225-343-1111
225-343-1111

Baton Rouge First-Degree Murder Lawyer

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First-degree murder is one of the most serious criminal charges someone can be accused of in Louisiana. If you’re facing charges for first-degree murder, you need immediate and experienced legal support from a Baton Rouge first-degree murder lawyer. 

At the Law Offices of Ossie Brown, we understand the gravity of every murder case. Our dedicated Baton Rouge homicide defense attorneys stand ready to defend your rights and pursue the best possible outcome.

Being convicted of taking someone’s life or attempting to take their life can result in severe legal penalties, including life in prison. Not only that, but simply being accused of such a serious crime can affect your reputation, personal relationships, employment opportunities, and more. 

Protect your future by calling (225) 343-1111 today to speak directly with a skilled first-degree murder lawyer on our team. 

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What is First-Degree Murder?

First-degree murder is the intentional killing of another person or persons, but under certain circumstances. This could include killings done during the commission of other crimes, the killing of multiple people, or the killing of certain individuals. These include law enforcement officers, judges, and witnesses, among others.

First-Degree Murder Definition Under Louisiana Law

Under Louisiana law, first-degree murder (La. R.S. § 14:30) involves the killing of a human being with the specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm, under certain circumstances. These include killings committed: 

  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone while engaged in the commission or attempted commission of certain serious crimes
    • These include aggravated kidnapping, second-degree kidnapping, aggravated escape, aggravated arson, aggravated or first-degree rape, forcible or second-degree rape, aggravated burglary, armed robbery, assault by drive-by shooting, first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, simple robbery, terrorism, cruelty to juveniles, or second-degree cruelty to juveniles
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm on a fireman, peace officer, forensic lab employee, taxicab driver, or correctional facility employee
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to more than one person
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone protected by a protective order
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone in exchange for anything of value
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to a victim under the age of 12 or 65 years old or older
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone while engaged in a drug crime
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone who was a witness to a crime or a member of the witness’s immediate family, either to prevent that person’s testimony or to enact revenge for that person’s prior testimony
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone after already intentionally killing another person
  • With the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm to someone while committing ritualistic mutilation, dismemberment, or torture

Due to the serious circumstances surrounding first-degree murders, these crimes can result in the maximum punishment under Louisiana Law: the death penalty.

First-Degree Murder vs Second-Degree Murder Louisiana

The key differences between first-degree murder and second-degree murder (La. R.S. § 14:30.1) under Louisiana law are the circumstances surrounding the killing and the intent involved in the killing. First-degree murder involves the specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm in certain situations. These often include the killing of multiple people, the killing of a police officer, or a killing that occurs during the commission of a felony. 

Second-degree murder also involves a killing with the specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm. However, second-degree murder generally applies to a broader range of situations. Since second-degree murder does not require the specific conditions required for first-degree charges. 

Additionally, second-degree murder includes certain unintentional killings, such as killings committed unintentionally during the commission of certain violent crimes. If these were done intentionally, the charge would escalate to a first-degree murder charge. 

If police have arrested you for second-degree murder, you still face serious legal penalties. Contact a Baton Rouge second-degree murder attorney at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown to discuss your case.

While both murder and manslaughter involve the killing of another person, there are some distinct differences between the two. Manslaughter actually occurs when someone commits murder, but the crime was committed in the heat of passion or caused by immediate provocation. The offender had intent to harm or kill the victim, but they did not have any time to cool down from the immediate circumstances that led them to want to harm or kill the victim. 

The classic example involves a husband catching his wife in bed with someone else. If the husband, immediately after walking into the room, killed the other man, police would likely arrest him for voluntary manslaughter. 

However, if the husband followed the other man home and then killed him, police would arrest him for murder. This is because the husband had every opportunity to stop following the other man and decide not to harm or kill him. 

Manslaughter also occurs under other circumstances, such as killing another without intent to cause great bodily harm or death, but while committing certain crimes. These include crimes that aren’t listed under first- or second-degree murder, as well as any misdemeanors.

Homicide, like negligent homicide and vehicular homicide, does not require any kind of intent in Louisiana. Negligent homicide occurs as a result of criminal negligence, or when a person’s dog kills another individual. Vehicular homicide occurs when a drunk driver kills another person in a motor vehicle accident. Crimes that fall under involuntary manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter in other states fall under homicide in Louisiana. 

