Murder in Minnesota

Let Our Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys Protect Your Freedom & Future

Murder is commonly considered the most heinous and serious violent crimes in Minnesota, and the rest of the country. Directly causing the death of another person is extremely serious, and can result in several different types of lasting repercussions. If you are facing criminal charges for murder, a conviction could potentially cause you to spend the rest of your life in prison without the possibility of parole. Even facing loose accusations of murder could taint your reputation. In light of certain accusations, you may automatically appear guilty in the eyes of the public and media before you ever step foot in a courtroom.

If you are suspected of murder in Minneapolis, Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. is committed to helping you either get your entire case dismissed or your charges substantially reduced to avoid life imprisonment. With more than a century of combined experience, our legal team handles the most complex cases and has been featured in local news networks. When the stakes are high, you need experienced and aggressive legal counsel on your side.

Types of Murder Charges & Penalties

In Minnesota, there are three degrees of murder. First-degree is considered the most serious, while third-degree is the least.

First-degree murder applies to any of the following circumstances:

• The killing was intentional and premeditated, meaning it was planned or otherwise considered prior to the act.
• The individual was killed during the commission or attempt to commit a first or second-degree sexual assault.
• The individual was killed during the commission or attempt to commit a serious felony crime.
• The intentional killing of a cop, judge, prosecutor, or correction officer.
• A minor child is killed while committing child abuse.
• The death of a spouse, family member, or household member occurs while the abuser is committing domestic violence.

A conviction for first-degree murder carries a lifetime prison sentence, along with several other repercussions.

Second-degree murder applies to any of the following circumstances:

• The killing was intentional, but not premeditated.
• The individual was killed unintentionally during the commission of a felony.
• The individual was killed in a drive-by shooting.
• The death occurred unintentionally when the attacker was inflicting or attempting to inflict great bodily harm, specifically in a domestic violence situation.

A conviction for second-degree murder is punishable by a maximum 40-year prison term.

Third-degree murder applies to any of the following circumstances:

• The defendant had a depraved heart or mind when the murder occurred, placing others in grave danger of death.
• The death was caused by administering, selling, or giving away a Schedule I or II drug.

A conviction for third-degree murder results in a maximum 25-year prison sentence. If a Schedule I or II drug sale or exchange caused the death, a maximum $40,000 fine may also apply.

Ready to Fight for You Today

Our legal team can review the facts of the case, figure out your available legal options, and develop an effective and personalized legal strategy to obtain the most favorable results. Two of our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers are Board Certified Law Specialists, which is a certification only three percent of all lawyers possess. Do not hesitate to let us protect your rights, reputation, and future today.

Contact us and schedule a free consultation today to let us review your case.