Murder and Manslaughter Defense
When your life is on the line, choose experienced legal counsel with a proven record of success
The stakes are never higher than in the murder defense area of law. At Watson Graffeo P.C., we have the experience that makes the difference between freedom and incarceration, and sometimes the difference between life and death. We are proud of our proven record of success. Our law firm’s mastery of the law’s complexities, vigorous trial preparation, and extensive investigation are the keys to a successful murder defense. We have successfully defended clients accused of violent crimes such as—
- Murder—killing with intent or depraved indifference to human life
- Manslaughter—death occurs under circumstances that make the accused less culpable than murder, such as a lack of intent
- Capital murder—death occurs during the commission of a felony
A murder conviction results in the most serious penalties found in Alabama law—life in prison or the death penalty. Conviction of manslaughter or homicide will carry prison sentences lasting many years.
Experience and success set us apart
Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may negotiate with the prosecution to obtain a favorable plea bargain, in which you would agree to plead guilty to lesser charges resulting in a sentence substantially less than what you faced for the original charges. If a plea bargain is an available alternative in your case, we explain the details to you and the risks of going to trial so that you can make an informed decision as to how to proceed. But while we are skillful negotiators, we are also seasoned trial attorneys and a jury trial may be preferable to a plea bargain in your case.
The prosecution must prove its case against you beyond a reasonable doubt for you to be convicted at trial of murder or manslaughter. We understand legal defenses and theories such as—
- Self-defense—the death occurred while the accused was defending himself or herself
- Defense of others—the death occurred while the accused was defending others
- Provocation—the accused was provoked and death resulted during the heat of passion
As experienced trial attorneys, our lawyers also raise doubt—
- With evidence we present
- With witness testimony we offer
- By challenging prosecution witnesses to impugn their testimony
We work with a network of experts who help us analyze the state's evidence against you and uncover evidence in your favor. We use our expert witnesses at trial to explain the facts of the case to the jury.
A noteworthy example
Jake Watson served on the team of lawyers who represented Daniel Wade Moore, a man who served time on death row for a crime that he did not commit. Mr. Moore was given a new trial because of prosecutorial misconduct and subsequently a Morgan County, Alabama jury acquitted him of capital murder in May 2009.
Contact your Alabama murder defense lawyers
If you face murder, manslaughter, or homicide charges in Alabama, let our criminal defense team inform you of your rights and go to work building a defense. Please contact Watson Graffeo P.C. for experienced legal advice. Our success in murder defense cases is predicated on our knowledge of the law and our understanding of how prosecuting attorneys handle criminal prosecutions. If you are charged with murder, manslaughter, or homicide, remember you do not have to speak with police or prosecutors without a lawyer present. Call us at 1-877-536-8373.
