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Intentional Homicide

Home » Criminal Defense » Intentional Homicide

High-Stakes, Fearless Defense Against Intentional Homicide Charges

When people come to us facing intentional homicide charges, they often feel like they are out of luck, whether they committed the crime or not. But years in prison, large fines and other life-altering consequences are not set in stone. Innocent until proven guilty may seem like a myth, but it’s real: Until a court or jury finds you guilty, you have a fighting chance.
This is especially true if you work with a law firm that isn’t afraid to fight for your freedom in court, a law firm that is constantly in the trenches, battling for the underdogs. At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., in Madison, Wisconsin, our attorneys aren’t just good at trial work; we are passionate about it. We have an outstanding reputation throughout the legal community for our success in high-profile, high-stake cases such as homicide cases.
We know that your future is on the line, and we will work hard to find every possible defense against your intentional homicide charges.

Intentional Homicide Charges: Degrees And Defenses

There are two degrees of intentional homicide charges: first and second degree. Prosecutors can charge someone with intentional homicide in the first degree if they believe the defendant intended to kill another and caused that person’s — or someone else’s — death. First-degree intentional homicide is a Class A felony. It can be reduced to second-degree homicide, or a Class B felony, if certain defenses exist, including:
  • You believed you or another person was in imminent danger of bodily harm.
  • You were attempting to prevent a felony.
  • You were provoked in a way that would cause an ordinary person to lose self-control.
  • You were coerced into committing the act out of reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily harm.
A Class B felony is still a serious charge that can lead to up to 60 years in prison — a lifetime, for many. That is why we will work hard to get your charges reduced further or possibly dismissed. If you acted in self-defense, for example, we will make sure the judge and jury know it and fully understand your side of the story.

Prepared To Take On Your Murder Defense

Not all defense lawyers are the same. When you meet with them to determine who would be the best defense attorney for you, ask them about their trial experience. Ask them if they have handled cases similar to yours. Ask them if they won those cases.

Especially in high-stakes cases like homicide defense, your defense attorney’s trial skills can be the difference between liberty and incarceration, exoneration and conviction. Most attorneys have never tried a murder case. Many others rarely make it to court. At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., we are, at our core, trial lawyers. Contact us to arrange a free 30-minute initial consultation. Call 608-237-6854 or fill out our online form.

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