A criminal conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to commit a crime and then take action to further that agreement. The agreement can be formal or implied from the conduct of the individuals involved. Conspiring to commit a crime is a criminal offense that...
Homicide
What is voluntary manslaughter?
Voluntary manslaughter is a legal term that encapsulates a specific category of homicide. Unlike murder, which involves an intent to kill or cause serious harm, voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person, in the heat of the moment or under extreme emotional distress,...
How can you address false murder charges?
In criminal law, few accusations are as grave as being charged with murder. The repercussions of such charges can be life-altering, potentially resulting in imprisonment or even the death penalty. If you find yourself facing false murder charges, it’s crucial to...
How felony murder differs from first and second-degree murder
Homicide is a very serious crime that comes with serious consequences. However, most people don't realize that there are different categories of murder, first-degree murder and second-degree murder (which also includes the concept of felony murder). Although both...
The difference between an accomplice and an accessory to murder
Being charged with the offense of accomplice or accessory to murder can be scary. However, it's essential to understand the difference between the two legal terms. Here is a comprehensive look at accomplice and accessory to murder, including possible defenses. What is...
What accused murderers face in Missouri
Two Missouri men were recently indicted on charges of conspiratorial murder and murder-for-hire. The actions of the defendants allegedly resulted in a fatal shooting. The prosecution argued the actions of the perpetrators, Moreion Lindsey and Ray Bradley, led to the...
What are aggravating and mitigating factors for murder charges in Missouri?
The criminal justice system can be confusing for those who go through it for the first time. If you are facing criminal charges for allegedly committing a serious offense, such as first-degree murder, you may want to know what sentences you could possibly receive upon...
How prosecutors determine manslaughter or murder charges
Our legal system uses various terms to refer to the manner in which someone takes another person's life. A prosecutor's job includes pursuing criminal charges against these alleged criminals. In some cases, these charges are classified as manslaughter or murder. ...
6 things to know about being charged with attempted murder
The state of Illinois defines attempted murder as an unsuccessful, but deliberate, attempt to kill another person. The language sounds pretty straightforward, but there's a lot of technical ground to cover and issues to consider before managing a defense against the...
Possible defenses for first degree murder
If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges, you have a reason to be concerned. While homicide attracts the most prohibitive sentences throughout the U.S., the punishments vary from state to state. In Missouri, first-degree murder convictions could lead to a life...