Boston Homicide Attorneys

Advocating For The Rights Of Our Clients

Homicide is one of the most severe charges that someone can face in the state of Massachusetts. Not only can you face extreme consequences, but your freedom can also be taken from you in an instant. Due to the serious nature of these charges, it is imperative to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

At Toland Law, LLC, our criminal defense attorneys have successfully represented clients charged with homicide. We understand the seriousness of these charges and have extensive experience in the Massachusetts criminal justice system. We’ll leverage our knowledge and skills to get you the most favorable outcome possible.

In our years representing clients facing violent crimes, we have faced some common questions, such as:

• What are the different types of homicide in Massachusetts?
• Can a homicide be considered a federal crime?
• What are the defenses for homicide?
• How can a homicide attorney help you?

We are happy to meet with you in a free, confidential consultation to discuss these and any other questions you may have. We’ll explain your options and help you decide the best path forward in fighting your criminal charges. Contact our compassionate, capable team of experienced criminal defense attorneys at 781-819-3647 today.

What Are The Different Types Of Homicide In Massachusetts?

In the state of Massachusetts, the two types of homicide are manslaughter and murder, and the punishments for these can vary. It’s critical to understand the nature of your charges so you can create an adequate defense. Your criminal defense attorney can meet with you to discuss the details of your homicide charges and provide legal counsel for your unique situation.

The following are some common homicide charges in Boston, MA:

• Involuntary Manslaughter – This crime happens when another person is accidentally killed, such as a careless or drunk driving incident that resulted in the death of another. While this charge may be accidental, it does not mean that the defendant will not face severe consequences. Punishments for this charge can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident, including jail or prison time. For example, an accidental death caused by a motor vehicle crash can result in up to 20 years.
• Voluntary Manslaughter – As opposed to the accidental nature of involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter is the intentional killing of another person. While the actions that resulted in the death of another person were intentional, the killing in voluntary manslaughter was not premeditated. These are commonly referred to as heat-of-passion crimes, such as a bar fight that ended with someone dying. If you are convicted, you can face up to 20 years in prison.
• Second-Degree Murder – This crime occurs when you intentionally kill someone, but the confrontation did not begin due to a physical fight or being provoked by the victim. A typical example of this crime is the non-premeditated killing of a husband or wife.
• First-Degree Murder – According to Chapter 265, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws, first-degree murder is “committed with deliberately premeditated malice aforethought, or with extreme atrocity or cruelty, or in the commission or attempted commission of a crime,” such as burglary. If you are convicted, you can face a maximum sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole.

Reach out to our Boston criminal defense attorneys today to seek legal counsel regarding your violent crime charges. We also handle drug crimes, domestic violence charges, sexual assault, and more.

Can A Homicide Be Considered A Federal Crime?

There are certain circumstances where a homicide can be considered a federal charge. This happens when the crime was committed in a location that is subject to federal jurisdiction, such as a national park. Federal crimes also constitute violent offenses, drug crimes, and other charges that occur across state lines.

When a homicide charge is brought under federal jurisdiction, there are many additional factors to consider. First, you’ll be investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI. You’ll also have to appear before a federal court, which can be extremely stressful. Finally, the judge will have to align their sentencing with federal mandatory minimum sentences that can be more severe than those for a state crime. A federal conviction can result in the same sentence as a state court, but there is one major difference. If you are convicted in federal court, there is a possibility that you could face the death penalty.

If you are facing federal crimes related to homicide or any other matter, please contact our Boston criminal defense lawyers immediately. We will get started creating a defense that matches the details of your case and ensures you are treated fairly throughout the process.

What Are The Defenses For Homicide?

The defenses that one can use for homicide are similar to defenses that can be used in other criminal cases; however, the stakes are much higher for these types of charges. Given the severity of these crimes and their punishments, you need a Boston criminal defense attorney who can conduct a thorough, detailed investigation.

The right lawyer will also have experience working with forensic evidence and expert witnesses. At Toland Law, LLC, our team offers this skill set and will craft the best defense for your unique circumstances.

