Experience On Both Sides Of The Court Room

Strong Defense Against Homicide/Murder Charges

Homicide and murder cases tend to be highly charged cases that generate a lot of public attention. Prosecutors often feel pressured to ensure the defendant is found guilty on as many charges as possible. The minimum sentence on a murder is 15 years to life and prosecutors will often recommend a sentence of 20 years or more. Therefore, murder cases go to trial more often than any other criminal matter.

Defendants need a strong criminal defense attorney who works hard to stay one step ahead of prosecutors. They need the experience and skill of Jeffrey Chabrowe.

First-Degree Murders Vs. Second-Degree Murders

Homicide is a broad legal term that includes any instance of one person causing the death of another. New York law divides homicide charges into first-degree and second-degree murder. A first-degree murder charge involves premeditation and includes at least one of the following factors:

  • The defendant knew or should have reasonably known that the victim was a police officer, firefighter, paramedic or some other emergency response worker.
  • The intended victim was an employee at a state or local correctional facility.
  • The defendant was carrying out a murder-for-hire contract.
  • The murder was committed to prevent a witness from testifying.
  • The murdered victim was tortured or treated in an especially cruel way before being killed.

Second-degree murders occur when a defendant intentionally kills someone in a situation that does not qualify as first-degree murder. Common second-degree murder charges include:

  • Second-degree vehicular manslaughter – homicide caused by driving a car, truck or snowmobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Manslaughter in the second degree – homicide caused by consciously disregarding fatal risks to others while committing a reckless act
  • Felony murder – causing the death of an innocent person while committing a felony or fleeing from the scene of a felony

Several homicide charges can be filed as either first-degree or second-degree crimes based on whether the homicide was intentional or caused by reckless behavior. Both first-degree and second-degree murders are class A-1 felonies in New York, meaning a conviction could result in life in prison without parole. For second-degree murder convictions, life without parole is only sentenced in cases where the defendant is at least 18 years old and intentionally causes the death of a minor under the age of 14.

Battered Spouse Homicide

The law allows for special defenses when the accused is a victim of domestic violence. If you can prove that there is an established history of abuse of one spouse by another, the law allows a broader interpretation of self-defense.

Contact Murder And Homicide Defense Attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe

Attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe has been practicing criminal law for 20 years, including seven years as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. He uses experience on both sides of the courtroom to build strong defense strategies for the accused and appeals strategies for the convicted. For an initial consultation, call The Law Office of Jeffrey Chabrowe at 212-235-1510 or fill out our online contact form.