Macon Murder Defense Attorneys

Georgia Murder & Manslaughter Lawyer

Murder is the most serious crime in Georgia. It is a capital offense, which means that it can be punished by the death penalty. If you are convicted of murder, you could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Georgia law defines murder as the unlawful killing of another with malice aforethought. If you are accused of murder, you need the services of an experienced and skilled murder – manslaughter attorney to protect your rights and fight the charges.

At Cooper, Barton & Cooper, our Macon murder defense attorneys are well-versed in Georgia murder law. We have handled hundreds of cases, giving us the experience necessary to defend you against even the most serious charges. Our murder & manslaughter attorneys are former prosecutors who have tried hundreds of cases. We know how the prosecution thinks and can use this insight to protect our clients' rights and ensure that their cases are handled fairly.

If you are facing murder charges in Georgia, contact Cooper, Barton & Cooper at (478) 202-7050 or by using our online form today. 

What Is Murder in Georgia?

In Georgia, murder is the unlawful killing of another with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought can be proven through either direct or circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence of malice is a verbal or written threat to kill or an act that demonstrates an intent to kill, such as shooting a gun in the direction of the victim. Circumstantial evidence of malice includes the nature of the act itself and the surrounding circumstances. For example, shooting a person in the back while they run away is circumstantial evidence of malice.

The consequences of a murder conviction are severe. Georgia law defines murder as a capital offense, which means that it can be punished by the death penalty. If you are convicted of murder, you could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

What Is Manslaughter in Georgia?

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another without malice aforethought. It is a lesser offense than murder. There are two types of manslaughter in Georgia: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another in the heat of passion. The killing must be in response to conduct that would cause a reasonable person to lose control and act with malice and without a duty to retreat. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person accidentally kills another while committing a misdemeanor.

The consequences of a manslaughter conviction are severe. A person convicted of involuntary manslaughter can be sentenced to ten years in prison. A person convicted of voluntary manslaughter can be sentenced to ten years in prison or 15 years in prison if the killing is committed with a weapon or while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Georgia Murder & Manslaughter Penalties

The penalties for murder in Georgia include:

• Life in prison without the possibility of parole
• A death sentence

The penalties for manslaughter in Georgia include:

• Up to ten years in prison
• Up to 15 years in prison if committed with a weapon or while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Georgia Murder & Manslaughter Defenses

If you are charged with murder or manslaughter, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and ensure that your case is handled fairly. Our murder & manslaughter attorneys are well-versed in Georgia murder law and can help you build a strong defense.

Our murder & manslaughter attorneys may be able to use the following defenses in your case:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Defense of property
• Accident
• Insanity
• Intoxication
• Duress
• Mental illness

Contact Cooper, Barton & Cooper for a Free Consultation

If you are facing murder or manslaughter charges, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and ensure that your case is handled fairly. Our murder & manslaughter attorneys are well-versed in Georgia murder law and can help you build a strong defense.

Contact Cooper, Barton & Cooper at (478) 202-7050 to schedule a free consultation with our Macon murder & manslaughter attorneys.