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!