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Conviction for homicide can result in felony offenses ranging from Class G to Class A. Maximum penalties range from $25,000-$100,000 in fines and 10 years to life in prison.
What is Homicide?
When someone dies at the hands of another person, they may face a variety of criminal charges. You could be convicted of murder, homicide, reckless homicide, negligent homicide, or intoxicated homicide with the use of a vehicle or firearm.
Felony murder occurs when you’ve caused the death of another while also trying to commit another crime. Other crimes can include battery, substantial battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, arson, etc.
Murder is split up into first or second-degree homicide. A first-degree homicide requires you to have the intent to cause the death of another person. Second-degree homicide still comes with the intent to kill another person but you had just cause in killing the victim.
First and second-degree reckless homicide is causing the death of another through criminally reckless conduct. To be convicted of first-degree reckless homicide the defendant must show an utter disregard for human life.
Negligent homicide is when a murder occurs due to negligent control of a vicious animal or handling of a dangerous weapon, explosive, or fire. Negligent control of an animal is when you know an animal is vicious but you let it go or do nothing to confine it and it kills someone.
Intoxicated homicide is when a person is under the influence of something and kills another person with a vehicle or firearm.
A knowledgeable attorney will defend your rights and guide you through serious cases involving homicide charges. Schedule a free initial consultation with Grieve Law to see what we can do for you.
Penalties for Felony Homicide in Appleton
First-degree intentional homicide is a Class A felony offense that carries the highest and most severe penalties. Penalties result in a life sentence in prison with the possibility of parole. Second-degree intentional homicide is a Class B felony with a penalty of up to 60 years in prison.
Evidence will distinguish whether a murder was first or second degree. Determining provocation, unnecessary force as defense, prevention of a felony, etc. may be the difference between a life sentence without parole or possible release.
First-degree reckless homicide is a Class B felony resulting in up to 60 years in prison. Second-degree reckless homicide is a Class D felony carrying penalties of up to 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Negligent homicide or homicide by negligent handling of dangerous weapons, explosives, or fire are Class G felonies. These felonies come with maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle or firearm is a Class D felony. Penalities include 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. It becomes a Class C felony offense if you’ve had a previous OWI. You could face 40 years in prison with a $100,000 fine. Multiple deaths can equal extra charges.
How Long will homicide stay on my record?
Regardless of the homicide offense, the charges will remain on your record for life with no way of having them removed. You will likely serve a long prison sentence, your firearm rights will be revoked, and you will no longer have the right to vote. These charges are also not expugnable.
How to beat homicide charge
Affirmative defenses are used in criminal cases that involve high-level felony charges. These defenses include self-defense, defense of others, coercion, felony prevention, underlying actions causing death or provocation, or if the death would have occurred regardless of if you were intoxicated in the case of intoxicated homicide.
The best way to beat a homicide charge, however, is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney that has experience in fighting homicide cases.
