Brooklyn
Homicide, Murder & Manslaughter
Defense Lawyer
Brooklyn Homicide, Murder & Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
Murder and manslaughter are some of the most serious criminal offenses prosecuted in the United States. Taking another person’s life knowingly and willingly carries a severe sentence, typically life in prison. While manslaughter is technically a less severe offense than murder, the penalty for conviction can be quite harsh, typically including many years in prison, substantial fines, and other punishments.
If you have been arrested and accused of murder or manslaughter in Brooklyn, a murder defense attorney is your best asset. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC can provide the comprehensive criminal defense counsel you need when you are facing the most serious criminal charges in Brooklyn. Our firm has the experience and the professional record to provide our clients with the most robust defense representation possible in Brooklyn.
Why Should I Hire a Brooklyn, NY Homicide, Murder & Manslaughter Attorney
Every American citizen has the right to legal counsel when accused of a crime, even if they are accused of a very heinous crime such as murder.
Hiring a private defense attorney can increase your chances of successfully defeating the charges in your case. When you hire the attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC to represent you in a murder or manslaughter case, you are investing in a much greater chance of avoiding conviction or at the very least, reducing your sentence.
Brooklyn Homicide & Murder Case Results
Dismissal of Attempted Murder & Felony Weapon Reduction
Location: Brooklyn (Kings County Criminal Court)
The Challenge: Our client was prosecuted for attempted murder and felony firearm possession. These violent felony charges carried massive exposure to state prison and threatened to destroy the client’s future career and civil liberties.
The Defense: Defense counsel executed an immediate and thorough investigation into the discovery materials. By aggressively challenging the prosecution’s evidentiary basis and navigating complex probation issues across different legal jurisdictions, we secured a path to a non-violent resolution.
Timeline: Resolved in roughly 18 months
The Outcome: The attempted murder charge was completely dismissed. The felony firearm count was vacated and reduced to a misdemeanor. The client received two years of probation and zero days of incarceration.
Types of Murder and Manslaughter Charges in Brooklyn, NY
When it comes to murder charges in New York, the severity of sentencing often hinges on whether the act was premeditated or planned and any related criminal activity, such as attempting to hide the body. It’s vital to understand the exact definition of the charge you face in this situation:
- Murder in the first degree is the most serious homicide offense and pertains to the intentional and planned killing of another person.
- Murder in the second degree is often defined as a “crime of passion,” or an unplanned killing that occurs in the heat of the moment.
- Criminally negligent homicide applies to situations in which the accused’s gross negligence results in the death of the victim.
- Manslaughter in the first degree applies when the accused unintentionally killed another person as the result of intentional choices to cause harm. For example, if the accused attacked the victim with the intent of physically harming them but did not intend to kill them, this charge would apply.
- Manslaughter in the second degree applies when the accused killed another person but did not premeditate the act or hold any malicious intent to kill the victim.
- Vehicular manslaughter in the first degree applies when the accused causes the death of another person due to violation of traffic laws while driving with a suspended license.
- Vehicular manslaughter in the second degree applies if the accused causes the death of another person due to operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or by violating traffic laws.
It is vital for the accused facing any murder or manslaughter charges in Brooklyn to understand that the penalties they face can be quite severe, even if they succeed in pleading to lesser charges than those for which they are originally charged.
It is not uncommon for prosecutors to add as many secondary charges that they can to a murder or manslaughter charge. For example, a defendant facing vehicular manslaughter because of driving under the influence will face vehicular manslaughter charges and DUI charges, but the prosecution may also add reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, and a litany of additional charges depending on the circumstances of the event in question and how the defendant’s arrest unfolded.
Potential Defenses Against Murder or Manslaughter Charges in Brooklyn, NY
Typically, when a person is arrested for murder or manslaughter, there is already enough evidence to establish probable cause for their arrest, and available defenses may seem minimal at first. Your Brooklyn murder defense lawyer’s main priority should be to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and uncover exculpatory evidence that proves the defendant’s innocence. For example, if you are accused of murder in the first degree, the prosecution has the burden of proving that you premeditated the incident in question with the explicit intention of killing the victim.
A mental health disorder that prevented you from making clear decisions during the incident in question may also provide a valid defense that mitigates sentencing. When you work with the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we will seek case dismissal whenever possible, but if a trial is unavoidable, we will help you explore every available legal defense to secure an acquittal or “not guilty” verdict. In any criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We will do everything we can to ensure they cannot meet this threshold of proof in your case, and if you did commit the offense in question, our team can handle plea bargaining on your behalf and potentially reduce your sentence.
Brooklyn Homicide, Murder & Manslaughter FAQs
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter in Brooklyn?
Murder involves intentional killing with premeditation (first degree) or in the heat of the moment (second degree), while manslaughter typically involves unintentional killing resulting from reckless actions or negligence. The key difference is intent—murder requires proof that you intended to kill, whereas manslaughter charges apply when death occurred without that specific intent.
How much does a Brooklyn murder defense lawyer cost?
Legal fees for murder and manslaughter defense vary widely depending on the complexity of your case, the charges involved, and how long the case takes to resolve. Most experienced defense attorneys offer an initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and provide a clear fee structure, which may include flat fees or hourly rates depending on the firm’s practice.
Can murder charges in Brooklyn be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, murder charges can potentially be reduced to lesser offenses like manslaughter or even dismissed entirely if the prosecution’s evidence is weak or procedural errors occurred. Your defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, or demonstrate lack of intent, self-defense, or other mitigating factors that may lead to dismissal or reduction.
How long does a murder case take in Brooklyn?
Murder and manslaughter cases typically take 12 to 24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The timeline depends on factors like evidence review, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and whether the case goes to trial—cases that are resolved through plea agreements generally conclude faster than those requiring a full trial.
What should I do immediately after being arrested for murder or manslaughter in Brooklyn?
Remain silent and immediately request a lawyer. Do not answer any questions or make any statements to the police without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, and early legal representation is critical for protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and building the strongest possible defense from the start.
Time is a critical factor when you are facing any kind of criminal charge, especially one as severe as murder or manslaughter. The sooner you hire a reliable Brooklyn murder defense attorney to start working on your case, the better your chances will be of securing a favorable result to your proceedings and avoiding conviction. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with a Brooklyn murder defense attorney, contact the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC today and schedule a case evaluation with our team.
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