In the state of Nevada, murder is a category A felony, and, when charged in the first degree, can carry the most severe penalty under the law: death. However, there are many defenses to murder depending on the facts of the case. Murder investigations are often "who-dun-it" situations, where the police and prosecution are searching for the killer. It is not uncommon that the police will target the first person whom they believe had a motive to commit the crime and who cannot produce a satisfactory alibi. This type of investigation has the potential to result in false accusations of the innocent. A good defense team can develop alternate suspects and expose a shoddy police investigation for what it is: an attempt to close the case rather than bring the real culprit to justice.
In addition to disputing that the defendant was the person who committed the killing, many murder defenses are based on self-defense. Often, it is the deceased who started a confrontation and escalated it by reaching for a weapon or threatening to kill or seriously harm the accused or his loved one. Under these circumstances, a skilled defense team can flip the prosecution on its head and demonstrate why the deceased, rather than the accused, had the motive and means to attack.
Sometimes what begins as a run-of-the mill fist-fight ends up in an unintended fatality. In many murder accusations, the accused is overcharged with murder when, in reality, the victim's death was the accidental result of a fight. Under these circumstances, a thorough defense team can locate and highlight the evidence showing that the accused had no intention of taking a life and should have been charged with a lesser offense, such as manslaughter.
If you or someone close to you is charged with murder, it is of particular importance that you contact an experienced litigation team immediately. Given the seriousness of the offense, a special team of detectives and prosecutors will be monitoring the accused and those close to him. Any missteps in the pre-trial phase of the case can compromise the defense and cost the accused his life.
Speak with our Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorneys
The sooner you meet with a qualified criminal defense lawyer, the sooner you can face your legal challenge and reach a resolution. To learn more about how The Law Offices of Saggese & Associates can help defend you against criminal charges, email us or call 702-778-8883 and schedule a free initial consultation. Our office is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
