Suffolk County
Murder & Manslaughter Lawyer
Suffolk County Murder & Manslaughter Attorney
Suffolk County residents often spend their days lounging on Fire Island or driving down Old Montauk Highway. Unfortunately, those leisurely days can be shattered by a murder or manslaughter accusation. When you need to act fast, you need a Suffolk County murder and manslaughter lawyer.
Why Clients Trust Us
Our Suffolk County criminal attorneys are ready to fight for you. We understand that time is limited when you’re facing charges of murder or manslaughter. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, we are available at any time to review your case. With experience in both federal and state cases, our team is ready to represent you. Our team is comprised of former prosecutors, attorneys, and paralegals with decades of experience.
We have received numerous press features by outlets such as USA Today, HuffPost, Bloomberg, and Gothamist. Our attorneys are routinely sought after by news outlets to provide legal commentary and opinions. The American Institute of Legal Counsel has awarded us the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction and the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100.
Homicide in Suffolk County
According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, in 2024, Suffolk County was home to 1,560,162 residents and experienced 16 homicides, a rate of 1.0 homicides per 100,000 residents. By contrast, the state of New York had a population of 19,863,960 residents and experienced 627 homicides, a rate of 3.2 per 100,000 residents.
Differences Between Murder and Manslaughter
Both murder and manslaughter involve unlawfully killing another individual, but the difference, legally, involves three elements:
- Intent. Murder always involves the intent to cause serious bodily harm, while manslaughter does not.
- Degree of culpability. The degree of culpability determines if the killing is first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
- Mental state. If a person is killed “in a fit of rage,” the killing is likely to be manslaughter. Murders involve some degree of forethought.
Stages of the Criminal Process
The experience of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can be beneficial during all three phases of a criminal case. These phases include:
- 1. Arrest, arraignment, and bail. During the arrest, officers must follow specific protocols, including informing arrestees of their Miranda rights, for the arrest to be lawful. At arraignment, the accused has the opportunity to enter a plea. Bail may also be set at this time.
- 2. Pre-trial phase. During this time, each side gathers evidence to support its case. The prosecution is legally required to provide the defense with any evidence they find that may show the accused is innocent. Each side can file motions in court and may engage in plea bargaining. If a plea is accepted, no trial occurs.
- 3. Trial and verdict. Before the trial begins, jurors are selected. Next, the prosecution presents its case. The defense has the opportunity to refute the evidence and present its own evidence. Once each side has had a chance to present evidence, the jury deliberates and returns a verdict. If found not guilty, the accused is free to go. If found guilty, the judge sets a date for sentencing.
Featured Insight From Attorney Robert Tsigler
Founding Attorney Robert Tsigler appeared in Us Weekly discussing claims that Luigi Mangione was interrogated before being advised of his Miranda rights in a murder defense case.
The defense is seeking to exclude statements made and any evidence obtained prior to the Miranda warning.
He noted that questioning a suspect before informing them of their rights can lead to crucial evidence being thrown out, which can influence the prosecution’s strategy.
“This is a pivotal issue because if the court agrees Luigi was interrogated while effectively in custody before being read his rights, his statements and any evidence that flowed from them could be ruled inadmissible and the prosecution’s case would be significantly weakened,” Tsigler explained to Us Weekly.
“In a murder prosecution where the gun and alleged manifesto are central pieces of the state’s narrative, losing that evidence fundamentally changes the trial landscape and can drive plea negotiations or even force the government to rethink its theory. That said, the defense has an uphill battle here, as judges are hesitant to grant these motions in high-profile violent cases.”— Robert Tsigler, Founding Attorney, as featured in Us Weekly
His commentary highlights how early mistakes during an arrest can affect the outcome of a case, an important consideration for criminal defense in Suffolk County.
How a Suffolk County Murder & Manslaughter Attorney Can Help
During each phase, the accused’s rights have to be properly upheld in order for evidence or testimony to be admissible in court. An experienced attorney acts with the client’s interests in mind to prevent improperly obtained evidence or testimony from being admissible. An experienced attorney in Suffolk County can also:
- Explain your rights and obligations
- Argue for a lower bail
- Investigate your case
- Prepare witnesses
- Submit evidence
- Negotiate a favorable plea bargain
- File motions with the court
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Object to improper questions
- Argue for leniency if convicted
FAQs About Suffolk County Murder & Manslaughter Laws
What Type of Lawyer Represents Clients Accused of Murder or Manslaughter?
If you have been accused of murder or manslaughter, you need to hire a criminal defense attorney. Given the possible life-changing consequences of a murder or manslaughter charge, you’ll want an attorney with experience in defending these charges. A murder or manslaughter attorney will be familiar with the specific laws and precedents.
Are There Legal Defenses for Murder in New York?
There are possible legal defenses for murder in New York that depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Possible defenses include self-defense, justified use of deadly force, accidental death, justifiable homicide, lack of malicious intent, lack of premeditation, or provocation before the act. Which defense is most favorable depends on the facts of the case.
What Is the Difference Between Manslaughter 1 and 2?
The difference between first- and second-degree manslaughter has to do with the intent of the perpetrator. First-degree is when the perpetrator intends to cause harm to the other person. Conversely, second-degree occurs when the perpetrator is acting recklessly, and that behavior leads to the other person being killed. Manslaughter is further defined as voluntary, which is an intentional act, or involuntary, which means acting with culpable negligence.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Charge?
Criminal defense attorneys do not have a standard rate for their services. Instead, they typically require a retainer fee paid upfront and then bill based on their hourly rate. The rate is determined by the charge, how complex the case is, and the attorney’s experience. Longer, more complex cases will require more hours of work and a larger fee.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Manslaughter in New York?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for manslaughter in New York. For both first-degree and second-degree manslaughter, the statute of limitations is five years from the date of the crime. Statutes of limitations are important in the legal sense because they ensure that crimes are prosecuted promptly. This also prevents cases from looming indefinitely while evidence deteriorates.
Hire a Murder & Manslaughter Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of murder or manslaughter, you need experienced representation ready to work around the clock to review your case and offer guidance. At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, our skilled team is ready to put our experience to work for you. We’re available 24/7, so contact us now for a confidential consultation.
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The Murder Law firm of Robert Tsigler, PLLC is Ready to Fight for You!
Getting representation as soon as possible following any Murder-related charge is the best way to promote a positive result from a subsequent trial. These charges are considered very serious and can result in expensive fines, the loss of driving privileges or professional licenses, and even incarceration. Only an experienced Suffolk County Murder & Manslaughter lawyer can successfully defend your case.
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