Common Defenses to Homicide in Georgia

Homicide is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, and if you try to face it alone, you may end up feeling lost, overwhelmed, confused, and alone. There are different strategies you can implement, but it can be difficult to determine which one may suit your case, especially if you are unaware of the options at your disposal. If you are looking for common defenses to homicide in Georgia, a homicide defense lawyer can help.

Homicide in Georgia

There are several common defenses to homicide in Georgia that a homicide defense lawyer can help you prepare based on the different circumstances of your unique case. Before you learn more about the defenses, however, you may benefit from knowing more about homicide in Georgia and what is at risk if you are found guilty.

In 2023, a murder in Georgia occurred every 12 hours, 1 minute, and 58 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that, in 2022, the rate of murder in the state of Georgia was much higher than the national average, coming to an overall rate of 11.3. Georgia currently has the  8th highest number of recorded gun homicides in the United States.

According to GA Code § 16-5-1 (2024), a person found guilty of committing a homicide can legally be sentenced to death in response to being convicted. Seeing as there is so much at risk, it is wise to consider hiring a Georgia homicide defense lawyer who is ready to help you strategize and develop a strong defense and then present it on your behalf in a court of law.

What Are Some Common Defenses to Homicide in Georgia?

When it comes to building a defense narrative for a homicide case, there are several common types of strategies, which are as follows:

• Self-defense: Murdering another individual to protect yourself against potential or active harm, like killing a mugger.
• Defense of others: A homicide that results from trying to protect another individual from future or current harm, such as taking out a bank robber during an active robbery when others were in danger.
• Defense of habitation: A death that is directly connected to you protecting your home, like shooting an intruder in your home when they try to harm you.
• Defense of necessity/justifiable homicide: This occurs when everything an individual does is justifiable if it is deemed necessary to protect others from further harm, even if it results in the death of another individual.
• Intoxication: Stating that you were intoxicated when the homicide occurred can show that you had not intended to kill someone, which may get your charges reduced to a form of manslaughter instead of homicide.
• Being under duress: This defense implies that you were forced to commit a crime, in this case, homicide, because you were under duress, i.e., you had been threatened with bodily harm, death, or any other act of violence if you did not commit the murder.

How May I Benefit From the Help of a Georgia Homicide Defense Lawyer?

When you partner with Miller North & Brill, we can work toward your desired outcomes together as a team. If you are innocent, we will stop at nothing to prove as much. If you are guilty, we can work to help negotiate a plea on your behalf and/or seek charges that are reasonable and fair, given the unique nature of your case. Regardless of how you stand in this trial, we are prepared to help you through it.

FAQs

What Is the Necessity Defense in Homicide?

The necessity defense is the idea that everything an individual does, even if it results in the death of another person, is justifiable if it is deemed necessary to protect others from further harm. This is one of the various strategies that may be applicable when deciding on a defense technique for your case, and consulting with your lawyer can help you determine if it fits.

What Are the Four Types of Defense Against Homicide Charges in Georgia?

While there are more than four types of defense strategies against homicide charges in the state of Georgia, the main four are as follows:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Defense of habitation
• Defense of necessity

When you enlist the assistance of Miller North & Brill, one of our legal representatives will be able to help you determine what defense strategy suits your case and address the various questions and doubts the opposing and deciding parties may have.

What Is Considered Homicide in Georgia?

There are several different kinds of homicide classifications in the state of Georgia, including the following:

• Malice murder
• Felony murder
• Second-degree murder
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Felony involuntary manslaughter.
• Misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter

If you have been accused of committing any of the aforementioned homicides, a Georgia homicide lawyer can help you build a strong defense, protecting your rights and serving as a source of protection from the start of your case until the end.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Homicide Defense Lawyer?

Due to the unique nature of each homicide case, the cost of hiring a homicide defense lawyer in Georgia tends to vary case by case. The duration and complexity of your case both tend to play a big part in determining the final cost you may end up paying, and at Miller North & Brill, we make it our goal to build you a defense that you feel is worthy of any and all expenditures you may end up owing.

Get Representation Today

Whether you are guilty or innocent of the homicide you have been charged with, you have a right to legal representation and a fair trial. In more cases than not, it is easier to guarantee the latter when you make good use of the former.

At Miller North & Brill, we believe in helping you build a compelling, well-rounded case. We will listen to your side of the story, gather and examine the evidence, develop a defense strategy, and then deliver your case on your behalf. You will not need to face your case alone, left in uncertainty and confusion when you align yourself with our brilliant team.

While it can be overwhelming, being accused of committing a homicide in Georgia does not mean the end of your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you protect your rights and your future.