Minneapolis Homicide Defense Lawyer
Homicide describes a range of acts that result in the death of another human being. If you are in any way involved in a case that involves homicide (including a fatal car accident) or another violent felony, you are at serious risk of spending years in prison and losing basic rights.
You need a criminal defense lawyer who has experience in handling homicide trials, who really understands your story, and who will personally manage every aspect of your defense. It is important to avoid making any statement until your attorney is present.
I have successfully represented clients accused of homicide and other violent crimes (see results). I have handled cases involving charges of assisted suicide, of causing the death of an unborn child and of felony operation of a motor vehicle.
I will be happy to provide a free, confidential consultation about a murder charge. After listening to your story, I will explain what would be involved in an effective homicide defense and exactly what I will charge to take the case. I charge no extra fees to go to trial – I expect to fight for my client all the way to a verdict. From offices in the Twin Cities, I travel to courts in St. Cloud, Rochester, Mankato, Duluth and other Minnesota locations.
Minneapolis Attorney Patrick Cotter
651.686.5347
Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota |
Homicide defense
Free Comprehensive Consultations
Flat fees – no surprises |
Homicide categories and defense strategies
1st degree murder is the most serious homicide charge, and includes killing someone with premeditation and intent, or killing someone during the commission of a violent felony. Examples of violent felonies listed in the Minnesota homicide statute include:
- Rape
- Child abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Drug crimes
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- Arson
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
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- Drive-by shooting
- Escaping from custody
- Acts of terrorism
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A defense lawyer’s first action in a first-degree murder case would be to challenge charging the accused at that level, asking that charges be reduced to a lesser degree of homicide. Minnesota does not have a death penalty, but a conviction of first-degree murder can result in a life sentence.
2nd-degree homicide (manslaughter, 2nd-degree murder) is causing a death through an unintentional, unpremeditated action. Manslaughter includes killing someone unintentionally during a drive-by shooting, killing a person during the commission of a felony (other than 1st or 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct), and killing a person in an act that violates a domestic violence protection order. Penalties for an unintentional murder range up to 40 years in prison.
3rd-degree homicide is charged when there was no intent to kill, but the suspect is accused of committing a dangerous act, including the administration or distribution of illegal drugs. Sentences range up to 25 years.
Criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation refer to negligent use of an automobile, resulting in death or great bodily harm. Sentences range up to five years. The statute can be applied when a car accident results in injury to an unborn child, whether the child dies or is born alive.
A homicide defense boils down to one issue – the defendant’s attorney challenges the prosecutor to produce evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt the accused committed the crime. Less usual, but still possible, mental illness and insanity can be defenses and irrational rage (temporary insanity) or intoxication can be grounds for moving that a first-degree murder charge be reduced to a lesser crime.
Self defense and defense of others are claimed by criminal defense lawyers when the accused believe their actions were necessary to protect themselves or others.
As a homicide defense lawyer, I will challenge the credibility of witnesses, including police officers, question whether the client’s constitutional rights were violated, whether evidence was handled properly and all other aspects of the case against the accused.
Attorney Patrick L. Cotter ∙ Free Comprehensive Consultations regarding murder defense
Cotter Law Office, PLLC
Patrick L. Cotter, Attorney & Counselor at Law
1060 Dakota Drive, Suite 204 · Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Phone: 651.686.5347 · Cell: 651.214.8624 · Fax: 866.686.5488
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