South Carolina is one of the 27 states that still allows the death penalty for homicide offenses. If you are facing homicide charges, you need the skills and knowledge of an experienced Greenville homicide lawyer to avoid this maximum punishment.
I am Christopher L. Jones, an attorney who provides trusted representation to defendants in criminal cases. As a former prosecutor and municipal judge, I have an inside understanding of the strict processes and procedures that judges and courts must follow to win a criminal conviction. Contact Chris Jones Law today to consult a dedicated violent crimes lawyer who could help you protect your rights and freedom.
Homicide Defendants Are Entitled to Due Process
The U.S. Constitution guarantees a homicide defendant’s right to due process. In every case, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the act of homicide charged in the indictment. Further, law enforcement authorities and prosecutors must follow all rules of procedure and evidence in a criminal matter.
As a knowledgeable homicide attorney in Greenville, I use this due process guarantee to:
- Verify that search and arrest warrants are properly supported by valid affidavits and facts
- Confirm that arresting officers did not coerce you into confessing or mislead you about your right to remain silent or retain an attorney
- Assure that all evidence was properly collected and has a sound basis for admission at trial
- Assess the fairness of trial procedures, particularly where the court tries multiple defendants jointly and accomplices are expected to testify against each other
- Determine if the evidence is sufficient to prove all of the factual allegations in the homicide indictment
- Certify juror objectivity and review jury instructions for clarity and conformity with the underlying homicide charges
- Challenge prosecutors’ attempts to sway juries with emotional arguments that deviate from factual proof
- Establish that prison sentences, if any, are consistent with the charges
The defense strategy used depends on the specific circumstances of your case. During an initial consultation, your attorney could examine your situation to determine how to proceed.
The Homicide Trial Record Is Critical
An experienced Greenville attorney might submit pretrial motions to exclude or limit evidence and object to prosecutorial overreach and improper trial procedures in many stages of a homicide case. Even if a judge overrules an objection, having such an objection in the trial record creates a better opportunity to appeal unfair verdicts.
A skillful homicide lawyer thoroughly analyzes all of the prosecutor’s evidence ahead of trial and prepares to object to every misstep or procedural mistake that a prosecutor or trial judge may make. Even if you have strong defenses, judges and juries sometimes rush to convictions. Appealing an improper verdict is a more viable option when legitimate objections are in the trial record.
How Are Homicide Charges Classified?
State law recognizes murder, manslaughter, and reckless vehicular homicide as the three categories of homicide charges. During your murder trial, the prosecutor must show clear proof of malice to win a conviction, and a Greenville lawyer could challenge all evidence that might imply malice. Such evidence might include:
- Witness testimony
- Photographs of the crime scene
- Statements obtained by law enforcement personnel from defendants
- Any facts that might show a motive for a murder
- The mode and manner of how a homicide occurred
As your attorney, Christopher L. Jones could explain the charges against you and discuss the potential penalties you may be facing upon conviction.
Contact a Greenville Attorney for Help Defending Against a Homicide Charge
A homicide accusation is the most serious criminal charge that you might face. If you need a Greenville homicide lawyer, reach out to Chris Jones Law for aggressive and passionate legal representation. I have in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system, and I use that knowledge to procure the best possible outcome in every case. Contact my firm today to schedule a consultation.
