Being charged with murder or manslaughter is devastating. Fortunately, with a strong team of Iowa homicide lawyers in your corner, you stand a chance of reaching a positive outcome, whether through proving your innocence or reaching a favorable plea bargain. If you’re currently facing homicide charges in Iowa, contact the dedicated Dallas County criminal lawyers here at Iowa Defenders, PLLC today.
Homicide Defense Lawyers: Safeguarding Your Future
Nothing is more overwhelming than facing murder or manslaughter charges. Upon conviction, you risk facing a wide range of penalties, which, at worst, can even warrant life in prison. Our team of skilled Iowa criminal defense attorneys stands ready to fight for your future and freedom, every step of the way.
Penalties for Murder in Iowa
The penalties you may face for a murder charge will depend on the specifics of your case. That said, a brief outline of the penalties for murder charges in Iowa is as follows:
- First-Degree Murder: This is defined as the intentional and premeditated killing of another person, or a killing that occurs during the commission of certain felonies, known as the felony murder rule. Penalties for first-degree murder in Iowa include life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- Second-Degree Murder: This charge involves a non-premeditated killing resulting from an intent to cause serious injury or a killing that results from reckless disregard for human life. Those convicted of second-degree murder may face up to 50 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 70% of the sentence served before eligibility for parole.
Penalties for Manslaughter in Iowa
In Iowa, there are two types of manslaughter charges: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Their definitions and potential penalties are as follows:
- Voluntary Manslaughter: This occurs when a killing happens in the “heat of passion” due to provocation that would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control. Penalties for voluntary manslaughter can include up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Involuntary Manslaughter: This charge applies to killings resulting from reckless or criminally negligent behavior. Involuntary manslaughter can be classified as a Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines between $750 and $7,500, or as an aggravated misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 2 years in prison and fines ranging from $625 to $6,250.
Potential Defenses
Of course, the specific defense your lawyer uses will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. However, some of the most common defenses against murder or manslaughter charges are as follows:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: This defense argues that the use of force was necessary to protect oneself or others from imminent harm.
- Lack of Intent: This defense highlights the absence of intent to kill or cause serious harm, which is crucial in distinguishing between various degrees of homicide charges.
- Insanity Defense: This defense asserts that the defendant was legally insane at the time of the crime, lacking the capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of the act.
- Mistaken Identity or Alibi: This defense involves providing evidence that the defendant was not present at the crime scene or was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator.
- Accidental Death: This defense aims to demonstrate that the death was a result of an accident without criminal negligence or intent.
Contact Our Iowa Homicide Lawyers Today
Don’t face homicide charges on your own. Contact the knowledgeable and skilled Iowa homicide lawyers at Iowa Defenders, PLLC today. We stand ready to fight for you and your future.
