6311 Montano Rd NW
Albuquerque 87120
When a person’s actions cause someone else’s death, they may face criminal charges if there is enough evidence to indict. Homicide is the general legal term that refers to the killing of one human being by another. Manslaughter and murder are two classifications of homicide, distinguishable by whether the crime was committed with malice aforethought. If the person planned the act before committing it, they engaged in malice aforethought and can face murder charges. Without premeditation, it is considered manslaughter.
Homicide is one of the most serious criminal offenses with which a person can be charged. New Mexico laws classifies homicide into the following types:
Someone who commits homicide may not face charges under certain circumstances. For instance, if a person loses control of their vehicle on an icy roadway and hits and kills a pedestrian, their actions may not be ruled a homicide. The key is determining whether the person was engaging in a legal activity and taking appropriate precautions at the time the homicide occurred. Even if someone is charged with vehicular homicide in this case, a judge or jury ultimately would decide if their actions rose to the level of homicide.
According to New Mexico Statute Section 30-2-1, persons convicted of homicide face:
Some states have the death penalty as an option for homicide. New Mexico abolished capital punishment in 2009. It was replaced with life imprisonment and life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
New Mexico statutes define manslaughter as “the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.” With the absence of deliberateness, the crime is considered less serious than murder. Two classifications of manslaughter exist in the state:
Involuntary manslaughter is defined in two ways:
Involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Voluntary manslaughter is a killing that happens during the heat of the moment. If two men get into an argument that escalates into a physical fight that causes the death of one of them, the other can face voluntary manslaughter charges. A third-degree felony, it is punishable by up to six years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Murder in New Mexico is the unlawful killing of one human being by another without lawful justification. There are two types of murder in the state.
First-degree murder is the most serious classification. To be charged with first-degree murder, a person must:
Defendants convicted of first-degree murder have committed a capital offense. Punishment includes life in prison or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-degree murder is the go-to charge for intentional killings that do not rise to the level of first-degree murder by prosecutorial standards. They also do not fit within the legal definition of voluntary manslaughter. Engaging in behavior a person knows is likely to cause another person’s death or serious bodily harm fits into this category. For example, a person who fires a gun into a crowd could face second-degree murder charges.
Defendants convicted of second-degree murder receive sentencing for a second-degree felony, which includes up to 15 years in prison and a $12,500 fine.
Persons facing homicide charges of any degree can count on the legal expertise of Marcus Cameron. Using a public defender may be free but it may not get defendants the adequate representation they deserve. Cameron and Russell have an excellent reputation for ensuring the rights of their clients. Contact Marcus today to schedule your free consultation.
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.
500 Marquette Ave NW Suite 1200
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Office:
Monday – Friday: 9am to 6pm
The law offices of Cameron and Russell, LLC © 2020 - All rights reserved.
We are a premier personal injury law firm located in Albuquerque New Mexico,
focused on helping people get through tragedy.
Website Design and development by BK Design Solutions