CONTACT
Buting ,Williams & Stilling ,S.C. | A Criminal Defense Law Firm

Call Today for a FREE Consultation

262-923-8761

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

What is felony murder?

On Behalf of | Mar 28, 2021 | Criminal Defense

Murder is always a felony, so why do we have the term “felony murder”?

It refers to a rule that most states, including Wisconsin, follow. When a person decides to participate in a felony of any kind, they can be charged with murder if someone dies as a result of that felony. The death does not have to be something the person intended or could even foresee.

For example, suppose three young men decide to rob a liquor store with a toy gun. If the store owner mistakes the toy gun for a real one and kills one of the robbers, the store owner would generally not be charged because it was self-defense.

Instead, in many cases, the two surviving robbers could be charged with murder. They committed a felony. It resulted in a death. It doesn’t matter that they clearly didn’t intend for anyone to get hurt, or that they didn’t commit the act that resulted in the death.

The felony murder rule is controversial because it punishes people for crimes that they had no intent to commit. It punishes people for an outcome that they often had no control over.

According to a recent essay in The Appeal, prosecutors are currently considering felony murder charges in regard to the Jan. 6 riot at the capitol in Washington, D.C. Five people are said to have died from the riot, including one of the rioters, who was killed by police.

Some 300 alleged rioters have been identified and charged so far. In theory, all of them could be charged with five counts of felony murder, even though the vast majority of those involved probably had no intention of harming anyone. They could be charged with regard to all five deaths, even though two of them were suicides.

The felony murder rule is used against people of color, youth and women

According to the available research, it appears that the felony murder rule is used much more often against minorities, juveniles and women. For example, a California inmate survey found that 72% of women serving life sentences for murder had not actually committed the homicide.

Felony murder assumes that people are able to predict the possible outcomes of their illegal actions. Yet we know that juveniles are less likely than adults to be able to do this. Nevertheless, juveniles are routinely charged with felony murder in situations where they were essentially bystanders.

Illinois has just passed a law that limits the application of the felony murder rule. California has limited felony murder to people who were “major participants” in the underlying crime. It’s time for other states to rein in this troubling rule.

Archives

FindLaw Network

“I just want to say thank you for the outstanding work you have done for him and let you know how much we appreciate the time and attention you gave to his case. We are obviously overjoyed by today’s dismissal!” (Child pornography case dismissed after motion to suppress was granted)”

“After having had time to exhale, we thank each one of you and all the others who contributed to the exemplary Supreme Court presentation. We are proud of your efforts on our behalf and, equally important, on behalf of the many present and future defendants statewide.” (Client’s comment after Supreme Court oral argument)

“Thank you. Thank you. I am so pleased to hear that we won. It doesn’t seem that it was even a close call. I appreciate your efforts.” (Oconto County defendant after Buting, Williams & Stilling got his prison sentence overturned in the court of appeals) ”

“Your time and advice was appreciated more than words can express at a time when we really needed someone to guide us.” (Client)

“The outcome was amazing, one unavailable even under identical circumstances in probably 98 percent of federal courtrooms around the country. Separate and apart from the outcome, though, I am supremely impressed by your efforts on your client’s behalf. Your comments in support of the requested sentence were perfect in tone and, having now reviewed the extensive sentencing memorandum you filed, your work in that regard was exemplary as well. Your client was certainly fortunate to have you as his attorney.” (Local federal court attorney present at a sentencing)

“I can’t thank you enough, not only for all of the tireless work that you and your staff put into my case, but for telling me what I needed to hear, at a time when I absolutely had to hear it. I consider myself blessed for everything turning out the way it did, especially since I blindly picked you out of a phone book! You helped me, my family and friends in many more ways than the money ever could.” (Child pornography client)

“I think you will find that in any circles where Kathy’s name is raised, people will always respond positively and identify her as an extremely hardworking, knowledgeable and ethical lawyer who is timely and effective with any endeavor she takes on. These circles would include colleagues, friends, prosecutors, judges, professors and others who have crossed paths with Kathy. They would also include the many lawyers like me who have referred numerous cases to Kathy, invariably with positive feedback from the clients regarding her knowledge of their case, empathy, professionalism and fair-mindedness in addressing their concerns.” (Fellow attorney)

“Thank you for giving [our son] back to us. Wonderful work!” (Family of client accused of armed robbery after charges were dismissed)

“Yes, His perfect time and perfect place, you were a part of this plan. I almost didn’t hire you, but I took a step of faith trusting Him and look what happened? Praise God. Our Lord put you in your vocation for a reason, continue to help those He brings your way. May He bless you in ALL you do!” (Client who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in a northwestern Wisconsin county. He was released from prison after attorneys got his conviction reversed.)

“I really cannot thank you enough for your past help. You really know your stuff. It is actually funny when I think about my other past attorney’s knowledge and then when I talk with you. It’s like night and day. You’re like a walking book of knowledge with a purpose-driven life. Thanks.” (Brown County client of attorney Buting)

“A year later and I still believe your defense is the single best example of lawyering I have ever seen.” (Television reporter commenting on attorney Buting’s defense of Steven Avery)

“You have a certain brilliance that makes me sure that when you talk, it is good information and I am in good hands. You tell it to me like it is even when the things you say are not always the things that I would like to hear. You keep it REAL!!!” (Brown County client)

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel like this was one of the biggest blessings that happened in my life. I put this along with my children being born healthy and when I survived that horrific shooting. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I couldn’t ask for better lawyers. I want to say thank you to everybody at your firm. I owe you more than the fee you so rightfully deserve. … You gave me back hope. Thank you, man! Out of my 36 years … I have never seen such kindness before. I don’t know what I did to deserve this; I’m very thankful nonetheless. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you for your generosity. There are still some really good people around.” (Federal criminal appeal client)

“There is no other attorney I’ve ever even heard of I’d rather have as chief counsel and leader of my defense/appeals than Jerome Buting. You’re the best. Period.” (Dane County client)

“Your advice and counsel were greatly appreciated. We appreciate you taking the time on your Sunday and evenings to help us. We are SO happy about the results! Thanks again.” (Waukesha County client)

“Thank you again … for everything. Five and one-half years of commitment, so many ups and downs and an outcome like that. You did a GREAT job.” (Waukesha County felony drug offense client)