When a person dies because of another's conduct, it is not common for those people to face criminal charges. Here, a person who is suspected of causing another person to lose their life may face manslaughter or murder charges. Each charge has different elemental requirements. This post will examine the most serious of these charges: first degree murder.
There are six circumstances where a person may face first degree murder chargers. The first is if the death was caused by the alleged perpetrator's willful and deliberate action and if the action was premeditated. A planned murder is likely first degree murder.
Second, first degree murder charges may be filed if an alleged perpetrator is alleged to have caused the death to occur while committing a forcible felony. Third, this most serious form of murder may be charged if the alleged perpetrator allegedly caused the death while attempting to escape or actually escaping from law enforcement officials.
The four set of circumstances that may give rise to a first degree murder charge happen when a person alleged kills another while incarcerated in a prison or jail. The death of a child may result in first degree murder charges if the actions that led to the death demonstrate an extreme indifference to human life. Finally, a death that occurs during an alleged act of terrorism may be met with a first degree murder charge.
A person convicted of first degree murder may spend the rest of their life in jail. However, even in the direst legal circumstances a criminal defendant should remember that they have rights. With the help of a criminal defense attorney a person may find options for overcoming their legal battles.