Michigan Murder Defense Lawyers

Learn What You Need to Know About Second Degree Murder in Michigan From Our Defense Attorneys

When it comes to Michigan criminal law, second degree murder is among the most serious charges a person may face. Not only are the penalties life-changing, but the complex legal process can make the accused person feel lost and hopeless.

Having knowledgeable murder lawyers behind you can mean the difference between enjoying your freedom and spending years behind bars. Gentry Nalley’s Michigan murder defense lawyers understand every aspect of second degree murders and are ready to provide you with a strategic, aggressive defense.

Understanding Second-Degree Murder in Michigan

In the eyes of Michigan law, second degree murder takes place when someone intentionally kills another person but without premeditation.

This may take place in a variety of ways. For example, a person may kill someone in a fit of rage or while committing a reckless act. In any case, they killed a person on purpose but without planning it in advance.

The biggest difference separating second degree murder from first degree is that these murders involve a perpetrator that did not arrange matters ahead of time to kill someone. Instead, the murder took place spur of the moment, without allowing themselves time to calm down and think matters through.

Common Examples of Second Degree Murder in Michigan

Some may struggle to know exactly what constitutes second degree murder, since it is closely linked to first degree murder but without premeditation.

To give you a clearer understanding, take a look at these common examples of second degree murder:

Bar Altercation: A fatal fight or altercation in a bar where the accused did not plan the act in advance
Domestic Dispute: An unplanned, intentional killing during a heated domestic dispute
Reckless Driving: A person intentionally causes a fatal accident through reckless driving but did not plan the incident beforehand

If you need help understanding your second degree murder charges, let the defense lawyers at Gentry Nalley use their decades of experience to answer any questions as they provide insightful legal representation.

How Michigan Punishes Second Degree Murder

The state of Michigan views second degree murder as a very serious offense, even though it was committed unintentionally. If the prosecution is able to convict someone of second degree murder, an individual may face varying years of imprisonment or even a life sentence, but with the possibility of parole.

The penalties decided by the court will be based on various contributing factors of the case, such as the presence of any aggravating circumstances or other aspects that may have had an impact on what took place.

Steps to Take if You’re Charged with Second Degree Murder in Michigan

How you handle charges of second degree murder in Michigan can make a major impact in how your case is decided in court. In order to avoid a heavy punishment which may include a life sentence, it’s crucial that you take these important steps:

Get Experienced Legal Representation
Before you do anything else, immediately seek legal help from Gentry Nalley’s defense lawyers. This may include using your one phone call if you’ve been taken into custody or alerting a family member to contact us. This is to protect your rights and prevent information from being used against you by the prosecution.
Understand and Assess the Charges
Work closely with our defense attorneys to understand the specific charges brought against you. Knowing the elements of the charge is an essential step to develop potential defenses and counter them.
Gather Any Evidence
Our murder lawyers will want to collect any evidence that helps your defense. This evidence can include statements from witnesses, proof of an alibi, or any factors that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
Prepare for Legal Proceedings
These may include arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and a potential trial. Gentry Nalley’s legal team will guide you through each step of the entire legal process as they protect your rights, build the strongest possible defense, and find any flaws in the prosecution’s case against you that can be used to reduce your charges or even have the case dismissed.

Along with taking these important steps, it’s important that you avoid unintentionally providing anything that could be used against you in court. Taking these steps will help you keep clear of making any mistakes:

Do not resist arrest. Never struggle with law enforcement or try to escape.
Do not provide any information aside from your name, address, contact information, fingerprints, and the name of your attorney.
Do not answer any questions, agree to any accusations or deals, or share any details of your case with anyone until you have one of our defense attorneys with you. Regardless of what questions they ask you, politely say, “I would like to speak with my attorney.”
Unless your attorney advises you to do so, do not consent to anything that may provide evidence against you. This includes searches, tests, DNA samples, or other means of investigation.

Michigan Laws That Impact Second Degree Murder Cases

Our murder lawyers have used various Michigan laws and statutes to successfully defend countless clients like you against second degree murder charges.

Here are some of the more important Michigan statutes that have a direct impact on second degree murder charges:

Michigan Penal Code 750.317: This is a definition of second degree murder according to Michigan law. It also outlines the elements that prosecutors must prove to secure a conviction against you.
Michigan Penal Code 777.11 et seq.: This provides a framework for sentencing in Michigan. Michigan judges will use this to determine appropriate sentences based on the nature, severity, and factors surrounding a second degree murder charge.

A Proven Defense Against Second Degree Murder Charges

Having successfully faced prosecuting attorneys for decades, the defense attorneys at Gentry Nalley know the common tactics that they often use, how these tactics are supposed to work, and how to defend our clients against them.

A proven approach our defense lawyers use is to strategically call evidence into question, which makes that evidence inadmissible and therefore unusable against you. This can have a major impact when determining the level of punishment you are to receive, as well as potentially reducing your second degree murder charge to manslaughter or even having the charges dropped.

In order to accomplish this, we use all of the resources available to us. These resources enable us to gather the facts and present them in the right way and at the right time to have maximum impact on the prosecution’s case against you.

Michigan Murder Lawyers With the Resources to Successfully Defend Your Case

Since even the smallest detail can be pivotal in a second degree murder case, you need a proven legal team with the determination, experience, and resources necessary to investigate your case and build a solid defense.

The murder lawyers at Gentry Nalley will use our many resources and legal connections available to defend you against your second degree murder charges. We won’t rest until we acquire every possible piece of evidence while also examining any applicable law or legal precedent to gain an advantage over the prosecution.

Murder Defense Attorneys Ready to Provide the Legal Help You Deserve

A second degree murder charge can have devastating effects on anyone, regardless of what happened. Let Gentry Nalley’s murder attorneys provide the legal help you deserve by carefully developing a legal strategy to create the best outcome possible.

Not only will we work day and night to provide you with the best possible defense, but a member of our legal team will also walk with you through each step of the legal process and provide regular updates on your case to provide the support and help you need.

Get Help From Our Michigan Second Degree Murder Defense Lawyers Today

Our Michigan defense attorneys are ready to help you if you’re facing second degree murder charges.

Let our legal team personally assess your situation in order to create the best defense possible for you.

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.