Last Updated on: 15th October 2023, 09:06 am

Westchester Homicide Lawyers – Defending Clients Accused of Murder

Being accused of homicide in Westchester County, New York can completely turn someone’s life upside down. Even if the charges are eventually dropped or the defendant is acquitted at trial, the legal process takes a huge emotional and financial toll. That’s why having an experienced Westchester homicide lawyer on your side is crucial.

Homicide charges encompass everything from manslaughter and negligent homicide to various degrees of murder. The penalties if convicted are severe, including lengthy prison sentences and even life without parole or the death penalty in some circumstances. An aggressive criminal defense is needed to fight these allegations.

Investigating the Facts Surrounding the Alleged Crime

Westchester homicide attorneys immediately get to work examining all the evidence in the case. This includes reviewing police reports, autopsy records, and forensic evidence. We’ll locate and interview witnesses to understand different accounts of what occurred. Many times there are mitigating factors that can reduce the charges, such as self-defense or extreme emotional disturbance.

If mistakes were made in the police investigation, we’ll work to get evidence suppressed or excluded. This could include challenging the validity of search warrants or interrogations that violated a defendant’s rights. Thorough investigation and research into the circumstances allows us to build the strongest defense.

Developing Case Strategies and Legal Defenses

Once we’ve completed a comprehensive investigation, Westchester criminal defense lawyers develop legal strategies and defenses to fight the charges at trial. For homicide cases, some possible defenses include:

• Self-defense – Using reasonable force to protect yourself or others from harm.
• Defense of others – Protecting another person from an attack with proportionate force.
• Accident – The death was an unintentional accident, not murder.
• Mistaken identity – You did not commit the crime and were wrongly accused.
• False or coerced confession – You were manipulated into admitting guilt falsely.
• Intoxication – You were too impaired to form intent to kill.
• Insanity – You lacked criminal responsibility due to mental illness.
• Provocation – The killer was provoked with threats or violence.
• Duress – You were forced to act under threat of immediate harm.

An experienced trial lawyer will carefully assess which defenses are viable based on the unique circumstances of each case. The goal is to show the jury reasonable doubt exists as to the defendant’s guilt.

Negotiating with the District Attorney’s Office

Rather than go to trial, many homicide cases end up being resolved through plea agreements negotiated by the defense attorney and prosecutor. Westchester criminal lawyers work tirelessly to get charges reduced or sentences minimized through these negotiations. While avoiding trial removes the risk of harsh mandatory minimums, any plea deal must still be in the client’s best interests.

Factors like the defendant’s prior record, cooperation with authorities, and willingness to accept responsibility can persuade the DA’s office to offer a favorable bargain. But seasoned lawyers won’t hesitate to take a case to trial if a satisfactory agreement can’t be reached.

Mounting an Aggressive Criminal Defense at Trial

In the event a case does go to trial, Westchester defense attorneys are fully prepared to fight for an acquittal before a judge and jury. We’ll work to get prejudicial evidence excluded through pretrial motions. During jury selection, we’ll question potential jurors to weed out any bias.

At trial, will attack the prosecutor’s case by cross-examining their witnesses to expose contradictions and cast doubt on their version of events. We’ll also call our own witnesses and experts to counter the state’s theories and testify for the defense. And we’ll make compelling arguments highlighting reasonable doubt in our closing statement.

Every trial strategy is crafted to create the best chance at a “not guilty” verdict. While awaiting the jury’s decision, the defense lawyer will be planning ahead in case of a conviction to file post-trial motions or an appeal challenging any trial errors.

What to Look for in a Westchester Homicide Attorney

When selecting a lawyer for a homicide case, it’s critical to choose someone with a proven track record of success. Look for these important qualifications:

• Extensive criminal trial experience defending murder charges
• Knowledge of New York homicide laws and penal codes
• Ability to thoroughly investigate complex cases
• Skill at negotiating with prosecutors for plea deals
• Comfort trying cases before juries and judges
• Resources to hire investigators and forensic experts
• Appellate experience for post-conviction relief

The consequences of a homicide conviction are extremely high. Don’t take chances by hiring an inexperienced or unqualified lawyer. The case demands a fierce trial lawyer with specialized expertise in homicide defense.

Fighting for the Best Possible Outcome

When everything you hold dear is on the line, you need someone who will fight relentlessly on your behalf. Westchester criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to achieving the best outcome in your case, whether that means getting charges reduced or dismissed, negotiating a fair plea bargain, winning at trial, or overturning a conviction on appeal.

Don’t go through this legal battle alone. Contact an experienced homicide lawyer today to discuss your case in confidence and learn how we can defend your rights at this critical time. The first consultation is free of charge and puts you on the path to the strongest defense.

Sources:

Westchester County District Attorney’s Office

Westchester County Bar Association

Westchester County Archives Digital Collections