Experienced, Prominent Reputation For Homicide Cases
If you or a member of your family is facing homicide charges, you know the stakes are high. The district attorney is under pressure to obtain a conviction that will satisfy the grieving family of the deceased, and judges are often hesitant to rule in favor of a defendant charged with such a serious crime. In Georgia, a conviction for murder means your life is on the line, literally. There is only one sentence in Georgia for murder and that is a life sentence.
I am criminal defense attorney Pete Theodocion. Since 1997, I have used my criminal law experience to provide aggressive, skillful legal defense for clients facing murder and manslaughter charges. I started my firm to help mitigate the serious consequences Georgia residents may be facing.
I Am A Former Prosecutor With More Than 25 Years Defense Experience
I am proud to say that I have negotiated dismissals of murder charges before trial, I have won acquittals in jury trials in murder cases, and I have obtained new trials on appeal in murder cases. I will do whatever it takes to add you or your family member to the long list of persons whose freedom I have protected.
Time isn’t on your side. Contact my office in Augusta right away for a free initial consultation about your charges. I will explain your options in clear language and give you an honest evaluation of your case. If you decide to retain me, you will have a tough, intelligent attorney who won’t back down and will do everything possible to secure the best outcome possible in your case.
Types Of Murder In Georgia
Murder is one of the more high stakes and complex types of charge there are. Many of the sentencing guidelines take into effect the states of mind of the accused and the circumstances of the act in determining what the charge should be. The main categories of murder in Georgia are:
- Malice murder: The most serious offense, this is the intentional, planned murder of another person. It has the harshest penalties under the law carrying a life imprisonment or the death penalty
- Felony murder: This is murder that is committed in the act of another felony, such as an armed robbery or an aggravated assault. Felony murder carries the same penalty as malice murder.
- 2nd-degree murder: This is specifically use regarding the loss of a child’s life in the commission of child cruelty. This less serious charge is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison.
The term “capital murder” applies to both malice murder and felony murder, as under Georgia law, those are both capital offenses.
Manslaughter Distinctions And Reduced Charges
Not every criminal act leading to a death is a murder charge under Georgia law. As it is a complex situation, the law makes allowances for instances such as:
- Voluntary manslaughter: This is a crime of passion, where the actions were intentional, but not premeditated. It is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Involuntary manslaughter: This is when an unlawful, non-felony act leads to a persons death. It is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison. However, there are times where involuntary manslaughter is considered a misdemeanor, if the action that lead to the death was lawful, and the death was due to civil negligence or other malfeasance.
- Vehicular homicide: Any death caused by the misuse of a vehicle, from reckless driving to drunk driving. This is punishable by between three and 15 years in prison.
The main difference between murder and manslaughter is the intentions leading up to the act. If there was no ill intention or violence intended, but a death results, typically this results in a manslaughter charge.
‘Self-Defense And Justifiable Homicide’
Not every action that takes a person’s life is in fact punishable under the law as Georgia makes room for such instances as self defense and Justifiable homicide are valid defenses. If you found yourself in a situation where you had to fight for your life, or you felt legitimately threatened or you were defending someone else, your actions may be justifiable under the law.
However, it takes considerable legal experience and understanding to effectively make this case. But that’s why I want to fight for you.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
You are facing the most serious time of your life. Fight like your life depends on it, because it does. Call 706-250-8762, or schedule your free initial consultation online. Act quickly so I can begin protecting your rights immediately.