What to Do if You Are Charged with Murder in Washington DC

What to Do if You Are Charged with Murder in Washington DC

Being charged with murder is an incredibly scary and overwhelming experience. Even if you’re innocent, the legal process can be confusing and intimidating. This article provides some guidance on steps to take if you find yourself facing a murder charge in Washington DC.

Get a Lawyer

The first thing you need to do is get a lawyer, period. Don’t try to handle this on your own. A murder charge carries heavy penalties, including life in prison or even the death penalty. You need someone on your side who understands the complexities of criminal law. Many public defender offices have dedicated teams for handling serious felony charges like murder.

If you can’t afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. Public defenders are often highly skilled defense attorneys with a lot of experience. Don’t assume a private lawyer is inherently better. But if you can afford a private criminal defense attorney, make sure to choose someone with specific experience handling murder cases.

Don’t Talk to the Police

After you are charged, the police will likely want to question you about what happened. Don’t say anything until your lawyer is present! The police are building a case against you. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you are innocent and think explaining yourself will help.

Be polite to the police, but clearly invoke your right to have counsel present for any questioning. Say “I’m not answering any questions until my lawyer is here.” Then stop talking. Don’t try to plead your innocence or defend yourself. That’s your lawyer’s job.

Understand the Charges

There are different degrees of murder charges in Washington DC. The most serious is first degree murder. This means intentional, premeditated killing with malice aforethought. It carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Second degree murder is also intentional killing, but without premeditation. It carries a maximum of life in prison. Voluntary manslaughter is intentional killing while under extreme emotional disturbance. Involuntary manslaughter is unintentional killing through recklessness or negligence. Manslaughter charges carry shorter sentences.

Try to get as much information as you can from your lawyer about the exact charges against you and what evidence the prosecution has. Understanding the charges will help you and your lawyer build the best defense.

Consider Your Defense Strategy

There are various legal defenses that your lawyer may use depending on the circumstances of your case. For example:

• Self-defense – arguing you acted in self-defense against an attacker
• Insanity defense – arguing you were legally insane and unable to understand your actions were wrong
• False confession – arguing the confession you gave was coerced or false
• Mistaken identity – arguing you were misidentified and are the wrong suspect
• Alibi – arguing you have an alibi proving you were elsewhere at the time

Your lawyer will advise on the best defense based on the specifics of your case. Be honest and share everything you know so they can build the strongest case.

Consider Plea Bargains

Your lawyer may advise you to consider a plea bargain, which means pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. More than 90% of criminal cases end in plea bargains. They allow people to avoid harsh mandatory minimums that sometimes come with murder charges. For example, a plea to manslaughter instead of murder.

Plea bargains also save valuable time and money that would be spent on a lengthy trial. But you should never accept one without fully understanding the terms and consequences. Your lawyer’s job is to get you the best deal possible.

Prepare for Trial

If you can’t reach a plea deal, your case will go to trial. Your lawyer will handle things like filing motions, questioning witnesses, and making arguments. You may also need to decide whether to take the stand to testify on your own behalf. Your lawyer can help prepare you to testify effectively.

Building a persuasive case requires a lot of work and preparation. Be actively involved by helping your lawyer identify witnesses, gather evidence, and understand the details of what happened. But let your lawyer handle the legal arguments.

Consider the Consequences

A murder conviction, even of the lesser manslaughter charge, will carry serious penalties. In DC, voluntary manslaughter carries 3-15 years in prison. Involuntary manslaughter carries 0-10 years. First degree murder carries up to life in prison. These sentences mean major disruptions to normal life even with the possibility of parole.

The judge will determine the exact sentence based on the facts of the case and your criminal history. Accepting responsibility and expressing remorse can help reduce your sentence. But you will still face substantial prison time and impacts on employment, finances, and relationships.

Take Care of Yourself

Being charged with murder is incredibly difficult. On top of dealing with the legal case, your personal and emotional life may feel turned upside down. Be kind to yourself throughout this process. Stay connected to family and friends who support you. Meet with a counselor if needed. Take care of your physical and mental health as best as you can.

Try to stay positive day-to-day. Keep reminding yourself there are people who care about you and want to help. You have rights and protections under the law. This painful time will pass, even if slowly. Stay hopeful for the future.