Atlanta Murder Attorney

Murder & Manslaughter Defense Lawyers with Over 29 Years of Experience in Atlanta, GA

Under Georgia state law, “homicide” is when a person commits a crime that results in the death of another. The difference between murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter is particularly important because the seriousness of these crimes vary. The prosecutor may charge you with a more serious offense in the expectation that you will plea bargain your way into a lesser offense.

If you have been accused of murder or manslaughter, you are entitled to defend your rights with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Abt Law Firm, LLC have over 29 years of experience helping people accused of murder and manslaughter in Atlanta. We have successfully handled over 2,500 cases and over 100 jury trials.

The following are several reasons why you should hire our skilled murder lawyer in Atlanta:

• Expert legal advice to ensure you understand your rights, the laws related to your case, and the potential sentences you face
• In-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to navigate complex legal procedures
• Extensive experience in defending clients charged with murder and related offenses, include several murder cases won
• Ability to negotiate a favorable plea bargain or trial settlement, when appropriate
• Access to experts and resources that can help build an effective defense strategy
• A commitment to protect your rights and best interests from start to finish

Contact our experienced Atlanta murder lawyer today for a free case review at (678) 582-2272! 

Murder & Manslaughter Laws in Georgia

Unlike many states, Georgia doesn’t divide murder into “first degree” or “second degree.” A murder occurs when one person kills another person with the conscious intent to take their life. An example of murder is when someone deliberately drives through a crowded crosswalk. Murder also applies when a person is killed during the commission of an inherently dangerous felony, even if the killing was accidental. The minimum sentence for murder in Georgia is life in prison, and the death penalty is possible if circumstances are severe enough.

Voluntary Manslaughter

A murder charge can be reduced to voluntary manslaughter if you acted pursuant to a sudden and extreme passion. The classic circumstance in which voluntary manslaughter is applied is when a man kills his wife’s lover after catching them in bed together. Another circumstance would be “imperfect self-defense” scenario where the killer was provoked and had the right to use self-defense but overreacted with deadly force. To reduce a murder charge to voluntary manslaughter, you must have been strongly provoked, and you must not have had the opportunity to cool down before the killing. If convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Georgia, you could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Involuntary Manslaughter

A voluntary manslaughter charge can be reduced to involuntary manslaughter if the killing was accidental but was the result of criminal negligence. You can be criminally negligent by driving while legally intoxicated, and you can be charged with voluntary manslaughter if this results in a fatal accident. Another example would be an electrician who flagrantly disregards safety regulations while rewiring a house, thereby causing a fire that results in death. Involuntary manslaughter can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years but can be reduced to a misdemeanor under limited circumstances.

What Are Defenses for Murder in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, being charged with murder is a serious offense, but there are several defenses that an experienced attorney may use to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case. Common defenses for murder include:

• Self Defense: You may be entitled to self-defense if you acted in defense of yourself or others against imminent harm. In Georgia, deadly force is allowed where it is necessary to avoid serious injury or death.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense applies if you used force to protect another person from imminent harm.
• Lack of Intent: Murder charges often hinge on proving intent. You may be able to defend yourself against murder charges if your actions were accidental or without malice.
• Insanity or Mental Incapacity: If you were suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of the crime and could not understand the nature of your actions, an insanity defense may apply.
• Mistaken Identity: In this defense, you argue that you were misidentified as the perpetrator based on the evidence presented by the prosecution.

By consulting with our experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney, you gain access to legal strategies tailored to your case, potentially reducing charges or achieving a dismissal.

How Our Experienced Atlanta Murder Attorney Can Help

Being convicted of any of these offenses is a serious matter that could negatively affect the rest of your life. At ABT Law Firm, LLC we will fight for you aggressively so that your charges can be reduced, or even dropped so you can avoid prison time. Our legal team has over 29 years of experience helping people accused of murder and manslaughter in Atlanta and surrounding areas. We have successfully handled over 2,500 cases and over 100 jury cases. We work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the best possible results for your case.

Contact our Atlanta manslaughter lawyers today for a free case review at (678) 582-2272. We are available 25/7 for our clients!