homicide defense attorney - milwaukee wi - green bay wi

homicide

For more than twenty years, Attorney John Birdsall has devoted his law practice to protecting the rights of the falsely accused and defending people charged with criminal and drunk driving offenses. Attorney Birdsall has defended more than 70 felony trials to verdict. Most of those cases were for felony charges. Yet, he has long maintained a outstanding acquittal (not guilty verdict) rate that far surpasses the Wisconsin state average. Among those trials and acquittals, Attorney Birdsall has defended many people who were charged with homicide. If you are facing homicide charges, please contact the office for a free initial consultation.

 Definition of homicide

Criminal homicide is the illegal killing of another person.

 first degree intentional homicide

First degree intentional homicide is the intentional killing of another person or an unborn child. Premeditated and deliberated murder is charged as a 1st degree homicide under Wisconsin law.

First degree intentional homicide is a Class A Felony punishable by a mandatory sentence to lifetime imprisonment. If available, eligibility for parole would begin after 20 years had been served. The court has discretion as to whether to allow the prisoner to be released into extended supervision.

 Second Degree Intentional Homicide

Second degree intentional homicide is the intentional killing of another person or unborn child without premeditation and deliberation. Murder committed without malice or premeditation can be charged as a 2nd degree intentional homicide under Wisconsin law. Second degree intentional homicide crimes include those often referred to as manslaughter.

Second degree intentional homicide is a Class B Felony punishable by up to 60 years imprisonment.

 manslaughter

Manslaughter is the equivalent to second degree intentional homicide. Homicide with adequate provocation (heat of passion crimes) are a 2nd degree intentional homicide. Manslaughter is sometimes referred to as unintentional homicide.

 vehicular homicide

Vehicular homicide is causing the death of another person by use of a motorized vehicle such as a car, truck, or a semi-truck.

 intoxicated vehicular homicide

If the operator of the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or some other intoxicant, then the charge is death by use of a motorized vehicle, which is often referred to as drunken vehicular homicide, drunk driving homicide or drunk driving manslaughter.