Homicide
Understanding North Carolina's Homicide Laws
A conviction for first-degree murder in North Carolina carries the potential for a life prison sentence or the death penalty. In such high-stakes situations, having a capable attorney to provide a strong criminal defense is essential. Several members of our team have served as prosecutors, offering a unique perspective on how these cases unfold from both sides.
If you're confronted with a homicide charge, don't hesitate to call Seth M. Woodall & Associates.
Varieties of Homicide Charges in North Carolina
Homicide charges in North Carolina are typically subject to jury trials, so we approach the development of our client's defense with this in mind. We can assess your legal alternatives and assist you in pursuing the most favorable outcome.
Our attorneys have established a strong track record for representing clients accused of the following:
First-degree murder
Second-degree murder
Felony murder
Vehicular manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter
Penalties for Homicide in North Carolina
First Degree Murder: Classified as a Class A Felony, it carries the punishment of either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Second Degree Murder: Can be either a Class B1 Felony, which entails a minimum sentence of 192 months to life in prison, or a Class B2 Felony, with a minimum of 125 months of imprisonment.
Felony Murder: Designated as a Class A Felony, it results in either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Involuntary Manslaughter: A Class F Felony, punishable by a minimum sentence of 13 months in prison.
Voluntary Manslaughter: Classified as a Class D Felony, subject to a minimum sentence of 51 months in prison.
Vehicular Homicide: A Class F Felony, with a minimum sentence of 13 months in prison.
Many of our attorneys have prosecutorial experience, affording us valuable insights into how district attorneys prepare their cases. This positions us advantageously when constructing a defense. Our extensive legal knowledge, skills, and resources empower us to mount a robust defense for every client.
Exploring All Viable Defenses
We meticulously consider all conceivable legal defenses, encompassing claims of innocence, genuine accidents, mistaken identities, insanity, self-defense, and other mitigating factors. Our decades of representing homicide defendants enable us to assess your choices and formulate a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Should a case result in a conviction, you may need to pursue an appeal. We advocate for clients in appellate courts, possessing the expertise to effectively preserve appellate issues during trial for successful appeals.