Murder Lawyer in Gwinnett County

Contact Crawford and Boyle, LLC— Over 50 Combined Years of Legal Experience Available 24/7

If you or someone close to you is facing a murder charge in Gwinnett County, choosing the right legal representation is essential. At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, our team supports you with clear guidance, strategic thinking, and a client-first approach throughout every phase of your case. 

With over 50 years of combined experience as former prosecutors and defense attorneys, we understand the local court system, law enforcement procedures, and the nuances of murder cases in this community. You can rely on our team’s proactive, detail-oriented criminal defense from your very first call.

When facing the most serious charges, you need a law firm with a track record of success. Free consultation with our murder lawyer in Gwinnett County today. Call us at (678) 726-5400 or reach out online now.

Understanding Georgia's Murder Laws

In Georgia, the law defines murder with a level of specificity that requires a nuanced understanding of criminal statutes. Georgia law, specifically OCGA § 16-5-1, outlines several distinct ways a person can be charged with murder. A skilled Gwinnett County murder attorney must be an expert in these different legal definitions to build an effective defense.

The primary forms of murder in Georgia are:

• Malice Murder: This is an unlawful killing committed with "malice aforethought," which can be either "express" or "implied." Express malice is the deliberate intention to unlawfully take a person's life. Implied malice occurs when the killing shows an "abandoned and malignant heart" and no considerable provocation. Examples of implied malice include firing a gun into a crowd or a house without a specific target, actions that demonstrate a depraved disregard for human life.
• Felony Murder: A person commits felony murder when, in the commission of a felony, he or she causes the death of another person. The law does not require the prosecution to prove malice in this case. The intent to commit the underlying felony (such as armed robbery, arson, or aggravated assault) is sufficient for a murder charge if a death results from that act. This is a particularly powerful tool for prosecutors, as it allows them to charge a person with murder even if the killing was unintentional.
• Second-Degree Murder: This offense is a more specific and less common charge. It occurs when a person causes the death of another in the commission of second-degree cruelty to children, regardless of malice.

It is crucial to recognize that the prosecution has the discretion to charge a person with murder or a lesser form of homicide, such as voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. A core part of our defense strategy is to argue that a murder charge is inappropriate and that the facts of the case, if they support any charge at all, fit a lesser offense.

Our over 50 combined years of legal experience have given us the ability to meticulously deconstruct a prosecutor’s case. We know where to look for weaknesses, where they might have made procedural errors, or where the evidence simply does not add up.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Murder Conviction

A conviction for murder in Georgia carries the most severe penalties under state law. The consequences are not just direct, but also have life-altering collateral effects that a dedicated murder lawyer in Gwinnett County will work to prevent.

Direct Penalties

• Malice Murder: A conviction for malice murder is punishable by life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty. These sentences are mandatory and offer no flexibility.
• Felony Murder: This charge also carries the possibility of a sentence of life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
• Second-Degree Murder: A conviction for this offense is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the prison sentence, a murder conviction will forever change your life. We will explain these to you so you understand the gravity of the situation.

• Loss of All Rights: A felony conviction means the loss of your right to vote, own a firearm, and hold public office.
• Limited Employment Opportunities: A murder conviction will be a significant barrier to finding a job, as many employers will not hire a person with a criminal record of this nature.
• Stigma: The social stigma associated with a murder conviction is immense and can lead to ostracism from your community, friends, and even family.
• Civil Lawsuits: In addition to criminal charges, you may also face a civil lawsuit from the victim's family, seeking monetary damages.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Murder Defense

Our defense strategies are built on a foundation of extensive legal knowledge and decades of trial experience. We believe in being proactive, not reactive, and will leave no stone unturned in our defense.

• Challenging the Evidence: We will meticulously examine every piece of evidence against you. We will question the police procedures for collecting evidence, the accuracy of forensic tests, and the credibility of witness statements.
• Arguing Self-Defense or Justifiable Homicide: In Georgia, a person is justified in using deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person. We will investigate the circumstances of the incident to determine if a self-defense claim is a viable option for your case.
• Exposing Flaws in the Prosecution's Case: We will look for any gaps in the prosecution's narrative, any inconsistencies in their evidence, or any procedural mistakes that could lead to the suppression of evidence or a case dismissal.
• Presenting an Alibi or Mistaken Identity Defense: If you were not at the scene of the crime or were mistakenly identified, we will gather the evidence to prove it.

Why Work With a Proven Murder Attorney in Gwinnett County

Working with a murder criminal defense lawyer in Gwinnett County who knows the tactics and inner workings of the local system is critical to building a strong defense. We leverage our first-hand insights as former prosecutors and deep familiarity with Gwinnett County court processes to anticipate prosecutorial strategies and safeguard your rights at every stage.

Our firm is highly recognized within the legal community, having received accolades such as The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40 and Superb Avvo Ratings. These honors not only highlight our dedication to clients—they reflect our ability to handle even the most complex murder trials in Gwinnett County with care and diligence.

Our commitment is to more than just legal outcomes—we prioritize timely communication, realistic guidance, and a personalized plan of action for every individual we represent. Facing a murder charge brings tremendous uncertainty and stress, which is why we focus on clear, compassionate advice throughout the process.

We tailor our approach with the following process:

• Comprehensive case evaluation: We review police reports, medical and forensic evidence, and all witness statements, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative, constitutional concerns, or procedural mistakes.
• Personalized legal strategies: Our defense is custom-built for your unique situation. We consult with investigators, crime scene experts, and other professionals to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and support your side of the story.
• Direct communication with local authorities: Our familiarity with the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office and Superior Court judges offers strategic benefits in both negotiations and trial preparations.
• Readiness for trial or negotiation: Some situations call for energetic negotiation to reduce charges or seek dismissal, while others demand a vigorous courtroom defense. We are fully prepared for both avenues, always prioritizing your interests.
• Protected and guided client experience: You will receive prompt updates, straightforward answers, and complete privacy throughout your case.

Murder investigations in Georgia can involve highly technical evidence, such as DNA results, ballistics, or digital data analysis. To leave no stone unturned, our murder attorneys in Gwinnett County collaborate with respected consultants and forensic specialists who scrutinize every detail for weaknesses or inconsistencies. 

Early intervention is crucial—by acting immediately, we can secure key evidence, contact witnesses, and ensure that your version of events is protected. This methodical approach builds a stronger foundation for your defense, whether the case is resolved through negotiation or goes before a jury.

Contact an Accomplished Murder Lawyer in Gwinnett County for Guidance

When your future is at stake, you need knowledgeable support and clear direction every step of the way. Our team will review your situation, provide an honest assessment, and help you understand your options so you can move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind. 

By choosing us, you gain a dedicated partner who is deeply familiar with the people and processes in Gwinnett County and who will work tirelessly to protect your rights from day one. Let us be your advocate, your support, and your ally throughout this challenging journey.

Contact Crawford and Boyle, LLC today for a confidential, no-cost consultation at (678) 726-5400.