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Punishments for First-Degree Murder in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, a first-degree murder conviction carries either the death penalty or life imprisonment at hard labor without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The district attorney will decide whether or not the prosecution wants to seek the death penalty. If they decide not to pursue the death penalty, the mandatory minimum sentence is life imprisonment. 

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How a Baton Rouge First-Degree Murder Defense Attorney Can Help

First-degree murder is one of the most serious crimes anyone can commit. If you have been charged with murder in the first degree, the Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown are here to help. 

Our attorneys have decades of experience serving clients across the Baton Rouge area. We’ve also defended against a wide range of serious crimes, including first- and second-degree murder, as well as other complex homicide cases.

Our attorneys will examine every circumstance of your case to develop the best defense strategy possible. We’ll fight tirelessly to pursue acquittal or a lesser charge. Don’t leave your future up to chance. Call us today and let us fight for your freedom.

Possible Defenses to First-Degree Murder Charges in Louisiana

When facing a first-degree murder charge in Louisiana, the best thing you can have is a strong defense. Common defenses to first-degree murder include:

  • Proving a lack of intent
  • Proving that the killing occurred in the heat of the moment
  • Asserting that the accused did not know right from wrong at the time of the offense
  • Claiming mistaken identity
  • Challenging the prosecution’s lack of evidence
  • Proving that the accused had their constitutional rights violated

A violent crime defense lawyer in Baton Rouge can evaluate the circumstances of your case and build the best possible defense, based on the evidence present.

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Contact a Louisiana First-Degree Murder Attorney at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown to Schedule a Consultation

If prosecutors have accused you of homicide or charged you with first-degree murder, it’s critical to have experienced legal support on your side. At the Law Offices of Ossie Brown, we know that being charged with killing another person is a life-changing situation. That’s why we provide every client with compassionate, dedicated representation throughout every stage of their case.

Take the first step to protecting your future today. Contact us online or call (225) 343-1111 now to schedule your consultation and discuss your next steps. 

Free Consultation

Let us review your case at no cost to you. We want to take the time to get to know you and understand your legal goals and objectives.

Why Our Clients Trust Us

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"I would highly recommend The Law Offices of Ossie Brown. The initial consultation proved to me that this truly is my law firm for a lifetime. My experience was nothing short of first-class, with everything from prompt service to attentive responses. When you endure suffering, the last thing you want is a lawyer who doesn’t work in your best interest. If you are looking for fair, professional, diligent representation, call The Law Offices of Ossie Brown."
Derek F.
“The service that I was provided at Dana Brown’s office was second to none. Every phone call was returned and every question was answered. When you talk to Dana, he makes you feel at ease, and that’s what I needed when I was misdiagnosed and wound up having a torn rotator from being rear ended.”
Tiger B.
"Thanks Kris and law staff at the Law Office of Ossie Brown for representing me in my accident! It’s good to know you have a great team of legal professionals behind every step of the way! Thanks for all the hard work and behind the scenes work that went into putting together a successful case! I would highly recommend Kris and his staff for any legal issues you may encounter. I and my family will not hesitate to use him again in the future should the need arise."
Shane L.
“From the moment my wife and I walked through the door, it was obvious we made the right decision in choosing an attorney. Not one time during the process did we ever feel like we were being treated like a number. The way your team handled our case will definitely have us recommending The Law Offices of Ossie Brown to anyone in need of an attorney. As far as the results of our case, we can’t thank you enough! Thank you for keeping us informed every step of the way, and please thank your staff for their kindness and hospitality.”
Jason W.
“I am very glad I chose to go with The Law Offices of Ossie Brown. They made the process seamless and made sure I understood every detail. They took the stress off my shoulders and took it upon themselves. They truly cared about the well-being of myself and my family.”
Eric C.
"Phenomenal service! I called and asked for help with paperwork from a divorce in 2017 and Patti went above and beyond the call of duty to help the clients get what they needed!"
Rob L.
"Kris has handled two cases for me and has always been professional and goes above and beyond for his clients. The office staff is always professional and keeps you updated on what is going on with your case. Highly recommend this office and Kris if you are looking for an attorney."
Lisa T.
"Working with Danna Brown and Patti Suire is always an amazing experience! I reach out to due to a car accident and needed legal representation. Dana was very straight forward, the communication was perfect and I felt like a friend and not just another client. I’m referring Danna to all of my family and friends because I know he efficient and he’s intentional. Our business partner for life! I would totally recommend him to anyone needing representation!"
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The attorneys at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown are skilled in several practice areas and ready to discuss your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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