Put Our Experienced Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Prairieville, Assumption Parish & Zachary, LA Murder Defense Lawyers on Your Side
The State of Louisiana defines second-degree murder as the killing of another person when the offender has the specific intent to kill or inflict “great bodily harm” on the victim or the killing of another person when the offender is committing or attempting to commit certain other crimes, whether or not there was intent. These other crimes include rape, kidnapping, arson, burglary, assault by drive-by shooting, cruelty to juveniles, and terrorism.
Second-degree murder in Louisiana is charged in the above-mentioned circumstances and also when the accused may qualify for a first-degree murder charge but the District Attorney is not seeking the death penalty.
If you are under investigation or if your loved one has been arrested for second-degree murder in Southern Louisiana, contact The Ambeau Law Firm right away. Our Baton Rouge murder defense attorneys provide experienced and aggressive legal representation for clients throughout the region, including in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Prairieville, Livingston Parish, Assumption Parish, Ascension Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Zachary, LA and beyond.
Call (225) 330-7009 or contact us online right away for a free and confidential in-person consultation.
Understanding Your Charges
A criminal defense trial for second-degree murder is procedurally like any other serious felony; the judge is solely responsible for punishment, so the jury only considers the guilt/innocence phase of the trial.
It is important to note here that there is a difference between what the police charge and what the District Attorney charges. The police arrest people on charges that they determine are the most appropriate under the circumstances. Police officers are not attorneys. The District Attorney will normally take the evidence of arrest and investigation and make a determination as to the proper charge or the charge that the DA feels he/she can prove at a trial on the matter. What a police officer perceives and what can be proven at trial are often times very different.
You Need a Trusted Legal Team on Your Side
Second-degree murder is obviously a very serious charge and requires a very serious criminal defense. If you know someone that has been charged with second-degree murder, you must do everything in your power to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney.
The defense of a second-degree murder charge requires extensive preparation and work, including but not limited to:
- Investigation
- Evidence challenge and collection
- Pre-trial motions practice
- Trial preparation
- Trial motions
- Jury selection
- Jury trial
The process takes many hours of focused effort and work and requires resources from both the defendant and the law firm.
At The Ambeau Law Firm, we stand ready to put together the kind of team that uses your resources in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance at a reasonable outcome.
Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you know has been charged with second-degree murder or attempted second-degree murder, hire a skilled Baton Rouge murder defense attorney immediately.
Call The Ambeau Law Firm; let's sit down together and talk honestly about the road ahead and what we can do for you. If we make the decision to fight this together, we will start the fight from the first day and work diligently to get you the best outcome possible in your case.
Contact our office online or by phone at (225) 330-7009 to learn how we can help you today.
