The Skilled Team You Need To Represent You In Murder Or Manslaughter Charges

The legal team at Shifrin Law Group, is committed to protecting the best interests of clients throughout the Chicago area. Our criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the legal process with the client-centered, results-driven representation you deserve.

Murder/Manslaughter

Murder is one of the most serious crimes an individual can be charged with. In the state of Illinois, there are varying degrees of murder and manslaughter laws an individual may be convicted of. Murder is generally defined as an intentional killing while manslaughter is considered unintentional.

What First Degree Murder Charges Involve

• This is the most severe of the homicide-related crimes in Illinois.
• In order to prove first degree murder, it must be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant killed an individual without lawful justification and either:
  • Intended to kill or do great bodily harm to the victim or
  • Knew the act they were engaging in created a strong possibility of causing death or great bodily harm to the victim or
  • Committed/was attempting to commit a felony other than second degree murder.

What Second Degree Murder Charges Involve

• This is similar to first degree murder but for the presence of mitigating circumstances.
• In order to prove second degree murder, it must be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant killed an individual without lawful justification and either:
  • Intended to kill or do great bodily harm to the victim or
  • Knew the act they were engaging in created a strong possibility of causing death or great bodily harm to the victim.
• If the above is proven by prosecution, the defendant may be convicted of second-degree murder rather than first degree murder if they are able to prove that at the time of the killing they were either:
  • Acting under a sudden and intense passion due to being provoked by the victim (or another person whom the defendant tried to kill but negligently killed the victim instead) or
  • Believed that the killing would be lawfully justified but the belief was unreasonable.

How Manslaughter Is Different Than Murder

In Illinois, manslaughter is defined as the unintentional killing of a person without lawful justification. There are two types of manslaughter in Illinois:

1. Voluntary manslaughter: Illinois only recognizes voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child.

This can occur when an offender acts under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by another whom the offender intended to kill but negligently causes the death of an unborn child or when the offender intentionally kills an unborn child and believes the circumstances justify the killing under justifiable use of principles but the belief is unreasonable.

2. Involuntary manslaughter/reckless homicide: Requires that a person “recklessly” performed acts causing an individual’s death. See our reckless homicide page for more info.

Murder and manslaughter convictions in Illinois are almost guaranteed to impact a person for the rest of their life. These are considered the most serious of crimes and while Illinois is not a death penalty state, homicide-related convictions can come with a lifetime of incarceration and financial penalties, especially when aggravating factors are taken into account. We represent those charged with violent crimes including felony offenses.

Act Today To Get Protection

If you have been charged with any type of homicide-related crime, it is essential that you call us at 312-766-4223 or email our team today. Speak with an experienced and nonjudgmental criminal defense attorney. At Shifrin Law Group, we are here to tirelessly defend you. Our founding attorney speaks fluent Russian, enabling us to provide service in both the English and Russian language.