Minnesota Murder Defense Attorney
Murder is rare in Minnesota. However, it is an offense that does occur from time to time. A conviction can lead to a wide range of penalties, ranging from lengthy prison sentences to large fines and extensive probation. There is also a stigma attached to being convicted of murder, which will follow the convicted for the rest of their life. If you or someone you know has been accused of murder, it’s important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner.
Challenging Murder Charges
Minnesota has three degrees of murder.
First-Degree Murder
First Degree murder is a felony. Under Minn,Stat 609.185, the maximum penalty for First Degree Murder is life in prison. First Degree Murder is charged when a person:
- Causes the death of another person with intent or premeditation
- Causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit first- or second-degree criminal sexual conduct
- Causes death of another person with intent while committing or attempting to commit burglary, aggravated robbery, arson, kidnapping, escape from custody, drive-by shooting, or any drug offenses that involve the sale or distribution of a controlled substance
- Causes the death of a peace officer, correctional officer, or prosecuting attorney
- Causes the death of a minor while committing child abuse and there must be a pattern of abuse against the child
- Causes the death of another during the commission of domestic assault and with a past pattern of abuse
- Causes the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a felony offense that causes further terrorism.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder is divided into intentional murder and unintentional murder. Both are felonies. Under Minn.Stat. 609.19, the maximum penalty for both Intentional and Unintentional Second Degree Murder is 40 years in prison.
Intentional Second Degree Murder
A person will be charged with this offense if they:
- Intentionally cause the death of another with intent, but without premeditation
- Intentionally cause the death of another during the commission or attempt to commit a drive-by shooting
Unintentional Second Degree Murder
A person will be charged with this offense if they:
- Unintentionally cause the death of another without intent while committing or attempting to commit a felony other than criminal sexual conduct in the first- or second-degree
- Unintentionally cause the death of another without intent while inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm and there’s an order for protection in place.
Third-Degree Murder
Under Minn.Stat.609.195, person who does the following will be charged with Third Degree Murder. The maximum penalty for this offense is 25 years in prison.
- Causes the death of another through an act that is dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind.
- Causes the death of another by directly or indirectly selling, giving away, delivering, bartering, exchanging, or distributing Schedule I or II controlled substances.
Contact Attorney Carson J. Heefner Today
Murder is a very serious offense. Carson J. Heefner has over 20 years experience representing individuals accused of Murder. If you or anyone you know has been charged with this offense, contact Carson at 612-202-8971 or carson@heefnerlaw.com for a free consultation.