Knoxville Murder Defense Lawyer

Trial Attorney for Defense of Homicide Charges in Knoxville, TN

A murder charge is the most grievous allegation possible in criminal law. If you have been charged with killing another person, you could be facing a life sentence in state prison. In the most serious situations, you might even be sentenced to death. At the Knox County law firm of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we know that when you have been charged with murder, you cannot rely on just any lawyer. You need an experienced defense attorney who has handled murder cases before and who will advocate for you and fight tenaciously to protect your rights. Our team is committed to providing the aggressive, responsible representation you need, no matter how serious the charges against you are.

Tennessee Homicide Charges

Unlawfully causing another person's death is called homicide, and Tennessee law provides for several different charges that could be brought as a result. Our firm has the knowledge and experience to help you build a strong defense against charges of:

• First-degree murder:The premeditated, intentional killing of another person is considered first-degree murder. A person may also face charges for first-degree murder for causing a death in process of committing another felony. A first-degree murder conviction could lead to the death penalty, and it is the only crime in Tennessee for which the death penalty is possible.
• Second-degree murder:Second-degree murder differs from first-degree murder in that second-degree murder is not premeditated. It is a Class A felony, punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison.
• Voluntary manslaughter: Sometimes known as third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter refers to causing another person's death as a result of provocation. A Class C felony, voluntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
• Vehicular homicide: If you cause a motor vehicle accident that claims the life of another person, you could be charged with vehicular homicide. The prosecutor would need to show that you were driving recklessly and that your recklessness caused the victim's death. By law, drunk driving and drag racing are considered reckless behaviors that could lead to vehicular homicide charges. The severity of the charge and the possible consequences will depend on the circumstances of each case.

Tennessee also provides for the possibility of charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless homicide in certain situations. These offenses are Class E felonies, carrying prison sentences of between one and six years.

Building Your Defense

In murder cases, it is critical to customize a defense to account for the specific circumstances and countless variables that comprise the situation. Depending on the details of your case, the best approach could be to challenge the evidence presented by prosecutors or witnesses. Alternatively, you could attempt to show that your actions were in self-defense. In some situations, the most reasonable option might be to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges and the associated penalties.

At our firm, we know what is at stake when you are facing murder charges. We take the trust you place in us very seriously, and we will remain at your side every step of the way. Our team will keep you up to date as your case moves forward, and we will do everything possible to protect your future and your rights.

Contact Our Knoxville Homicide Defense Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been charged with homicide in Tennessee, contact our office immediately. Do not speak to anyone or answer questions from the police without talking to a lawyer first. Call 865-281-1000 for a free consultation. We represent clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and throughout East Tennessee.