Minnesota Murder Lawyer

Minnesota law distinguishes between murder, which generally is viewed as the intentional killing of another, and manslaughter, which is the unintentional killing of another.  There are three degrees of murder and two degrees of manslaughter in Minnesota.

• First Degree Murder – causing the death of another with premeditation and intent to kill or while committing or attempting to commit certain felonies; causing the death of a peace officer or guard employed by the State of Minnesota with the intent to kill; or causing the death of another while committing child abuse  or domestic abuse in some circumstances.

• Second Degree Murder – Causing the death of another intentionally but without premeditation; causing the death of another in some drive-by shooting circumstances; or unintentionally causing the death of another during the commission or attempt of some felonies or while intentionally inflicting some types of bodily harm.

• Third Degree Murder – many unintentional murders; depraved mind murders; or some drug-related murders.

• First Degree Manslaughter – intentionally causing the death of another in the heat of passion and with provocation; causing the death of another while committing or attempting to commit certain misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors; or intentionally causing the death of another under reasonable threat of death.

• Second Degree Manslaughter – usually causing the death of another due to one’s culpable negligence or unreasonably risky behavior.

• Criminal Vehicular Homicide – causes the death of another as a result of operating a motor vehicle.

Penalties

The penalties for murder, manslaughter, and criminal vehicular homicide are severe.  A conviction can bring a sentence of life in prison, some shorter prison term, registration as a violent criminal, significant fines, and extensive treatment or program participation.  Additionally, some of these crimes have mandatory sentences.  For example, murder in the first degree carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Kevin Sieben can represent you as your Minnesota Murder Defense Lawyer.

Minnesota Criminal Lawyer

There are several defense strategies that can be used to defend each of these crimes.  If you have been accused of any of these crimes, you need a strong defense attorney handling your case.  You need an attorney dedicated to your case who can achieve a “not guilty” verdict, should your case go to trial.  Kevin Sieben is that attorney.  He is aggressive in the courtroom and will be dedicated to your case from start to finish.