homicide conviction like first or second-degree murder. If a plea deal can’t be reached, Attorney Vergis will work to prepare for your court date, developing a strong defense strategy to use in front of the judge and jury. He and his team are committed to protecting his client’s rights and securing the best possible outcome in even the most complex homicide cases.
Contact the Experienced Shreveport Criminal Defense Lawyers at The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis for Skilled Homicide Defense
If you are facing homicide charges, whether that’s a first or second-degree murder charge, negligent or vehicular homicide charge, or a manslaughter charge, it’s incredibly important to have experienced legal counsel by your side to avoid or mitigate the harsh penalties associated with a conviction.
At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, our criminal lawyers in Shreveport and Bossier City understand the high stakes a homicide case can have and the impact of the consequences on your future. That’s why our law firm takes a comprehensive approach to defending clients charged with homicide, utilizing our vast experience and legal resources to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the case. From scrutinizing forensic evidence to questioning witness testimony, we work tirelessly to build a solid defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
In addition to handling serious violent felonies, Attorney Vergis and his team also have experience handling misdemeanor crimes, as well as family law cases, estate planning matters, personal injury claims, and more.
Call our law offices at (318) 698-3724 or contact us via our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Vergis regarding your case today.
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