The Law Office of T. Bryan Lumpkin
Homicide vs Murder
Legal Distinctions
Understand the Legal Difference Between Homicide and Murder
Contact Our Law Office in Marietta, GA for More Information
Manslaughter, homicide and murder may all sound familiar, and many people think they all mean the same thing. Certainly they are often used interchangeably in the media, on television, and among the general public. But each term has a specific legal definition that determines how it is used in the criminal justice system.
If you've been charged with murder, manslaughter, or any form of homicide, make sure you turn to a criminal defense attorney who understands the differences in these terms. With over two decades of experience, you can rely on The Law Office of T. Bryan Lumpkin to know the difference and to able to explain your situation and your options. We'll help you build a strong case in your defense, to address the charges appropriately and fully.
Contact Attorney T. Bryan Lumpkin Today to Discuss Your Case in Marietta, GA or in the Metro-Atlanta Area.
Homicide Charges Explained
How These Charges Are Different
If you're confused about murder, homicide, and manslaughter, we can help. Our criminal defense attorney can explain the difference in detail, but in general:
Manslaughter can be voluntary or involuntary, but generally occurs as a result of immediate, extreme emotional responses or from unintentional mistakes. Charges of manslaughter can be defended by showing absence of intent for loss of life.
In Georgia, murder can be charged in multiple ways. Malice murder requires an intent to kill another, while felony murder can be charged where a death occurs during the commission of a felony, regardless of any malice or premeditation. Both malice and felony murder carry a mandatory life sentence, and can be enhanced to life without parole. Second degree murder in Georgia is a charge unique to a death occurring during the commission of child cruelty, which carries a maximum 30-year sentence.
Homicide is most normally charged in relation to vehicle accidents resulting in a death. This offense does not require any intention to commit a crime, and can be either a felony or misdemeanor, depending upon the underlying circumstances of the driving. Felony vehicular homicide in the first degree can result in a lengthy prison sentence, while a misdemeanor vehicular homicide in the second degree can result in incarceration up to 12 months. Homicide is also a term specific to forensic pathology, wherein a death is labelled a homicide; as opposed to suicide, accident, or natural causes.
If you are facing charges related to any of these areas, contact The Law Office of T. Bryan Lumpkin, LLC, today at
(770) 794-8686.