MANASSAS HOMICIDE ATTORNEY

Aggressive Defense Against Murder/Homicide Charges in Virginia

Homicide is one of the most serious criminal offenses in the state of Virginia. A murder conviction can result in the death penalty, meaning that your life may be literally at stake. It can be easy to feel hopeless when accused of murder or homicide, but you do not have to face these charges alone. A Manassas homicide lawyer at Dischley Law, PLLC, can leverage our over 30 years of legal experience to vigorously defend you and seek the best possible outcome.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side. At Dischley Law, PLLC, our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes in Manassas, VA and the surrounding areas.

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What is Homicide?

The term “homicide” refers to any instance where a person kills someone else. Both “murder” and “manslaughter” are types of homicide, but there is an important distinction between the two crimes. Murder involves the intentional killing of someone, while manslaughter is unintentional.

Murder vs. Manslaughter

What's the main difference between murder and manslaughter? It all comes down to intent. If the killer had malice aforethought, then they committed murder. If they did not have malice aforethought, then they committed manslaughter. 

Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. A person can show malice aforethought through evidence of premeditation, motive, or extreme indifference to human life. 

Manslaughter can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter is committed in the heat of passion or in a fit of rage. Involuntary manslaughter is committed due to recklessness or negligence.

Additional Examples of the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter:

• First-degree murder requires malice aforethought. This generally means that the killing was premeditated and the perpetrator fully intended to end the victim’s life. 
• Second-degree murder occurs when the killing is done with malice but is not premeditated, meaning that while a deliberate killing did ultimately occur, the perpetrator had no intention of committing the crime prior to the incident.
• Capital murder, the most serious homicide offense in Virginia, can be charged if the underlying murder meets certain conditions or occurs in connection with other serious crimes. Numerous scenarios and factors can trigger enhanced capital murder charges, including deliberately killing more than one person, killing a minor under the age of 14 as an adult, or killing a law enforcement officer.
• Voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional act to commit harm after being provoked. Sometimes referred to as “crimes as passion,” this charge is distinct from second-degree murder, even though both involve intentional acts without premeditation. The provocation must be significant enough that another person would likely react similarly if placed in the same situation.
• Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone has no intention of killing someone else, but their actions nonetheless result in death. This is common in cases involving serious traffic offenses where reckless driving or driving under the influence leads to fatal accidents.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney. We will review the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.