Denver Murder Defense Lawyer

Murder is among the most serious violent criminal charges, but it is crucial to keep in mind that each case is unique and sentenced differently. Because these types of cases are highly complex, it is of the utmost importance for individuals charged with murder to get in touch with our Denver murder defense lawyers right away. Our legal team at the Bendinelli Law Firm can examine your case’s details and determine which legal strategies can best protect your future. Contact us online or call 1-800-ATTORNEY to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Us to Defend You

Because the stakes are high, you need a defense attorney with a proven track record of defending individuals accused of murder and other violent crimes. Our Denver murder defense lawyers at the Bendinelli Law Firm have over 25 years of experience and skill to defend you and your future effectively. We treat client relationships as a partnership, working closely with you throughout the process, ensuring you remain informed and that all your questions are answered. No matter how serious or stressful your situation is, we can help.

Types of Murder Charges

Many people use the terms “homicide” and “murder” interchangeably, but the legal differences are much more complex. Homicide is a catch-all term used to refer to crimes where an individual is purposefully killed or is killed due to criminally reckless behavior. These charges are broken down into:

• First-Degree Murder: the most serious charge in Colorado law, reserved for the following situations:
  • Deliberate and intentional killing of another human being
  • Felony murder – causing the death of another while committing or conspiring to commit robbery, arson, burglary, kidnapping, or sexual assault
  • Causing the death of another person through perjury
  • Engaging in conduct with extreme indifference to human life
  • Causing the death of a minor through drug use or distribution
  • Causing the death of a child under the age of 12 while he or she is in the offender’s care (murder by child abuse)
  • Causing the death of a peace officer, firefighter, or EMT

The minimum punishment is life imprisonment. Colorado is no longer a death penalty state as of March 2020.

• Second-Degree Murder: intentional and willful action resulting in the death of a person that involves one of the following:
  • An unplanned murder that was committed with malice and intention
  • A murder that resulted from the intent to commit serious bodily harm
  • A murder that shows an indifference to human life

Second-degree murder is a class 2 felony in Colorado.

• Manslaughter: A lesser degree of murder, both voluntary and involuntary. Other reckless behavior may have caused another person’s death, such as assisting another person with suicide or a murder committed in a sudden heat of passion. Manslaughter is still a severe charge and is a class 3 felony in Colorado.

How to Get the Charges Dropped or Dismissed

After murder charges are filed, it doesn’t mean your case will proceed to trial or a plea. Some prosecutors and courts may dismiss charges due to a lack of evidence, unavailable witnesses, or if law enforcement used illegal tactics to gather evidence or make arrests. A Denver murder defense lawyer can advance this process and urge the prosecution to drop or dismiss the charge early in legal proceedings before you make it to court for trial. The prosecution may come back with a plea deal that offers a reduced charge. However, any infraction on your record can negatively impact your life for years to come. Only an experienced attorney can advise you at that point whether to accept or if you can prevail in court.

Put an Experienced and Aggressive Team on Your Side

Murder charges pose very unique challenges and require extensive resources to build a strong defense strategy. We are ready to defend you or your loved one regardless of whether you need help with expungement or have been accused of drug crimes. Call 1-800-ATTORNEY today so we may discuss your case in a free consultation with our Denver criminal defense attorney.