Some common defenses we use in homicide cases include:

• Alibi – Having an alibi can be an effective defense. If you have access to witnesses who can corroborate your story, you may be able to persuade the jury that you were not present when the crime occurred. Even if you don’t have witnesses to your alibi, a skilled homicide lawyer can suppress evidence, such as any photo arrays or lineups that resulted in your identification. You can then argue that reasonable doubt exists.
• Self-Defense – If the murder was the result of a mutual fight, you may be able to use self-defense as an argument against your guilt, and ultimately a not guilty verdict. If an attorney can present evidence showing that the murder victim had a violent past, it will help your case even more.
• Insanity – If a defendant committed the crime while they were not in their right mind, an attorney may be able to use “lack of criminal responsibility” as a defense. You do not need to have a mental illness or defect to use this defense; a lawyer just has to prove that at that moment your mind was impaired, and your charges should be reduced.

Please don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle this important legal matter on your own. When you’re facing homicide charges or any other serious offense, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Your criminal defense attorney can analyze your unique circumstances and craft a strong defense that meets your needs.

How Can A Homicide Attorney Help You?

When you work with the top-rated criminal defense lawyers of Toland Law, LLC, we will use all of our resources to give you the best defense possible. We’ll provide legal counsel, emotional support, and aggressive representation on your behalf. You can trust us with even the most complex cases, including domestic assault, drug offenses, attempted murder, and more.

Here are some of the tools we employ to help our clients:

• Working with the best expert witnesses – These particular cases tend to involve psychiatric and medical issues. At Toland Law, LLC, we have access to the top experts in the medical and psychiatric fields and can employ these witnesses to help advocate for your rights.
• Hiring top private investigators – In homicide cases, it is essential to find and produce evidence that will maximize your chances for acquittal. Our attorneys have access to some of the best investigators in the state and will use their expertise to discover evidence that will help you win your case.
• Developing a strong defense – Creating the right defense is critical when defeating violent criminal cases in Massachusetts courts. Our legal team has access to powerful defense strategies that can minimize your sentencing or even get your case dismissed.
• Providing counsel during and after the investigation – Facing criminal charges can be stressful and may feel overwhelming. We’ll help you navigate the police investigation and legal process, including helping you avoid accidental self-incrimination.
• Negotiating strenuously on your behalf – In many cases, skillful negotiation can lead to minimized sentencing or case dismissal. We know how to protect your rights while securing a favorable outcome.
• Representing you with skill and experience – The Massachusetts criminal justice system can be incredibly complex. If your criminal case goes to the federal court, you have an even greater need for an experienced attorney who will fight for you. We’ll ensure your constitutional rights are respected while seeking a positive outcome in your favor.

What Other Criminal Cases Does Your Legal Team Handle?

At Toland Law, LLC, we have vast experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. We have the skill and dedication required to defend clients facing even the most serious criminal charges. For example, we take on violent cases, including domestic violence. We are also ready to handle drug offenses, which require delicacy due to the stigma against drug crimes.

Other Massachusetts criminal cases we handle include sexual crimes, such as indecent assault, sexual assault, child pornography, and sexual domestic violence cases. We will work tirelessly to protect your character image and prevent you from being labelled as a sex offender.

Our Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys represent clients in both state and federal court. We have vast experience handling police investigations, negotiations, and jury trials. We’ll do everything possible to minimize your sentencing and protect your rights every step of the way.

If you or a family member is facing a murder charge or any other serious crime, please reach out to our experienced lawyers today.

To Learn More, Contact An Award-Winning Homicide Law Firm In Boston, MA

If you are facing homicide charges, time is of the essence. The prosecution is probably already working to create a strong case against you. You need to contact an experienced criminal defense law firm immediately to protect your rights and get you the lowest sentencing possible. At Toland Law, LLC, our skilled lawyers will aggressively defend your rights and fight for the best outcome to your case.

The criminal defense attorneys at our law firm will carefully analyze your charges, investigate for evidence backing up your story, and guide you through the complex Massachusetts legal process. You can trust us for serious crimes, including federal cases.

To schedule a consultation with our qualified defense attorneys, contact our offices by phone at 781-819-3647 or fill out the contact form on our website.