Virginia Beach Murder Attorney

Murder is a very serious crime regardless of where you live. However, the state of Virginia has some of the toughest laws in the nation. From life imprisonment to the death penalty, the state shows very little leniency when it comes to sentencing convicted murderers. If you have been charged with murder in the state of Virginia, you will need an experienced Virginia Beach murder attorney to represent you in court—whether you are guilty or not.

Although the term “murder” is often used to describe any act that results in the death of another individual, there are actually several different types of murder charges. Depending on the situation, a person may be charged with capital murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, or voluntary/involuntary manslaughter.

As a Class 1 felony, capital murder is reserved for the most severe homicides, such as killing a child under the age of 14, murdering a member of law enforcement, or killing a pregnant woman. You may also be charged with capital murder if the murder in question took place during the commission of a kidnapping, drug deal, rape, robbery, or other felony act.

If you are convicted of capital murder, you may be sentenced to death. Even if you manage to avoid the death penalty, you can expect your sentence to include life imprisonment, as well as a $100,000 fine.

While not quite as serious as capital murder, a first or second degree murder charge still carries hefty penalties, including a 5 to 40 year prison sentence. To constitute first or second degree murder, the murder in question must have been planned in advanced, or premeditated, and intentionally carried out.

The laws are quite vague when it comes to distinguishing what types of crimes constitute first and second degree murders. However, if the murder was intentional and planned in advanced, first degree charges will most likely be used. Second degree murder, on the other hand, is usually applied if the murder was unplanned, and the person who committed the act temporarily lost control (voluntary manslaughter may also be applied in such cases).   

In cases where a murder is committed through negligence, rather than intent, involuntary manslaughter charges may be used—for example, causing a person’s death by driving under the influence. Both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are Class 5 felonies and, if convicted, include a prison sentence of one to twenty years.

As you can see, the penalties for murder are quite steep. Due to the complexities of Virginia’s murder laws, it is important to seek help from an experienced murder attorney. As a member of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer, attorney Michael C. Tillotson knows the ins and outs of the state’s murder laws, and can use his knowledge to create a strong defense strategy for your case. Contact Mr. Tillotson today for your free consultation.