Homicide Lawyers in Clarksville

Helping You Build a Solid Homicide Defense Strategy

Being charged with homicide is a worst-case scenario, but it’s an unfortunate reality that some people face. If this is you, it’s important to understand how serious these charges are and how they can affect your future. Below, you can find information on the different kinds of homicide charges, the possible penalties, and how our firm can help.

Homicide charges are incredibly serious, and the penalties if convicted are life-changing. As soon as you even believe you are being investigated in relation to homicide, you need a criminal defense attorney. Call our office today to find out more about our criminal defense services and schedule a consultation with an attorney.

What Are the Different Types of Homicide Charges?

There are three general categories of homicide charges in the state of Tennessee: murder, manslaughter, and homicide. Murder charges can be first or second-degree. The first degree is the most serious and involves premeditation and the intentional killing of the victim. Second-degree murder is when the action was intentional, but it wasn’t premeditated. Voluntary manslaughter charges are reserved for when someone kills another person without premeditation and the action was committed in a “state of passion.”

Homicide charges can include criminally negligent homicide, vehicular homicide, and reckless homicide. All of these charges are felonies, and they all rest on the presumption that the offense was not committed intentionally. For example, vehicular homicide charges may be brought when an accident that was your fault resulted in someone’s death.

What Evidence Is Needed to Charge Someone With Homicide?

Homicide cases are extremely complex, and there’s no way to really boil down exactly what evidence is needed without knowing the specifics of the case. However, in general, there needs to be a body and a weapon to be able to move forward with homicide charges. Prosecutors must be able to prove that the alleged victim was actually killed — which is why there has to be a body. They must also show how the person was killed and be able to tie the defendant to the crime with more than circumstantial evidence. All of this must also be presented in a way that is beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Is the Penalty If Convicted of Homicide?

The penalties for a homicide conviction depend on the exact nature of the charges. For example, the penalties for first-degree murder are going to be more severe than reckless homicide. Homicide charges can carry prison sentences starting at 2 years and going all the way up to life without parole. There are also often hefty fines. In the case of a first-degree murder conviction, the state of Tennessee also has the possibility of being sentenced to the death penalty. As you can see, the sentences for a homicide conviction are severe. When you are facing these charges, you need an experienced criminal defense team on your side to fight for your rights and put forth the best defense possible.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Charged With Homicide?

If you’ve been charged with homicide, calling a criminal defense attorney should be your very first step. It’s important not to answer any questions or talk to the police until your attorney can be present. Your lawyer will talk with you privately about the circumstances of your case to determine the right strategy moving forward. It’s very important that you give your attorney as much information as possible and that all of that information is complete and truthful. Anything you say to your attorney is privileged information, and they need a complete picture to be able to decide what strategy makes the most sense for your case.

At Hibbeler & Associates, we believe that everyone is entitled to a rigorous defense, and we pride ourselves on helping our clients navigate serious criminal charges, including homicide. If you or someone you love has been charged as part of a homicide investigation, call our Clarksville law office today at 931-236-2711. We can schedule a consultation where we can discuss the details of your case and get started on your defense.