Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

The criminal defense attorneys at Baker Associates have successfully represented individuals charged with homicide offenses in Tennessee. Criminal homicide is the unlawful killing of another person. Under Tennessee law, criminal homicide is broken down into seven classifications: First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter, Reckless Homicide, Criminally Negligent Homicide, Assisted Suicide, and Vehicular Homicide.

Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-202 defines First Degree Murder as:
(1) A premeditated and intentional killing of another;
(2) A killing of another committed in the perpetration of or attempt to perpetrate any first degree murder, act of terrorism, arson, rape, robbery, burglary, theft, kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect, rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child or aircraft piracy; or
(3) A killing of another committed as the result of the unlawful throwing, placing or discharging of a destructive device or bomb.

First Degree Murder: Premeditated and Intentional Killing
In order to be found guilty of Premediated and Intentional First Degree Murder, the State of Tennessee must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
(1) That the defendant unlawfully killed the alleged victim;
and
(2) That the defendant acted intentionally, i.e., it was the defendant's conscious objective or desire to cause the death of the alleged victim;
and
(3) That the killing was premeditated, i.e., the killing was done after the exercise of reflection and judgment and that the intent to kill must have been formed prior to the act of killing itself.

In homicide cases, the mental state of the accused at the time he or she allegedly decided to kill must be carefully considered in order to determine whether the accused will be convicted of First Degree Murder or a lesser offense.

It is important to hire a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with First Degree

Murder or another homicide offense. The penalties for First Degree Murder are severe. A person convicted of First Degree Murder is punished by one of three sentences:
(1) Death;
(2) Imprisonment for life without possibility of parole; or
(3) Imprisonment for life.

If you or a close friend or relative has been charged with First Degree Murder, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our team of attorneys will work quickly and utilize our legal staff, private investigators, and experts to investigate and prepare your defense.

Sources: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-202; T.P.I. Crim. 7.01(b).