Michigan Murder Lawyers

Experienced Michigan Homicide Attorneys

When you’re faced with Michigan murder charges, the stakes are too high to trust your future to just any legal team. You want the absolute best criminal defense attorney in your corner, ready to mount an aggressive and knowledgeable defense.

Gentry Nalley has more criminal defense litigation and appeals experience than most law offices. With over four decades of combined experience in criminal and civil law, our team has unparalleled insight into the functioning of the justice system, which we leverage for every client facing homicide charges. Every defense strategy benefits from our personal eye for detail and legal nuances that regularly lead to successful resolutions. No murder charges are too difficult or complex. Gentry Nalley is who you need to call when your future is in jeopardy from any level of homicide charges in Michigan.

Michigan First Degree Murder Charges

Charges of first-degree murder in Michigan are punishable by life in prison with no possibility of parole. Michigan law does not allow a death sentence; although, certain murder cases can be tried under Federal statutes, which do carry the possibility of the death penalty. First-degree murder charges in Michigan demand a thorough, competent and aggressive team.

Proving a charge of first-degree murder requires the prosecution to establish beyond any reasonable doubt that the accused thought out and planned the homicide before the event took place. This is known in legal circles as pre-meditation. Without very specific evidence, this is extremely difficult to prove. Gentry Nalley uses every strategic defense tactic available to discredit evidence that can be used to prove this level of homicide charge.

There are also other categories of first-degree murder that have special circumstances:

  • Felony murder (pre-meditated or non-pre-meditated) involves taking a life while committing another felony charge.
  • Murder of a peace officer involves knowingly taking the life of a law enforcement or conservation officer while in uniform and performing their duty.

Learn How Our Attorneys Can Help With Michigan First Degree Murder Charges »

Michigan Second Degree Murder

Charges of second-degree murder in Michigan are punishable by varying numbers of years in prison. The sentence is determined by the trying court and depends on important factors in the case.

Second-degree murder is an unplanned, but intentional taking of another person’s life, or any death that results from actions or neglect resulting from a disregard for human life. The primary difference from first degree murder is the factor of pre-meditation.

Delivery of a schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance that causes a death can also be considered a second-degree murder and can possibly result in life imprisonment.

Gentry Nalley attorneys know how specific circumstances can change the entire nature of a homicide case. Our knowledge of the courts and how they operate works in your favor. We work with you to explain your actions and showcase mitigating circumstances that can possibly reduce your sentence, or the level of charges against you.

Learn How Our Attorneys Can Help With Michigan Second Degree Murder Charges »

Michigan Manslaughter Lawyers

Many people are surprised that Michigan does not clearly define what constitutes manslaughter. Instead, manslaughter charges are divided into two separate categories: voluntary and involuntary.

  • Voluntary Manslaughter is an intentional homicide that does not include premeditation.
    For example, the accused may have allegedly become “emotionally charged” and caused the death of the deceased in a fit of anger without a period of reflection for cooling off.
  • Involuntary Manslaughter is where the homicide was purely unintentional.
    An example would be if a person was accidentally killed due to the reckless or careless actions of another person.

How manslaughter charges are greatly affected by the surrounding circumstances, which could result in up to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine.

Let the Michigan manslaughter lawyers at Gentry Nalley provide you with the best defense against manslaughter charges. We’ll make every effort to mitigate the impact of what took place to reduce charges or sentencing.

Find out how our Michigan manslaughter lawyers will guide your case »

“Heather Nalley is an amazing attorney. Heather was always there for me when I needed her. She answered all of my questions with ease and explained everything to me every step of the way. I highly recommend her law firm. Thank you, Heather, for everything you did for me.”

– Jill Katon

What You Should Do When Facing Homicide Charges in Michigan

When you are facing homicide charges in Michigan, you have no friends outside of your legal defense team. Follow these recommendations to safeguard your rights:

  1. Do not talk to anyone without your attorney present. Be polite, courteous and cooperative, but do not answer any questions or agree to anything. All you should ever say is, “I would like to see my attorney.”
  2. Do not share details of the case or events with anyone, verbally or in writing or electronically, including family. All communications can be used against you.
  3. Do not consent to anything without the advice of an attorney. This includes searches, tests, DNA samples or other means of investigation.
  4. Do not resist arrest. Never struggle or attempt to escape the police. Always inform them calmy that you require an attorney present before you will answer any questions.
  5. The only information you should provide police without consent from your attorney is your name, address, contact information and fingerprints. You should also provide them with the name of your attorney.
  6. Get an attorney as quickly as possible. Use your one allowed telephone call to contact us at Gentry Nalley. If you must call a family member, do not share anything with them about the case, and have them contact us immediately.

Contact Our Michigan Murder Lawyers Today

If you’re facing homicide charges or want to appeal a criminal or civil case that did not go your way, we’d be happy to talk with you about your case.

Get in touch with us by calling (517) 552-4092 or use our contact form.

Get the Legal Help You Need From Experienced Attorneys

Contact our Michigan criminal defense attorneys today for a free consultation. Use our contact form or call (517) 552-4092.