Saratoga Springs Murder Defense Attorney

Defending Clients Charged with Murder in New York

If you have been charged with murder, you must retain a skilled and experienced murder defense attorney as soon as possible. New York takes murder charges very seriously, and the consequences of a murder conviction can be life-altering. You could spend the rest of your life in prison or even be put to death if you are convicted of murder. Without the help of a skilled murder defense attorney, you could face a conviction and a life sentence without parole.

At the Law Office of Scott Iseman, our Saratoga Springs murder defense attorney has handled hundreds of cases as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. We understand how the prosecution will approach your case and can use our insight to help you have the best possible outcome in your case. We are prepared to help you fight any charges you are facing, no matter how serious they may be. 

Are you facing murder charges in New York? Call the Law Office of Scott Iseman today at (518) 886-3368 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our murder defense lawyer in Saratoga Springs!

What is Considered Murder in New York?

Under New York law, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought means that the defendant intended to kill or cause serious injury when they committed the crime. Murder charges are divided into different degrees based on the severity of the crime, the presence of aggravating factors, and any mitigating factors.

The following are the different degrees of murder in New York:

• First-degree murder-This is the most severe charge of murder. First-degree murder is the unlawful killing of a person who is willful, deliberate, and premeditated. First-degree murder can be charged as capital murder if the victim is a police officer, firefighter, corrections officer, or government employee.
• Second-degree murder-This is the killing of another person without premeditation. Second-degree murder can also be charged if the defendant committed a predicate felony, such as robbery or kidnapping, and during the commission of that felony, someone was killed.
• Manslaughter-This is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant killed another person in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant killed another person through reckless conduct.

What are the Penalties for Murder in New York?

The penalties for murder in New York depend on the degree of murder and whether aggravating factors were present. Capital murder is the most severe charge, and the punishment for capital murder is life in prison without the possibility of parole. First-degree murder can be charged as capital murder if the victim was a government employee, in which case the defendant could be sentenced to death.

Other aggravating factors can increase the penalties for murder:

• The defendant was previously convicted of murder or another serious felony
• The defendant intentionally killed the victim while committing another felony
• The defendant killed a child, an elder, or a pregnant woman
• The defendant killed a police officer, firefighter, corrections officer, or other government employee

Mitigating factors can reduce the penalties for murder, including:

• The defendant had no prior criminal record
• The defendant acted in self-defense
• The defendant was under extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the crime

If the defendant is convicted of murder, they could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Capital murder is punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Contact Our Saratoga Springs Murder Defense Lawyer Today 

If you have been charged with murder, contact a Saratoga Springs murder defense attorney as soon as possible. Our murder defense attorney has handled hundreds of cases and can use his experience to help you in your case. We can help you explore your legal options and fight for you in court. We understand that you may be facing the rest of your life in prison if you are convicted of murder, and we are prepared to do everything we can to help you avoid that outcome.

Contact the Law Office of Scott Iseman today to schedule a consultation with our murder defense attorney in Saratoga Springs!