WHAT IS FIRST DEGREE MURDER?
Under Illinois Law (720 ILCS 5/9-1), a person commits the Felony crime of First Degree Murder when:
(a) they kill an individual without lawful justification if, in performing the acts which cause the death:
(1) they either intend to kill or do great bodily harm to that individual or another, or know that such acts will cause death to that individual or another; or
(2) they know that such acts create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to that individual or another; or
(3) they are committing, or attempting to commit, a forcible felony other than second degree murder.
In Illinois, First Degree Murder is punishable from a minimum of 20 years in prison to a maximum of life, including the possibility of a death sentence, if aggravating factors are present as provided for in 720 ILCS 5/9-1(b)1 through (b)21. The entire prison sentence for First Degree Murder must be served. There is no “good time” or any time reduced from the actual prison sentence. In addition, certain factors may add to any sentence or be considered an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes. You should consult with a Chicago criminal defense attorney at Legal Defenders, P.C., to discuss the particular factors for an individual case.
The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders have extensive experience in representing individuals charged with First Degree Murder throughout Cook County and Chicago land. The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders understand the differences between the various types of Murder in Illinois. In addition, the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders are familiar with the various sentencing ranges for First Degree Murder and understand the complexities of the various sentencing factors. To discuss your particular Illinois Murder case, call the experienced Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders to discuss your particular Murder case.
WHAT IS SECOND DEGREE MURDER?
Under Illinois Law, (720 ILCS 5/9-2), a person commits the Felony crime of Second Degree Murder when:
(a) they commit the offense of First Degree Murder as defined in paragraphs (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of Section 9-1 (see above) of this Code and either of the following mitigating factors are present:
(1) At the time of the killing they are acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by the individual killed or another whom the offender endeavors to kill, but he negligently or accidentally causes the death of the innocent individual; or
(2) At the time of the killing the believe the circumstances to be such that, if they existed, would justify or exonerate the killing under the principles stated in Article 7 of this Code, but their belief is unreasonable. Basically, Article 7 provides that a person is justified in the use of force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or another against such other's imminent use of unlawful force. However, he is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another, or the commission of a forcible felony.
Unlike First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder is a Class 1 Felony that that carries from 4 to 20 years in prison. However, as an alternative to jail, probation is available for up to four years.
The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders have extensive experience in representing individuals charged with Second Degree Murder throughout Cook County and Chicago land. The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders understand the differences between First Degree Murder and Second Degree Murder in Illinois. In addition, the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders are familiar with the various sentencing ranges for First Degree Murder and Second Degree Murder and understand the complexities of the various sentencing factors. To discuss your particular Illinois First Degree Murder and Illinois Second Degree Murder case, call the experienced Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders to discuss your particular First Degree Murder and Second Degree Murder case.
WHAT IS INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER?
Under Illinois Law, 720 ILCS 5/9-3(a), a person commits the Illinois Felony Crime of Involuntary Manslaughter when they unintentionally kill an individual without lawful justification if their acts, whether lawful or unlawful, which caused the death, are such as are likely to cause death or great bodily harm to some individual, and they perform them recklessly.
Under Illinois sentencing laws, Involuntary Manslaughter is a Class 3 Felony but can be raised to a Class 2 Felony if aggravating factors exist as provided for in 720 ILCS 5/9(e)2 through (e)(9) and (f). Probation is usually available for a Class 3 Felony, however, if aggravating circumstances are present, a mandatory jail sentence may be required.
The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders have extensive experience in representing individuals charged with the Illinois crime of Involuntary Manslaughter throughout Cook County and Chicago land. The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders understand the differences between First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter in Illinois. In addition, the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders are familiar with the various sentencing ranges for First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder and Involuntary Manslaugher, and understand the complexities of the various sentencing factors. To discuss your particular Illinois First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter case, call the experienced Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders to discuss your particular First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder and Involuntary Manslaughter case.
WHAT IS RECKLESS HOMICIDE?
Under Illinois Law, 720 ILCS 5/9-3(a), a person commits the Illinois Felony crime of Reckless Homicide if by their reckless acts they kill an individual and the cause of death consists of the driving of a motor vehicle or operating a snowmobile, all terrain vehicle, or watercraft. Further, a person commits the Illinois crime of Reckless Homicide if they unintentionally kill an individual while driving a vehicle and use an incline in a roadway, such as a railroad crossing, bridge approach, or hill, to cause the vehicle to become airborne.
Under Illinois sentencing laws, Reckless Homicide is a Class 3 Felony but can be raised to a Class 2 Felony if aggravating factors exist as provided for in 720 ILCS 5/9(e)2 through (e)(9) and (f). Under Illinois sentencing laws, a Class 3 Felony is punishable between 2 to 5 years in prison. Under Illinois sentencing laws, a Class 2 Felony is punishable between 3 to 7 years in prison. Probation is usually available for Class 3 and a Class 2 Felony. However, if aggravating circumstances are present, a mandatory jail sentence may be required.
The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders have extensive experience in representing individuals charged with the Illinois crime of Reckless Homicide throughout Cook County and Chicago land. The Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders understand the differences between First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaugher and Reckless Homicide in Illinois. In addition, the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders are familiar with the various sentencing ranges for First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaugher and Reckless Homicide, and understand the complexities of the various sentencing factors. To discuss your particular Illinois First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide case, call the experienced Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders to discuss your particular First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide case.
WHY HIRE THE LEGAL DEFENDERS FOR YOUR FIRST DEGREE MURDER, SECOND DEGREE MURDER, INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER, AND RECKLESS HOMICIDE CASE?
The criminal defense attorneys at The Legal Defenders understand the impact that a criminal conviction could have on someone’s life. The criminal defense attorneys at The Legal Defenders will look at the specific facts of your case and determine the best defense for your case. Since many cases involving First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide concern complex, difficult and technical questions concerning many factors stated in the various statutes and laws, each case must be evaluated individually and each factor has to be taken into consideration when coming up with an effective plan of attack. In addition, the complex evidence issues make such cases difficult and very involved. Make sure you hire an experienced and competent attorney who has experience handling such cases. The criminal defense attorneys at The Legal Defenders have extensive experience in representing individuals charged with First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide and will use their extensive experience and skills in coming up with an effective and winning courtroom strategy to defend you in your case involving First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaugher and Reckless Homicide case in Illinois.
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