When one person kills another, it is assumed that a crime has been committed, and the degree of the crime will be determined by law. Each state has a different way of looking at the laws regarding the taking of a human life, and the penalties are administered accordingly. A criminal law attorney in Gonzales, LA is well-versed in the laws regarding the killing of another person and wants potential defendants to know what they are up against. Here is a look at Louisiana law regarding the killing of another individual.
Understanding Louisiana Law Regarding Killing an Individual
When it comes to classifying how a person is killed, the laws look at 1st-degree murder, 2nd-degree murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, and vehicular homicide. For murder in the 1st degree, the defendant intended to kill the victim and was in the act of committing another felony. The penalties for this act will be either life in prison or capital punishment, which would take a unanimous decision by the jury. The person charged with this crime had better ensure that the best possible attorney is selected for the defense.
More About Louisiana Law Related to Killing
Manslaughter happens when an individual kills the victim unintentionally, such as in the heat of passion, and the guilty verdict could get the defendant up to forty years in prison. if a defendant is charged with negligent homicide, it means that the victim was killed while the defendant was committing another act recklessly, and could get the defendant up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000. Vehicular homicide could be intentional or unintentional, such as a drunk driver killing someone in an accident.
Calling an Attorney for Representation in Louisiana
When a person has been charged with killing someone in any manner, it is a serious matter and there are attorneys in Louisiana who can help. Pujol, Pryor & Irwin are attorneys in the Gonzales, Louisiana area who represent clients with different criminal issues. People in need of a criminal law attorney in Gonzales, LA can contact these attorneys. For more information, interested parties can visit website and browse to where directed to “Click Here.”