HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
Homicide is the killing of one person by another. There are a variety of homicide charges used in the United States, such as First Degree murder, Second Degree Murder, and Manslaughter. All homicide charges require a thorough, effective, competent and aggressive defense team., 
consisting of a skilled criminal defense lawyer, and a thorough criminal defense investigator that specializes in homicide investigation, However, it is possible in some instances to charge a defendant under the federal murder statute, which in some cases allows for the death penalty.
First degree murder requires pre-mediation. In other words, a prosecutor must prove that a person thought out the murder beforehand and specifically formulated an intention to kill the victim. First degree murder is the most serious criminal charge in Michigan law, and is punishable by mandatory life in prison, without possibility of parole. Michigan law does not allow for the death penalty for any charge, including first degree murder
Felony murder is a special class of first degree. This crime involves the loss of life during the commission of specific felonies. These felonies include Arson, Criminal Sexual Conduct, First Degree Child Abuse, major controlled substance offenses, Robbery, Carjacking, Home invasion, Larceny, Extortion, and Kidnapping. Michigan law mandates life in prison for any person found guilty of felony murder.
Second degree murder. Second degree murder is a lesser charge, however it still caries a potential severe punishment. In a second degree murder charge, the prosecution is not charged with the obligation to prove that the person thought out the killing beforehand. Second degree murder is punishable by life in prison, or any term of years. However, the possibility of parole does exist.
Manslaughter has two degrees, voluntary and involuntary. In all cases, manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another without malice. Voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional killing, but one that is done in the heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter is an unintentional killing. In both cases, manslaughter is punishable by 15 years in prison.
Our Approach to Charges of Homicide
A successful defense requires a thorough knowledge of the details. In all cases, your knowledge of the facts is important and must be thoroughly explored with the defense team. Attempts must be made to interview all witnesses.We are trained and experienced in preparing homicide cases for the defense. The niche that we have in the criminal investigation market is that, all of our investigators are street savvy and African American. A major objective of any good criminal defense homicide investigator is help the defense Attorney to break down prosecution witnesses by utilizing vigorous cross examination techniques, thus reducing, if not eliminating their credibility and the weight given to their testimony by the judge or jury. This is where our expertise augments defense efforts.
We provide critical investigations into all aspects of the defense case, which include location of witnesses and leads, obtaining statements, evaluation of police investigations, evidence collection and review, independent analysis, background investigations, crime scene investigations, documentation analysis and regional canvassing, mitigation evidence, photographic and videotape evidence as well as other services directed by the client.
The Agency gathers essential evidence, and witnesses that not only support your case, but aid in critical determinations that influence the outcome of verdicts.
We at the agency have special access and an intimate understanding of the minority community, which has cultivated our unique niche in the field of criminal investigations.
Expert witnesses can be a key element of your defense. While not all cases require the use of experts, there are many cases where scientific experts can be invaluable. This may include such experts as DNA scientists, medical doctors, psychologists, document and handwriting analysis experts, fingerprint & "voiceprint" experts and police investigation experts. It is not possible to know what experts may be needed until your case is thoroughly evaluated The agency is committed to help finding the best scientific experts available in defense of our clients.
Police investigations must be carefully scrutinized. In our system of justice, it is defense attorneys that force law enforcement personnel to play by the rules. In our criminal defense investigative agency, we find it beneficial to our clients to challenge unlawful intrusions on your rights. Our team of professionals will carefully examine your case for violations of law, which can be asserted in your defense.
If You are Facing Homicide Charges
Let's begin with the understanding that the police are not your friends and they are not there to help you. It is legal to for the police to lie to you. Promises made by the police are not enforceable. Miranda warnings may not help you, so if the police are investigating:
* Don't negotiate with police without an attorney. In most cases, police will attempt to secure your cooperation before you have a chance to talk to an attorney. They are aware that a person accused of a homicide is never more vulnerable than at the time of the first arrest or raid. Before you compromise your position in the case, obtain competent legal advise from an aggressive trial lawyer.
* Do not talk. Be polite and courteous, but refuse to discuss their investigation with them. You should plainly and repeatedly tell them that you do not want to discuss anything with them, and that you want an attorney present. Do not allow yourself to be tricked or coerced by the police.
* Anything you say about the case to anyone, including most family members, can be used against you in court. Many defendants hurt their case by discussing it with family, friends, co-workers, police officers and prosecutors. If you have made such statements, we will deal with it together. If you have not, DON'T!
* Never consent to anything without the advice of your attorney. This includes giving the police permission to search, draw blood or discuss the case with you.
* Never resist arrest. If a police officer is attempting to arrest you, be polite and cooperative. Inform the officer that you will go along peacefully. It is also important to immediately inform the officer -or any officer that tries to question you- that you do not want to talk without an attorney.
* The only information you should provide without consulting an attorney is necessary biographical information; this includes your full legal name and address. If the police want to fingerprint you after arrest cooperate fully.
* Inform the officers that you wish to make a telephone call. Get an attorney quickly, if you call family or friends have them contact an attorney. Our criminal defense investigators are on call at all times of the day and night. You can reach us at 1.877.202.8787
* Post bond as quickly as possible. If you are arraigned and asked how you plead, your response should be, "I stand mute." At the arraignment, do not try to talk to the judge about your case.
* If you are unable to post bond, don't say anything about your case to anyone in the jail. There is no onedesfense investigators there that you can trust.
Criminal & White Collar Investigations
We are experts in criminal investigation. We conduct timely, and thorough investigations in the following areas, that may involve alleged criminal activity:
| Conspiracy | Corporate Crimes | Counterfeiting | Currency & Securities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trafficking | Due Diligence | Embezzlement | Fraud |
| Homicide | Kidnapping | Litigation Support | Money Laundering |
| Multi-defendant | Narcotics | Public Corruption | Robbery |
| Sexual Assault & Harassment |
Smuggling | Theft |
A major objective of any good criminal defense is to break down prosecution witnesses by utilizing vigorous cross examination techniques, thus reducing if not eliminating their credibility and the weight given to their testimony by the judge or jury. This is where our expertise augments defense efforts.
We provide critical investigations into all aspects of the defense case, which includes location of witnesses and leads, obtaining statements, evaluation of police investigation, evidence collection and review, independent analysis, background investigations, crime scene investigations, documentation analysis and regional canvassing, mitigation evidence, photographic and videotape evidence as well as other services directed by the client.
The Agency gathers essential evidence, and witnesses that not only support your case, but aid in critical determinations that influence the outcome of verdicts.
We at the agency have special access and a intimate understanding of the minority community, which has cultivated our unique niche in the field of criminal investigations.