Morgantown Murder Defense Lawyer
Defending Against Charges of Murder in West Virginia
A murder charge is a severe criminal offense that can lead to life or even federal prison. If you are being investigated for murder or have been arrested for murder, you need a highly experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner. At The Moore Law Firm, PLLC, our Morgantown murder defense attorney can provide aggressive, effective, and personalized legal representation.
Are you facing murder charges in West Virginia? Call The Moore Law Firm, PLLC today at (304) 521-2451 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our murder defense attorney in Morgantown!
What Is Murder?
Murder is the most severe charge in West Virginia. This crime is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought can be proven through either an express or implied threat. If the murder was committed in the heat of passion, it is considered manslaughter instead of murder.
What Are the Possible Defenses Against a Murder Charge?
Facing a murder charge can be overwhelming, but several potential defenses can be used depending on the circumstances of the case. One of the most common defenses is self-defense, which argues that the accused acted out of necessity to protect themselves or others from immediate harm. In such cases, it must be shown that the force used was reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced.
Another possible defense is mistaken identity. In some situations, law enforcement may arrest the wrong individual due to unreliable eyewitness testimony, flawed forensic evidence, or confusion at the crime scene. A thorough investigation can help establish the innocence of the accused by presenting evidence that someone else may be responsible.
Lack of intent is another defense often used in murder cases. For example, if the killing was accidental or unintentional, the charge may be reduced from murder to a lesser offense such as manslaughter. Proving that the death was a result of negligence or reckless behavior rather than intentional malice can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
In some cases, mental incapacity may be a viable defense. If the accused was suffering from a mental illness or disorder at the time of the crime and was unable to understand the consequences of their actions, it may be possible to seek an insanity defense or diminished capacity plea.
What are the Penalties for Murder in West Virginia?
The penalties for murder depend on the circumstances of the murder and whether it was premeditated or not. If the murder was premeditated, the penalties would be harsher than those for unpremeditated murder.
Penalties for murder in West Virginia include:
- First-degree murder-Life in prison without the possibility of parole
- Second-degree murder-15 years to life in prison
- Third-degree murder-10 years to life in prison
In addition, a person convicted of murder may be required to pay restitution to the victim's family, including funeral expenses and lost wages.
Contact Our Morgantown Murder Defense Attorney Today
If you are being investigated for murder or have been arrested for murder, you need a highly experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney in your corner. Our Morgantown murder defense attorney can provide aggressive, effective, personalized legal representation.
Contact The Moore Law Firm, PLLC, today to schedule a FREE consultation with our murder defense lawyer in Morgantown!
Dedicated to Client Satisfaction
At The Moore Law Firm, PLLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"He constantly reminded me not to worry about anything."Jared was wonderful in resolving my case. He was professional, kind and very reassuring during the whole process.Cathy
-
"You can’t go wrong hiring Jared!!"Despite an impossible prosecutor, as well as missing/lost evidence, Mr. Moore aggressively and diligently sorted it all outStacey and Steven
-
"No stone left unturned."Jared Moore was more than helpful during the whole process and went out of his way to make sure I not only knew what to expect at each step but also made sure all bases were covered.Jacob
-
"Jared goes above and beyond to make sure his clients are taking care of."Jared always kept the line of communication open and was very responsive if I had any questions.Jason
Case Results
A reputation for success throughout west virginia
-
Dismissal Accessory Before the Fact
-
Acquittal
A gentleman was indicted for felony charges of Threatening to Commit a Terroristic Act.
-
Acquittal
Client was charged with growing of marijuana.
-
Acquittal
Client faced charges of Brandishing a Deadly Weapon, Possession of Marijuana, Battery on an Officer, and Obstructing an Officer.
-
Acquittal
In a case that drew statewide attention, a gentleman was indicted for felony charges of Threatening to Commit a Terroristic Act and Conveying False Information of a Terroristic Act. Following a three-day trial, and destructive cross examinations of the prosecution’s key witnesses, the jury acquitted the gentleman on all charges.
