Murder charges of all types carry serious penalties that can upend the life of anyone convicted. Killing another human being is wrong, and Illinois courts will look to penalize anyone who engages in such a heinous act. However, the circumstances surrounding murder charges are not always so cut and dry, and understanding the different murder charges a defendant can face may be the difference between a few years to life in prison. The different types of murder in Illinois include:
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Murder
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Vehicular Homicide
Anyone facing charges of this kind will require an experienced attorney to help navigate the complexity of the charges and develop a sound defense for your trial.
First-Degree Murder
Illinois does not have a capital murder charge. So, anyone facing a charge of first-degree murder in Illinois does not have to worry about receiving the death penalty since it has already been abolished in the state. That makes first-degree murder the most serious murder charge one can face in the state of Illinois.