Being accused or convicted of a serious criminal offense, such as homicide, may change a person’s life forever. Having a permanent criminal record due to a violent crime conviction could affect a person’s reputation in the community and may make it difficult to find future employment. It is important that a defendant accused of a violent crime understands the rights and possible defenses that may apply to the case. Recently, three people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a homicide case.
Wisconsin police say that three women were arrested and charges are to be filed soon for a shooting death in 2007. One of the women, the deceased’s domestic partner, previously faced criminal charges, for allegedly paying a person to carry out an attack on the deceased a year before the deceased was killed. The attack was not carried out; the charges were later dropped. According to police, the deceased’s body was found in a town over 100 miles away from Milwaukee in 2007. Police found several items in connection with the death, including bullets, computers and a cellphone.
Homicide involves the death of another human being. There are different classifications of homicide based on the gravity of the offense. The most serious classification of homicide is first-degree murder, which generally involves the intent to kill another person and premeditation. The definition of premeditation may vary in the length of time used in planning to kill the victim.
A person convicted of a homicide offense faces stiff consequences including possible life in prison. Because of the seriousness of the penalties a homicide charge carries, every defendant facing a homicide charge deserves a fair trial with all constitutional rights preserved; it is important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, “3 arrested in connection with 2007 homicide in Outagamie County,” Feb 15, 2013