Homicide Crimes

The state of Louisiana has one of the highest homicide rates in the country. Homicide crime charges are severe, and the death penalty can even be the result of a conviction for the most serious grade of homicide in a first-degree murder.

Being suspected of and arrested for a homicide crime in Louisiana is a frightening position to be in and can make you feel like your future is grim and that you will face harsh penalties that will keep you from your loved ones. With the help of an experienced homicide criminal defense attorney, your outlook may improve with a skillful defense, depending on your case facts.

A homicide criminal defense attorney will evaluate your case and determine the most effective defense strategy so you can secure the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

At the ​Law Offices of Philip B. Adams, LLC, our skilled and competent homicide criminal defense attorney has represented many individuals charged with the most serious crimes, including homicide and murder charges.

For more information, contact the Law Office of Philip B. Adams now.

Types of Homicide in Louisiana

There are five classifications of homicide in Louisiana, and each has its definition and penalties.

First-Degree Homicide
Typically, this kind of charge arises when the charged person murdered another individual with an intent to kill or to cause significant physical bodily harm while simultaneously committing or seeking to commit another criminal act, such as aggravated rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, etc.

First-degree homicide penalties in Louisiana include the death penalty or life imprisonment with hard labor. First-degree homicide does not allow for parole or probation if you are convicted.

Second-Degree Homicide
Typically, this grade of homicide arises when the charged person murdered another individual with intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm.

The second-degree homicide penalty in Louisiana includes life in prison with hard labor without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. 

Manslaughter
Typically, this grade of homicide occurs when the charged person murdered another individual in sudden passion or heat of blood immediately caused by provocation sufficient to deprive an average person of his self-control and cool reflection.

Manslaughter penalties in Louisiana include a maximum 40-year prison sentence with hard labor.

Negligent Homicide
Typically, this kind of homicide arises when the charged person engaged in negligence and unlawfully murdered another individual due to violations of the laws or ordinances.

Negligent homicide penalties in Louisiana include as many as five years in prison and a fine as high as $5,000.

Automobile Homicide
The charged person killed another individual with a motor vehicle, boat, plane, or another motorized conveyance, and a contributing factor was alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. The charged person was driving the vehicle that caused the death. Intent to kill or seriously harm is irrelevant.

Automobile homicide penalties in Louisiana include as many as 30 years in jail and a fine as high as $15,000.


Execution for Homicide Crimes in Louisiana:

Louisiana is a capital punishment state, as it imposes the death penalty for the most serious homicide crimes. Electrocution and fatal injections are methods for execution in a Louisiana homicide crime case for first degree murder.

The penalties for a conviction in a Louisiana homicide case can be very harsh and even result in death. Having an experienced and proficient homicide defense attorney is critical to your case's outcome and your future.


Call An Experienced Louisiana Homicide Defense Attorney Today

​Protecting your rights and freedoms from the most grievous penalties when you have been charged with a homicide crime in Louisiana is the top priority of Attorney Adams. 

If you were charged with a homicide crime in Louisiana, you need a committed and experienced homicide criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of Philip B. Adams today for a case evaluation.