What Are the Most Important Things to Know About Self-Defense Homicide Charges in Georgia?
Self-Defense Laws in Georgia: Under Georgia Code § 16-3-21, the use of deadly force may be justified in cases where the person can be shown to have reason to believe that such was necessary to protect themselves or a third person from the threat of death or great bodily harm.
Stand Your Ground and Duty to Retreat in Georgia: Georgia does not have a duty to retreat law, meaning individuals are not required to retreat before using force in self-defense. This is variously referred to as a “Stand Your Ground” law or the “Castle Doctrine.” Georgia Code § 16-3-23 “No Duty to Retreat Prior to Use of Force in Self-Defense” states that:
“A person who uses threats or force in accordance with Code Section 16-3-21, relating to the use of force in defense of self or others, Code Section 16-3-23, relating to the use of force in defense of a habitation, or Code Section 16-3-24, relating to the use of force in defense of property other than a habitation, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use force as provided in said Code sections, including deadly force.”
Is Self-Defense a Defense Against Murder Charges in Georgia?
If you’ve been forced to defend yourself against an aggressor and faced devastating consequences, including criminal charges, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to help. In Georgia, self-defense laws can be complex, and law enforcement may not always accurately assess the situation. If you’ve been charged with homicide after acting in self-defense, our team will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected and your side of the story is heard. We’ll help you navigate the legal system and build a strong defense to demonstrate that your actions were justified.
According to Georgia self-defense laws, individuals who cause someone else’s death are not guilty of homicide. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help prove that you obeyed the state’s stand your ground laws and are not guilty of involuntary manslaughter or any other crime. Your lawyer can also help you interact with police officers so you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself.
If you were involved in an incident that resulted in the death of another person and wish to claim self-defense, our attorneys can help. Reach out to our skilled legal team for confident, aggressive attorneys who can help you avoid a homicide conviction that could lead to prison time or even the death penalty. With so much at stake, you need excellent lawyers to defend you. Call Mones Law, P.C. at 678-616-2647 for experienced criminal defense attorneys who will work tirelessly for your best interests.
What Is Homicide According to Georgia Law?
Homicide is defined as murder in Georgia and can lead to a death sentence or life in prison without the possibility of parole. This applies to the several forms of homicide under Georgia law, including malice murder, felony murder, and second-degree murder. Voluntary manslaughter is also a form of homicide where the person uses unlawful force as a result of sudden passion or anger but without premeditation.
If the individual is the initial aggressor, the case could be considered homicide, and the person could face criminal charges. Laws in Georgia do not permit the use of force to such an extent that it would cause the loss of life unless the person is acting in self-defense or in defense of another person.
If you are facing homicide charges, the prosecution will attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you caused serious bodily harm that was not necessary to defend yourself or anyone else. However, a skilled homicide self defense attorney can prove that you obeyed Georgia self-defense laws and only used deadly force because it was necessary. Call our law firm immediately for excellent counsel and representation to defeat your criminal charges.
Is Self-Defense An Adequate Defense Against Homicide?
The circumstances surrounding your actions make all the difference in a self-defense case. To avoid being charged with a forcible felony or voluntary manslaughter, you must show that you faced an imminent threat by the person who died at your own hands. You can do this by demonstrating that you felt forced to protect yourself or another person because of the other person’s threats. According to self-defense laws in Georgia, a person who is attacked has no duty to retreat.
At Mones Law, P.C., we dedicate ourselves to investigating every detail of the incident. We promise to fight for you and protect your rights throughout your criminal proceedings. We understand the laws related to self-defense in Georgia, including Georgia’s stand your ground laws and Castle Doctrine. We will put this knowledge to work to defeat the prosecution’s arguments and get the minimum sentence or see your case thrown out.
What Penalties Will I Face if I’m Convicted of Homicide?
Those found guilty of homicide in Georgia face a difficult road and may be sentenced to some of the most severe penalties in the nation. Murder/manslaughter charges can result in a life sentence without parole or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances around the alleged murder.
For example, some potential penalties include:
- Imprisonment for life without parole or punishment by death for a person convicted of murder
- Between ten and 30 years in prison if convicted of murder in the second degree
- Between three and 15 years in prison for homicide by vehicle in the first degree
- Death penalty for murder that causes risk of death to more than one person in a public location or for a crime against an officer of the peace as they exercise their duties
If you were under a reasonable belief that your safety was at risk because of threats from the person who attacked you, you could avoid the catastrophic results of a homicide conviction. Use of force is permitted in Georgia self-defense laws, but proving you were acting to defend yourself or another person can be difficult. Contact our excellent team of criminal defense attorneys to protect your rights and help you avoid a conviction.
Should You Hire Our Georgia Self-Defense Homicide Attorneys?
Sometimes, it is necessary to use deadly force to prevent someone from harming you or someone around you. According to the Castle Doctrine, Georgia self-defense laws, such as stand-your-ground laws, permit you to use such force in certain situations. Reach out to our skilled team of compassionate defense attorneys to discuss the circumstances of your case and establish your rights to self-defense.
Our law firm has handled many self-defense cases, and we are not afraid to take matters to the federal courts if necessary. We promise to use all of our skill, knowledge, and experience to get you the favorable results you are looking for. We will leave no stone unturned as we investigate the circumstances surrounding your self-defense case.
Whether you are facing charges of voluntary manslaughter, murder/manslaughter, or other charges related to an incident where you used force to protect yourself or someone else, we can help. Call 678-616-2647 to schedule a complimentary 60-minute strategy session with our self-defense and homicide attorneys.