Chattanooga Murder Lawyer 

Defending Clients Charged With Murder in Tennessee

If you or a loved one has been accused of murder, you understand the fear and uncertainty that clouds your future. In 2018 alone, nearly 38,000 murders were reported across Tennessee. Murder charges are serious and can be devastating for you and your loved ones, so you need a fearless defense on your behalf. 

At the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel, we never shy away from tough cases, including murder charges. Our Chattanooga defense attorney has nearly two decades of experience with even the most complex and nuanced criminal cases. When you retain our firm, we apply our years of knowledge to build a strong defense that speaks to the exact circumstances of your situation. 

Are you facing a murder charge in Tennessee?  Call Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today at (423) 250-1499 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our murder attorney in Chattanooga! 

Tennessee Laws Against Murder 

In Tennessee, murder is a serious criminal offense punishable by law. Tennessee has several laws that prohibit murder and provide penalties for those who commit this crime.

• First-degree murder in Tennessee is defined as intentionally killing another person with premeditation and deliberation. This offense is punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
• Second-degree murder in Tennessee is defined as intentionally killing another person without premeditation and deliberation. This offense is punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison.
• Voluntary manslaughter in Tennessee is defined as intentionally or knowingly killing another person in the heat of passion caused by adequate provocation. This offense is punishable by three to 15 years in prison.
• Involuntary manslaughter in Tennessee is recklessly causing another person's death. This offense is punishable by two to four years in prison.

Additionally, Tennessee has enhanced penalties for certain aggravating factors, such as the murder of a law enforcement officer, murder during the commission of certain crimes such as robbery or rape, and murder of a child or vulnerable adult victim.

It is important to note that these penalties and definitions may change over time. Individuals facing charges of murder in Tennessee should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney for up-to-date information and guidance.

Murder Trial Process in Tennessee

The murder trial process in Tennessee involves several steps, including pre-trial procedures, jury selection, the trial itself, and sentencing. Here is a general overview of the process:

• Pre-trial procedures: This includes the formal charging of the defendant, the arraignment, and the pre-trial motions. During the arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges against them and enters a guilty or not guilty plea. Pre-trial motions may include dismissing the charges, suppressing evidence, or changing the venue.
• Jury selection: The jury is selected through voir dire, where the prosecutor and defense attorney questions potential jurors to determine their suitability for the case. The attorneys may challenge jurors for cause or with peremptory challenges.
• The trial: The trial begins with opening statements from the prosecution and defense. The prosecution presents evidence, including witness testimony and physical evidence, to prove their case. The defense may cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses and present their evidence and witnesses to rebut the prosecution's case. Both sides may make closing arguments before the case is given to the jury for deliberation.
• Sentencing: If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will sentence them according to the law. In Tennessee, the punishment for first-degree murder can be life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances of the case.

It's important to note that each murder trial is unique, and the specifics of the trial process may vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Individuals facing charges for murder in Tennessee should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney for guidance on the trial process and their legal options.

What is the Difference Between Homicide & Murder Convictions?

The terms "homicide" and "murder" are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things in the legal context.

Homicide is a broader term that refers to the act of one person causing the death of another person. Homicide can be classified as either criminal or non-criminal. Murder, on the other hand, is a specific type of criminal homicide that involves the intentional killing of another person with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought means that the defendant had the intent to kill, acted with extreme recklessness that showed a disregard for human life, or engaged in conduct that was likely to result in death or serious bodily injury.

In other words, all murders are homicides, but not all homicides are murders. The distinction between homicide and murder is important because the penalties for a murder conviction are typically more severe than those for other types of criminal homicide. In some jurisdictions, murder is punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty, while other types of criminal homicide carry lesser penalties.

Contact the Law Office of Meredith Mochel today to schedule a FREE Criminal Defense consultation with our murder lawyer in Chattanooga!

Contact Our Chattanooga Murder Attorney Today 

The Tennessee court system is unforgiving to those charged with murder. You face a difficult uphill battle in court and the possibility of life in prison. However, at the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel, we fearlessly defend our clients against even the most serious charges. 

Our firm believes in providing clients with the aggressive advocacy and a fierce defense regardless of circumstances. Our murder lawyers in Chattanooga can work alongside you to investigate the details of your situation and build a strong case on your behalf.  

Contact Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today to start your defense with our murder defense lawyer in Chattanooga!