Murder Defense in Birmingham, AL

The legal team at ZJP Law LLC understands the gravity of a homicide or murder charge. We are well-aware of the life-changing, anguishing results of a criminal conviction. Irrespective of the specific circumstances of your case, we are here to offer you strong, steadfast legal defense.

We have in-depth knowledge and extensive experience handling complex criminal cases. Our clients recognize us for our legal excellence and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes in every case.

We understand that the stakes are very high when you face a murder conviction or you are under scrutiny on charges of murder. It is vital to ensure that you do not address any questions from law enforcement unless your attorney is present to protect your best interests and rights.

In cases where other factors or crimes were involved with the alleged offense, the above is particularly important. According to the unique circumstances of the case, there could be additional consequences involved with a murder that took place while another crime was committed simultaneously.

The laws in Alabama provide for very severe consequences for a murder conviction, and the death penalty is also allowed in certain circumstances. People convicted of a felony murder could face even more severe penalties. A felony murder refers to a murder that occurred along with another felony, such as rape, arson, kidnapping, burglary, or robbery.

For people facing murder charges in Alabama, it is important to understand that there are various types of murder charges under state law. Capital murder is the most serious of these murder charges, and this offense results in either the death penalty or a life term without the possibility of parole.

In general, the charges of capital murder accompany other conviction charges such as robbery, burglary, or kidnapping. In capital murder cases, two trials are involved: one to determine guilt and another trial for sentencing.

Manslaughter

The murder classification of manslaughter is less serious than capital murder. A person is likely to be charged with manslaughter when they committed a murder in an impassioned state and before they had an opportunity to calm down.

A charge of manslaughter can also be brought when the accused behaved in a negligent manner, but not with utmost indifference to human life. Manslaughter is a Class B felony with penalties of up to 20 years of jail time.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

An individual faces charges of criminally negligent homicide when they were "criminally negligent." Negligence refers to unreasonable recklessness. For instance, a failure to act to stop death could be classified as criminally negligent.

Criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor that carries penalties of up to one year behind bars. The perpetrator can also be charged for DUI homicide, a Class C felony which carries a potential jail sentence of up to ten years.

Attempted Murder

Various situations, such as a fight that got out of control, can lead to charges of attempted murder. People who face attempted murder charges in Alabama can potentially receive a variety of punishments, for instance, extended incarceration sentences.

The gravity of the charges makes it vital for individuals in Alabama who face murder charges to hire a skilled and seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Besides, there are some key pieces of information that people must know regarding attempted murder charges under Alabama law.

Demonstrable Intent to Kill Requirement

It must be shown that the accused had the "intent to kill" another person for them to be convicted of attempted murder in Alabama. In many cases, it is especially challenging to prove this aspect. Criminal charges can result from threatening to kill someone with a dangerous weapon, but merely brandishing a lethal weapon is usually inadequate to prove that the accused had the intent to kill.

A skilled lawyer can help the client build a robust defense against accusations of intent to kill. The other party will try hard to prove that the accused possessed the intent to kill in numerous ways, including how easily the actions of the accused could have caused death, whether the accused made any plans about committing a murder, and the lethality of the weapon that was used.

For charges of attempted murder to be made, it must be shown that a person made an "overt" (outward) act towards performing the murder. The mere planning of a crime is insufficient to satisfy the requirement of an Overt Act. Rather, opposing attorneys must prove than a person took physical actions in planning to kill another.

Many people are successfully able to defend against the charges of attempted murder by showing that they did not take any physical actions to cause another's death. However, opposing legal counsel will try to contend that any action associated with the attempted murder charge fulfills this requirement.

Upon scheduling your initial consultation at the law offices of Zach Peagler, you will meet an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the charges. We approach murder defense in a number of ways, including:

• Self-defense
• Insanity or reduced mental capacity
• Absence of intent to kill
• Defense of a loved one

At the Zach Peagler Law Firm in Alabama, a seasoned legal team will investigate each case in a comprehensive manner, finding loopholes where the prosecution or law enforcement have made mistakes or have insufficient proof. We focus on such limitations, building a robust case around solid facts to obtain a favorable outcome for our clients.

Our legal team optimally uses the significant resources available to them, such as private investigators who will probe every facet of the case beyond the point of the police investigation. This includes a comprehensive surveillance footage review, analysis of forensic evidence, and the primary circumstances leading to the incident as well as the location of key witnesses.

You will be equipped with the information necessary to make the right decisions about your lawsuit, including whether to seek a negotiated plea, dismissal of the charge, or a trial. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Zach Peagler understand the seriousness of the charges against you. We will work hard to create a robust and meaningful defense for you. To schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case, call us today at 205-871-9990.