Murder Defense Attorneys

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Defending Illinois Clients against Murder Charges

In Illinois, the typical range of sentence for murder is 20-60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Under the truth-in-sentencing law, a person convicted of murder is not entitled to any time off for good behavior. In other words, a defendant found guilty of murder must serve every day of his or her sentence. So if a defendant is sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder, he or she must serve every day of those 20 years. There is no time off for good behavior.  It is therefore critical to hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to defend a murder case.

Although the usual sentence is 20-60 years for murder, there are many circumstances in which the sentence can be far greater. For example, if a person is convicted of murder and it is found that they personally discharged a firearm, an additional 25 years will be added to the sentence. Therefore, such a person will serve 45-85 years for a murder. When the defendant is convicted of actually pulling the trigger and killing the alleged victim, the person faces the possibility of natural life in prison. This means the person will never be released from prison. Another example of a person eligible for natural life in prison is someone who kills more than one individual.

Second degree murder is a Class 1 felony offense or charge that is punishable by 4-20 years in prison. In some cases, a judge may sentence an individual to a term of probation for a second degree murder conviction. It is uncommon that a person will be charged with second degree murder in Illinois. Typically the person is charged with first degree murder and second degree murder may be agreed to in a plea bargain or as a lesser finding of guilty by a judge or jury. A common reason for a finding of guilty on a second degree murder charge is where the defendant believes he or she is entitled to use deadly force in self-defense but is mistaken. Another argument in favor of second degree murder is where a suspect acts under a sudden impulse and kills another person. In other words, the suspect did not spend a great deal of time in planning the murder, but killed another person in the spur of the moment, typically after a very intense and shocking set of circumstances.

Involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide are criminal charges or offenses resulting from an unlawful death. These charges are normally brought where the accused did not act intentionally to kill the victim, but instead acted either recklessly or with knowledge that their actions were likely to cause death or great bodily harm. Depending on the facts of the case and the charges filed, these offenses can range from 3-28 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. This is still a very serious criminal offense and requires the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable criminal attorney in Chicago.

When arrested for and facing serious criminal charges, it is critical to find a well-respected Chicago defense murder lawyer who is aggressive in the courtroom. Finding an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best thing you can do to protect your reputation and avoid jail time or prison time.  Sami Azhari is a Chicago murder defense lawyer who handles all felony and misdemeanor charges in all Cook County courthouses including Chicago, Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview and Markham, as well as collar counties such as Dupage, Lake, Will, McHenry, Kane, and LaSalle Counties. Sami is committed to offering the best possible defense and believes that a strong case starts with building a personalized relationship with his clients.

Chicago Murder Defense Lawyer Defending Against Homicide Charges in Illinois

Murder and manslaughter are some of the worst charges a person can face. Murder charges are extremely serious, and murder convictions can carry devastating, lifelong consequences, including heavy fines, jail time and/or death. With a minimum penalty of two years in prison for felony manslaughter, to a 20-year minimum up to life sentence for first degree murder, anyone facing these types of crimes in Illinois needs the best defense they can get. For over 6 years, Sami has been dedicated to skilled defense representation of those facing a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges. If you face a felony conviction for manslaughter or murder, contact Sami immediately. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better chance there is to make a difference in the outcome.

Sami Azhari is a skilled defense attorney with valuable insight into handling a wide range of felony charges involving:

• First-degree murder
• Attempted murder
• Involuntary manslaughter
• Reckless homicide
• Killings involving firearms or other deadly weapons
• Aggravated arson causing a death
• Domestic violence involving death
• Aggravated battery with a firearm

Free Consultation with a Chicago Defense Lawyer

Contact Sami today to discuss your murder crime case and learn more about what he can do to help you. If you would like to reach Sami quickly and directly, please call his cell phone 24/7 at (312) 626-2871 or (847) 255-2100. The consultation is free. For your convenience, weekend appointments are available.