Bristol County Homicide & Murder Defense Lawyers

Serving Clients throughout Massachusetts & Rhode Island Since 1999

Being accused of a crime involving homicide is one of the most serious crimes you can face. These crimes vary in degree and nature but all of them put you at risk for life-changing consequences such as lengthy prison terms, fines, probation, a felony record, the loss of your reputation, damage to your personal and social relationships, the loss of your livelihood and ability to support your family, and difficulties finding employment, housing, and more once you have returned to society.

In the face of such high stakes, you need an attorney who is dedicated, skilled, who commands the respect of his peers, and who has proven himself in the past with a track record of positive results. You will find all those qualifications at the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. Our criminal defense lawyer in Bristol County has more than 25 years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges in state and federal courts with superior results. He has focused much of his career on defending individuals accused of homicides ranging from vehicular homicide to first-degree murder.

Are you under investigation or have you been charged with a homicide? Contact us at (877) 444-1098 for a consultation about your case. 

Homicide & Murder Charges in Massachusetts

The general term “homicide” means the killing of another person. Under Massachusetts law, various types of homicide can be committed, not all of which are crimes. The matter of intent generally comes into play in the various forms of homicide. For example, in cases where you killed another person in self-defense who was intentionally attacking you and where you had no criminal intent, the action would not be considered homicide. However, if you pre-planned another’s death with premeditation and intent and carried it out successfully, you could be charged with murder.

The following are various types of homicide:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Felony murder
• Negligent homicide
• Manslaughter
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Vehicular homicide

First-Degree Murder in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts law, first-degree murder consists of intentionally killing someone else with premeditation, deliberation, and “malice aforethought.” This generally means planning ahead of time and involves an intent to cause death or mortal injury. It may also be a murder that is committed with “extreme atrocity and cruelty.” This type of murder generally involves extreme suffering of the part of victim and/or the grave injuries inflicted as well as what type of weapons were used. First-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder is a lesser charge than first-degree because it does not involve premeditation. This type of murder is not planned and while it does involve malice, it was not intended until the instant it occurred, which is generally in the heat of moment. It carries a penalty of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole once 15 years of the sentence has been served.

The Other Types of Homicide

Manslaughter is generally the unintentional killing of someone else. It may have occurred accidentally or through negligence. Manslaughter may be voluntary or involuntary. For example, vehicular manslaughter can occur when a drunk driver is involved in a traffic crash that results in the death of another driver, passenger, or bystander.

Negligent homicide occurs when a person acts in a negligent manner that endangers the lives and safety of others. This is often committed as vehicle homicide committed through “negligent operation.” In these offenses, negligence means that the offender did not act in a manner that a reasonably prudent individual would have done so under the same circumstances. Conviction of this crime can result in up to 15 years in prison along with hefty fines.

Turn to a Reliable Bristol County Homicide & Murder Defense Attorney

When you are facing one of the most serious crimes imaginable, you need an effective defense. You can rely on the knowledge, experience, and skills you will find at the Law Office of Frank D. Camera and Associates, P.C. We will meticulously investigate your case in search of all relevant facts that can be used in your defense and thoroughly prepare your case for trial. Throughout the entire duration of the case, we will zealously protect your constitutional rights and advocate on your behalf. Attorney Kathryn Blythe, of Counsel, handles our Rhode Island cases.

Reach out to our firm at (877) 444-1098 to discuss your case with Attorney Camera today.