Second Degree Murder Attorney, Colorado Springs | Homicide, Colorado
If you or a loved one is facing second-degree murder in Colorado, it is extremely important that you consult with an experienced attorney like the legal team at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC. The charges can be daunting, and you need an advocate who can help you navigate through the process. There may be defenses that you can use to the charges, or you may have mitigation that an skilled defense attorney can present to the district attorney to lessen the severity of what you are facing.
Although the burden is not on you to prove your innocence, a proactive and aggressive defense to the charge or second-degree murder can greatly improve your chances of a not guilty verdict or a favorable plea bargain. To get started and speak to a qualified criminal defense attorney today, contact the lawyers at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC. With decades of collective experience on our side, our homicide defense attorneys can work zealously on your defense and aggressively fight for your rights and freedom.
Call today at (719) 328-1616 to set up your first consultation. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC is located in Colorado Springs and accepts clients throughout the greater El Paso County area in Colorado.
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Second Degree Murder Definition in Colorado
In Colorado, second-degree murder is a Colorado class 2 felony punishable by up to 48 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000.00. While it is important to retain an attorney you can trust, it is also important to understand what you may be facing in the criminal justice system. In Colorado, second degree murder is defined as the following:
Section 18-3-103 C.R.S. of the Colorado criminal code provides:
A person commits the crime of murder in the second degree if the person knowingly causes the death of another person. You act “knowingly” with respect to conduct or to a circumstance when:
- You are aware that your conduct is of such nature or that such circumstance exists, or
- You are aware that your conduct is practically certain to cause the result prohibited by a particular law.
For purposes of Colorado’s second-degree murder law, you act knowingly when you are aware that death is practically certain to result from your conduct. Second-degree murder also comprises felony murder, which is killing someone in the perpetration of arson, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, sexual assault, or escape. Murder in the second degree is what’s known as a “general intent” crime. This means that you can be found guilty even if you didn’t have the specific intent to commit murder
Colorado Second Degree Murder Penalty
If you are charged with this crime, you want to know what you are potentially facing. In Colorado, murder is both an “extraordinary risk” crime and a “crime of violence.” These designations call for a mandatory minimum prison term and a maximum term that is more than double the penalty for other crimes in the same class. If you are charged with second-degree murder, it is generally classified as a Colorado class 2 felony under 18-3-103 (3)(a) C.R.S.
The punishment for Colorado second-degree murder as a class 2 felony includes, at a minimum, 16 years in the department of corrections. However, this is the minimum penalty.
Consequences of Colorado second-degree murder can include as much as:
- 16-48 years in the department of corrections with 5-years mandatory parole,
- 2) A fine of $5,000-$1,000,000.
Murder and Manslaughter Lawyer in Colorado Springs, CO
Obviously, a lot can go into how you are sentenced. For instance, you may never be convicted, the case may be dismissed, you may win at trial, you make take a “plea deal,” or you may be convicted at trial. It is important you talk to an experienced Colorado Springs homicide defense lawyer like the team at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC about all your options, your potential defenses, mitigation, and all the other things that go into these types of cases.
Having an experienced and compassionate attorney from that start is something our team at Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC believe is extremely important in this type of a case. We hope you will consider retaining our office to help you navigate this complex system. Our hope is that you will trust us to guide you through the most difficult times in your life. We will work zealously to make sure you get the best possible outcome for your case. Call today at (719) 328-1616 to set up your first consultation with a skilled and talented Colorado murder defense attorney. Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC defend those accused of violent crimes in the city of Colorado Springs and El Paso County area including Black Forest, Peyton, Fountain, Manitou Springs, and Monument.