Homicide

Homicide is the legal term the justice system uses to describe the act of killing another person. It is a general term that encompasses both the legal and illegal killing of another person. There are several classifications of homicide, including murder, manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter. If you or a loved one is arrested in connection with another person’s death in New Mexico, you could be facing one of these charges. The law offices of Cameron & Russell are experienced in helping clients navigate through the process of being arrested – and possibly charged – with homicide. Regardless of whether it is murder, manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter, our experienced homicide attorneys can help.

What Does It Mean If I Am Arrested or Charged With Murder in Albuquerque?

Murder is a type of homicide and is legally defined as the deliberate killing of another person through willful, deliberate, and premeditated actions. First-degree murder is considered the most serious type of homicide in New Mexico. First-degree murder charges also are warranted if:

The killing occurred during the commission of a felony
The killing resulted from extremely reckless behavior in total disregard for human life

Felony murder is the classification given to the killing of a person while a felony criminal offense is being committed. Examples of felony criminal offenses include arson, burglary, kidnapping, and sexual assault.

Second-degree murder means the person accused of committing the killing did not have any preconceived intention of carrying out the murder. Penalties for this classification of homicide are usually less severe than first-degree murder.

What is the Difference Between Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is the legal definition of a murder that occurred without premeditation or intent. “Heat of passion” crimes often fall into this category. For example, a domestic dispute that ends with one spouse shooting and killing the other would be considered manslaughter in New Mexico.

Involuntary manslaughter is the charge associated with the unintentional killing of another person. There is no premeditation or intent in the death of the other person. An example of involuntary manslaughter would be causing the death of a person you were engaged within a physical fight. If, for instance, you hit another person and they fall and strike their head and suffer injuries that cause death, that could be considered involuntary manslaughter.

There is a third type: vehicular manslaughter. A person can face this charge if their gross or simple negligence causes the death of other drivers or passengers in a motor vehicle accident.

What Kind of Sentence Can I Receive With a Homicide Charge in Albuquerque?

New Mexico abolished capital punishment in 2009, so a death sentence is off the table for persons convicted of homicide in Albuquerque. Maximum punishment can include life imprisonment. That is why it is vitally important to select a criminal defense attorney experienced in fighting homicide charges in Albuquerque. At Cameron & Russell, our lawyers have more than two decades of criminal justice experience. Our team has defended clients against felony homicides, manslaughter, and other murder charges. Contact our team the minute you are arrested for an alleged homicide so we can ensure your rights are protected.

Should I Use A Public Defender?

We advise against this option. It is not that we have anything against public defenders. Attorney Marcus Russell worked as a public defender for several years before going into private practice. There are many experienced, quality attorneys working as public defenders. That being said, you get what you pay for when it comes to criminal defense. Public defenders often are overburdened with cases, while private attorneys have the option of which criminal cases to defend. That means your case will be given the care and attention it deserves for mounting a successful defense.

Tips for Choosing the Best Criminal Defense Attorney

Most people do not keep a list of criminal defense attorneys at hand because they have no intention of ever needing their services. In the rare event you or someone you love finds yourself in the position of requiring an attorney skilled in handling homicide charges, it is important to find the best attorneys with the most experience.

Scrolling through the Internet generates results, but how many of those attorneys have successful track records defending clients against these kinds of serious criminal charges? Word-of-mouth is the best way to find a good homicide defense attorney. At Cameron & Russell, we value our reputation as knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys. We go the extra mile to offer top-notch defense services to our clients, ensuring their rights are preserved throughout the entire process.

Call Cameron & Russell for a Free Case Evaluation

Bill Russell and Marcus Cameron are the faces behind Cameron & Russell. We go the extra mile for our clients to pursue personal injury claims and provide criminal defense. We approach every case with a fresh eye to detail and the determination to represent our clients to the fullest extent the law allows. We passionately defend clients facing criminal charges, and relentlessly seek out fair compensation for personal injury claims. No matter your situation, we promise to tirelessly represent your legal needs.