A Homicide Lawyer Grand Rapids, MI Residents Choose
You may never have expected that one day you would be charged with homicide and need the services of a homicide lawyer defending Grand Rapids, MI. For this reason, coupled with the circumstances of what happened, you may be overwhelmed with fear and other emotions. Making important decisions during this difficult time may be asking too much of yourself, in particular when it comes to protecting your legal rights. As a homicide lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI might tell you, the judicial system is rarely compassionate toward those who have been charged with willfully and intentionally killing another person. This is true whether or not the accused actually committed the crime. Those you interact with behind bars will also not likely be a source of support. Your best interests and legal rights can be supported and protected by a homicide lawyer at Blanchard Law in Grand Rapids, MI.
What will happen if I am charged with homicide?
In Grand Rapids MI, if you are charged with homicide, it’s important to hire a lawyer at the very beginning of the legal process. Regardless of the exact type of homicide or murder charges you are facing, without an experienced lawyer by your side, your rights may be violated. You could receive the maximum punishment after a conviction. If you are out on bail, or your loved one is being held while awaiting charges, contact us at Blanchard Law in Grand Rapids MI to speak with our homicide lawyer. The sooner our lawyer can begin speaking on your behalf, the sooner you can begin planning for your future.
What are the various types of homicide charges?
In Michigan, there are several types of homicide charges. And though you may initially be charged with one type of homicide in Grand Rapids MI, your lawyer from Blanchard Law may be able to negotiate a lesser charge. Michigan does not have a vehicle homicide statute like other states when a motorist kills someone while driving. However, if a motorist kills someone while they are driving, the driver can be charged under general homicide laws. In fact, they might be charged with second degree murder or manslaughter. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be charged with one or more of the following types of homicide charges:
- First degree murder. This type of murder charge demands that the defendant planned the murder and then carried it out.
- Second degree murder. This type of murder charge does not demand that the defendant planned the murder and then carried it out. As our homicide lawyer in Grand Rapids MI might explain, this is a charge that is often associated with murders of “passion” or spontaneous violence.
- Operating a motor vehicle while impaired. A motorist may be charged with this form of homicide and with additional penalties if any of the following is true:
- They tested positive for a blood alcohol concentration of at least .08%
- They tested positive for a Schedule One controlled substance in their body
- They were so impaired by alcohol or drugs that they could not function as normal
- They were visibly impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving. The State of Michigan considers reckless driving as operating a vehicle without regard to others’ safety or other’s property. In addition, the driver’s actions were intentional, not accidental, and though they understood the possible ramifications of their behavior it did not stop them. When defending you, your Grand Rapids MI homicide lawyer from Blanchard Law may dispute these factors.
- Manslaughter. Our Grand Rapids MI homicide lawyer defends those charged with manslaughter for allegedly killing someone while operating a motor vehicle in a negligent way. The prosecutor must prove that the driver acted in this way, even though they knew that it might be risking for other persons.
- Second degree murder. A driver who kills someone while operating a motor vehicle in a way that showed they knowingly created a scenario in which someone might be killed or injured because of their actions.
If you or someone you care about was charged with murder, contact us to discuss the case with our Grand Rapids MI homicide lawyer.
Public Defenders Versus a Respected Homicide Defense Lawyer in Michigan
Many people understand that if they cannot afford to hire a lawyer to represent them, then the Court will provide them with a public defender. However, what many do not understand is that most people do not qualify for a public defender because their income is over a certain amount. If you were hoping to get a free lawyer, you might be disappointed if you are told that you must hire a homicide defense lawyer. Consider this: the average public defender is overworked and provided with little to no resources to research and build a client’s defense case. In fact, it’s not unusual for a public defender to appear at a client’s first hearing and not even know their client’s name much less any details about their case. For them to develop a solid defense strategy for each of their clients may be an unrealistic expectation. At Blanchard Law, we purposely maintain a caseload that is manageable for each of our attorneys so that we can provide our clients with the focus they deserve. If you or a loved one was charged with homicide, talk to our homicide lawyer for Grand Rapids, MI during a free consultation to learn if we can help you.
Examining the Evidence
In hiring our homicide defense lawyer at Blanchard Law, you can feel confident that every aspect of your case will be closely reviewed. This includes the circumstances and events surrounding the homicide for which you were charged. For you to be convicted, there must not be reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors that you committed the crime. Some of the aspects of your case that might be questioned by your Grand Rapids, MI homicide lawyer might include any of the following:
- Questioning the witnesses in what are referred to as depositions. A deposition is a recorded interview who responds to questions while under an oath to tell the truth. Anything they say can be used in court.
- Independent testing of evidence such as ballistics, blood, and fingerprints found at the scene of the crime.
- Establishing the timeline of events leading up to the crime and who may have been present.
Protect Yourself if Charged with Homicide
If you were charged with murder, contact Blanchard Law without delay to speak with an experienced homicide lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI who can review your case at no charge.