Tenacious Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Fargo Clients Facing Homicide Charges

Crimes involving the loss of life are considered to be the most serious, and the penalties associated with a homicide conviction are severe. Of course, there are many different circumstances that lead to the death of another person, so homicide criminal charges are divided into three main categories: murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. If you or a loved one is facing a homicide charge, it is essential that you contact an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible in order to increase your chances of securing the best possible outcome. Call the Law Office of Joe A. Johnson today to get started with a trusted and reliable criminal defense lawyer who understands the criminal justice system in North Dakota and how to aggressively defend your rights.

Types of Homicide Charges in North Dakota

North Dakota law recognizes three main forms of homicide crimes. Murder, the most serious of these crimes, involves criminal intent to end the life of another person. Most murder convictions are considered Class AA felonies, carrying a life imprisonment sentence. In cases where the murder occurred in the heat of the moment due to a deep emotional disturbance, the charge may be lowered to a Class A felony offense, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

When the death is unintentional, the crime is classified as manslaughter. Manslaughter occurs when a person’s recklessness leads to another person’s the loss of life. For example, reckless driving behavior can lead to a crash in which the passenger dies. Although the driver did not intend to kill the passenger, the reckless behavior behind the wheel is still a criminal offense. Most manslaughter offenses are classified as Class B felonies, carrying a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

In cases of negligent homicide, a person’s irresponsible or negligent actions lead to the death of another person. For instance, a parent who leaves a child in a hot car for a period of time may return to find out that the child has passed away. The parent would likely be charged with negligent homicide, which is usually classified as a class C felony. If convicted, the parent would face up to 5 years in prison and a possible fine of $10,000.

Protecting the Rights of Fargo Clients for Over Two Decades

For over 20 years, the Law Office of Joe A. Johnson has been defending the rights of clients facing a wide range of criminal charges and helping them secure favorable outcomes. Seasoned attorney Joe Johnson approaches each of his clients with warmth and honesty, listening carefully to the details of their cases. If you are facing a homicide charge in North Dakota, you need to take action right away. If you wait, some of your rights might dissolve, restricting your freedoms and making it difficult to effectively share your side of the story. Call today to get started.

Homicide is one of the most serious charges you can face in North Dakota. If you or a loved one has been involved in a homicide-related legal matter in the Fargo area, contact the Law Office of Joe A. Johnson immediately at (701) 409-2407 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled criminal defense attorney who will aggressively defend your rights.