If you or a loved one is facing a murder charge, you may want to learn more about the common defense strategies attorneys use in murder cases. Because charges involving the loss of life pose some of the most severe penalties, it’s crucial to understand all your defense options. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to walk you through these options and provide the top strategies to protect your rights.
Securing a trusted criminal attorney to help you navigate a pending murder charge is your best action. Read on to learn how the right defense strategies may help you disprove or reduce the charges against you and what you can do to take the following steps forward.
What Are Common Defense Strategies for a Murder Case?
A seasoned criminal defense attorney will consider your specific case to determine the defense strategy that makes the most sense for your situation. Common defense strategies your attorney may use in your case include:
Justifiable Homicide
If your attorney can prove the murder was justifiable based on the defense of others or self-defense, justifiable homicide is a strong defense strategy. While this can be challenging to prove, your attorney will work to show the actions you took were reasonable because you had a fear of bodily harm or death for yourself or others.
Mistaken Identity
In this defense strategy, your attorney will argue that you have been misidentified as the person who committed the murder. This requires that you have an alibi. You must also provide supporting evidence to back up the claim that you are not the guilty party. Your criminal defense attorney will challenge the witness identification and any forensic evidence to prove your innocence.
False Confessions
In some murder cases, law enforcement can be overzealous when arresting a suspect. This overzealousness leads to coercive or inappropriate interrogation tactics or a violation of civil rights or procedure. Your attorney must prove the confession was coerced, involuntary, or false so the prosecution cannot use it as evidence.
Insanity
Pleading insanity is a first-degree murder defense strategy. Claiming the insanity of someone charged with murder is challenging. Still, your legal team may implement this strategy if your attorney can prove the accused is cognitively unable to understand the act they committed or that what they have done is morally or legally wrong.
Choose Walker & Taylor for a Strong Defense Against a Murder Charge
At Walker & Taylor, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys help clients throughout the Greater Houston area navigate murder cases. If you know someone charged with murder, count on us to fight for their rights, reputation, and future. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience to your case. With our white-glove representation and dedicated legal support, you’ll have peace of mind and a clear path forward.
To learn more about the defense strategies we use in a murder case, or to schedule a free case evaluation, contact Walker & Taylor today.