Milwaukee Homicide Attorneys

Defending Charged Individuals for a Collective 43 Years

Homicide is one of the most serious criminal convictions in Wisconsin. Homicide encompasses murder offenses and manslaughter crimes, both of which involve the killing of another person. It can be particularly difficult to defend against an accusation of homicide, but an experienced lawyer can build a strong case for lesser charges or even a dismissal of the case. At Ritter Law Office, LLP, we have 43 years of combined experience defending charged individuals. We take a more calm and humane approach to a field of law that is often cold and aggressive. Let us put our knowledge on your side and develop a personalized defense strategy that meets your needs and goals.

Call us today at (414) 441-4321 to schedule a free consultation with Ritter & Kramer Law to get started. Serving residents in Waukesha County.

First- and Second-Degree Murder

Wisconsin law defines first-degree murder as causing the death of another person or an unborn child with the intent to kill that person. Second-degree murder is reckless homicide and is often referred to as first-degree reckless homicide. In general, second-degree murder involves: 

• Recklessly causing the death of another person or an unborn baby due to an utter disregard for human life (that is, not with the intent to kill that specific person but to act in a dangerous way that could cause harm).
• Causing the death of another by making, selling, or administering drugs to a person who dies as a result of taking it. 

First-degree murder is a Class A felony punishable by life imprisonment, and second-degree murder is a Class B felony punishable by up to 60 years in prison. Second-degree murder involving drugs is a Class C felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

Manslaughter (Second-Degree Intentional Homicide)

Manslaughter is another category of homicide at a slightly lower level than murder. Manslaughter includes two types – voluntary and involuntary. Generally, the main difference between murder and voluntary manslaughter is that murder involves an intentional, premeditated plan to kill, while manslaughter is a killing that occurs in the heat of the moment (without prior planning).

Involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person accidentally kills another person due to their own criminal negligence or recklessness. In such a case, the offender did not intend to kill anyone, but their reckless actions caused another person’s death. 

Voluntary manslaughter, referred to as second-degree intentional homicide, is a Class B felony punishable by up to 60 years in prison. Involuntary manslaughter is punishable based on the nature of the offense, and the penalty level ranges from a Class C felony (homicide by intoxicated operation of a vehicle) to a Class G felony (negligent handling of weapons or explosives).

With the right lawyer, individuals facing murder charges can often argue down their case to the manslaughter level. However, this will still depend on the severity of the incident and other factors like your criminal history. 

Our Milwaukee Homicide Lawyers Can Help

Being charged with a homicide offense in Wisconsin is a serious matter that requires expert legal representation. Our team of experienced Milwaukee homicide attorneys is well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding first- and second-degree murder, as well as manslaughter (second-degree intentional homicide).

When facing homicide charges, it's crucial to understand the potential consequences and legal defenses available to you. Our attorneys will work diligently to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial.

Whether you are facing murder or manslaughter charges, it's important to have knowledgeable legal counsel by your side. Contact Ritter Law Office, LLP today to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team of homicide defense attorneys.

At Ritter Law Office, LLP, we will put our collective 43 years of experience to work as we craft a personalized defense strategy for your homicide case. The criminal justice system can feel daunting and unfriendly, but we will provide a calming and caring approach to your situation. Accidents happen; humans make mistakes. We will sit down with you to learn about your life and story to cultivate a more personal and humane case. We genuinely care about you and your future, and we will do our best to advocate for mitigated charges.

Contact us at Ritter Law Office, LLP at (414) 441-4321 to discuss your defense options in a free initial consultation.