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TYPES OF WISCONSIN HOMICIDE CHARGES

Admin • October 25, 2017
Attorney Seats In His Office — Eau Claire, WI — Cohen Law Offices
This post explains the different types of homicide or second-degree murder charges in Wisconsin. Contact Cohen Law Offices, LLC for legal advice today.

Wisconsin, like every other state, has its own laws regarding homicide. H omicide is commonly associated with a number of different circumstances. Technically, Wisconsin does not call these types of crimes " homicide." Instead, the state usually refers to homicide as "second-degree homicide" or "reckless homicide."

Are you facing charges associated with second-degree homicide? Do you have a loved one charged with reckless homicide? This guide will help you better understand Wisconsin's laws about homicide and related charges.

RECKLESS HOMICIDE

Reckless homicide on a second-degree level results in the death of another person on a criminally reckless level. While a death could be considered an accident, it may still be the result of homicide. Most recently, cases involving illegal drug use have been linked to or charged with reckless homicide in Wisconsin.

NEGLIGENT CONTROL OF VICIOUS ANIMAL

Wisconsin has laws about homicides resulting from failure to control an animal known to be vicious. For example, if you are responsible for a dog that you know has bitten people but allow it to roam freely through a neighborhood, a dog attack resulting in a fatality could mean criminal charges.

INTOXICATED USE OF VEHICLE OR FIREARM

Death caused by operating either a vehicle or a deadly weapon under the influence of alcohol to a level of prohibited blood alcohol concentration may be considered homicide. This could be charged as a Class C felony if the driver has prior DUI convictions, but it is most often a Class D felony.

NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A VEHICLE

This charge is considered when an individual causes the death of a person by operating a vehicle in a reckless or negligent way. For example, you might run a red light or stop sign and be charged with this type of crime. Negligent operation of a vehicle resulting in homicide is typically a felony.

SECOND-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE

Second-degree intentional homicide is a harsher version of voluntary homicide according to the laws in Wisconsin and as such has harsher penalties than other homicide cases. Second-degree intentional homicide is sometimes explained as a murder that occurs in the heat of the moment. It differs from first-degree murder charges because it is typically not planned in advance.

One example of second-degree intentional homicide might be if an individual kills a cheating spouse caught in the act.

HOMICIDE SENTENCING

Sentencing for homicide convictions vary. For example, Class C felonies lead to imprisonment of up to 40 years in addition to a fine of up to $100,000. On the other side of the spectrum, Class G felonies may be punished by up to 10 years. The class depends on the severity of the crime.

In cases of second-degree intentional homicide, the felony is typically considered Class B. This can result in a prison sentence of up to 60 years. It does not come with any monetary fine.

HOMICIDE DEFENSE

If you are charged with homicide , it is essential that you hire a strong defense attorney. Consequences for these types of crimes are severe, and you need to be prepared to fight for your rights. Solid representation in court can help you do this.

Attorneys may be able to use certain defenses, like the idea that a death would likely have occurred even if you were extremely careful or if you were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Adequate provocation may be grounds for fighting back against these crimes.

Prevention of a felony is also a possible defense if the accused believed the victim was committing a crime and the belief is deemed reasonable.
Cohen Law Offices, LLC offers the legal defense you need. Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to help you face Wisconsin's second-degree homicide laws so that you are fairly represented and protected.
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