If you or someone you know has been accused of murder, manslaughter, or another type of homicide, as an experienced defense attorney, I can provide hope in this incredibly distressing time. I possess a strong background in forensics and more than 25 years of experience representing clients as a committed criminal defense attorney. As a Lancaster murder/homicide lawyer, I can offer guidance and work with you toward a fair and just outcome.
Homicide, by its basic definition, is when a person causes the death of another person. This could be by voluntary action, accident, or reckless and dangerous behavior without the intent to cause harm.
An important element of any criminal act is the intent behind the act. The Ohio Revised Code § 2903.02 defines murder as the purposeful causing of death by another. Manslaughter, however, has a very nuanced difference, in that the act of killing the other person may be without intent.
Voluntary manslaughter, under Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.03, is an act of sudden passion or provocation whereby the death of another occurs soon after. In other words, a sudden incident causes someone to angrily respond and causes a death, Lastly, involuntary manslaughter, according to Ohio Rev. Code § 2903.04, is when the death occurs while the accused is committing a different crime. Prosecutors could also file charges against someone for causing death through reckless or negligent disregard for the dangers of their actions.
As there are different types of homicide, there are varying punishments that could result from a conviction. Involuntary and voluntary manslaughter may lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to $20,000. Murder could result in 15 years to life in prison. In extreme situations, murder is one of the few crimes that may result in the death penalty.
Consequently, anyone accused of causing the death of another in Lancaster should partner with a skilled attorney like myself to advocate in their defense. The Ohio Supreme Court qualifies me as lead counsel for death penalty cases, and I could provide you with professional advice and representation.
As with all crimes, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This means that the burden is on the state and prosecutors to prove the person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an advantage for the accused because they do not have to necessarily prove their innocence—only persuade a reasonable person to doubt the prosecutor’s argument.
Murder cases are uniquely challenging because the alleged victim cannot testify. Instead, prosecutors rely on forensic evidence to support their case, such as DNA, fingerprints, autopsy reports, and artifacts left at the crime scene. However, forensic evidence could cast doubt on the accused’s guilt and, in some situations, even prove that they did not commit the murder.
This type of evidence is difficult to obtain and often requires careful examination, testing, and analysis. As a lawyer, I have a background and advanced training in forensics, and a PhD in criminology and sociology, which has enabled me to develop strategies and methods for effectively defending clients in Lancaster who face murder or homicide charges.
To obtain the designation of lead counsel, as I have, the Ohio Supreme Court affirms I am admitted to practice law in Ohio, am committed to providing high quality representation in capital crime defense, and possess substantial knowledge of state, federal, and international law for capital cases. It also affirms that I have skill in:
If you have been accused of causing the death of another, you need a compassionate Lancaster murder/homicide lawyer to defend your rights. I could provide qualified guidance and support for a fair and just outcome. Call my office to schedule a free, face-to-face meeting to discuss your situation.
Client was charged with murder due to the child’s fractured skull and massive brain hemorrhage. The state’s theory was client struck the child with a baseball bat. Through the reconstruction of events and the use of a defense expert, I could show that injuries resulted from a fall.
Caretaker was charged with failure to properly supervise a child who accidentally died. He received an 18-month sentence with probation.
