Blacksburg Attorney Defending Clients Facing Serious Homicide Charges
Few charges carry higher stakes than murder or homicide. A conviction can mean decades in prison or even life behind bars. If you’ve been accused of causing someone’s death in Virginia, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the law, acts fast and knows how to defend against complex allegations.
At Spicer, Olin & Associates, P.C., we defend clients facing homicide charges throughout Blacksburg and the New River Valley. Whether it’s a case of mistaken identity, self-defense, or a tragic accident, we build strong legal strategies designed to protect your rights and your future.
Types Of Homicide Under Virginia Law
Virginia classifies homicide into several degrees, each carrying different penalties based on the facts of the case and the accused’s intent:
- First-degree murder involves premeditation or murder committed during specific felonies, such as robbery or arson.
- Second-degree murder includes all intentional killings that don’t meet first-degree criteria.
- Capital murder is the most serious charge and may involve multiple victims, killing a law enforcement officer or murder for hire.
- Voluntary manslaughter refers to killings committed in the “heat of passion” or under extreme emotional disturbance.
- Involuntary manslaughter applies to unintentional killings caused by reckless or negligent behavior.
- Vehicular manslaughter or DUI manslaughter refers to deaths caused by dangerous driving, including while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Each type carries different sentencing guidelines and burdens of proof. Our role is to challenge the evidence, assert legal defenses and pursue every path to a reduced charge or dismissal.
The Risk Of Lesser Included Offenses
Even if you’re not convicted of the main charge, the Commonwealth may seek to convict you of a lesser included offense. This is a crime that shares elements with the greater charge. For example, if charged with first-degree murder, the jury could instead find guilt for second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter if they believe certain facts don’t add up.
According to Virginia law, the court may instruct the jury on any lesser offense supported by the evidence. This makes a strong, strategic defense work even more critical. A single misstep could lead to a conviction that the prosecution didn’t even start with.
Building A Defense In Homicide Cases
We handle all phases of a homicide case: From investigation through trial. Our criminal defense attorney will evaluate every part of the prosecution’s case, including:
- Self-defense and justifiable homicide under Virginia’s legal standards
- Insufficient evidence or flawed forensic work
- Unreliable eyewitnesses or false accusations
- Mental health defenses, including diminished capacity
- Constitutional violations, such as coerced statements or Miranda violations
We’ll also assist with the key steps before trial: bail hearings, grand jury proceedings, discovery review, and negotiations when a plea may serve your best interest.
Important Questions About Homicide Charges In Virginia
Facing a homicide charge can be overwhelming. Here are a few key questions people often have when going through this difficult process in Virginia:
What factors determine whether a homicide is charged as aggravated or capital murder?
Aggravating factors include multiple victims, murder for hire or killing during certain felonies. These raise the charge to capital murder, which carries the most serious penalties under Virginia law.
Can a murder or homicide charge be reduced through plea bargaining?
Yes. Depending on the facts, the charge could be reduced to second-degree murder or manslaughter. Plea agreements may offer shorter sentences and avoid trial risk. We evaluate all options and negotiate from a position of strength.
How do self-defense claims work in Virginia homicide cases?
If the accused had a lawful reason to believe deadly force was necessary to protect themselves or others, self-defense may apply. Virginia does not have a “stand your ground” law, but courts do recognize the right to protect yourself in certain situations.
Talk To An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today.
Homicide cases demand immediate action and a defense built on facts, law and strategy. Whether you’re facing vehicular manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter or a first-degree murder charge, our criminal defense attorney is ready to step in and advocate for you.
Call 540-315-8799 or contact us online to begin your defense.