First Degree Murder

First-degree murder is typically described as a willful and premeditated killing that was carried out after careful preparation or “lying in wait” for the victim. As an illustration, Dan returns home to see his wife sleeping with Victor. Dan stands behind a tree close to Victor’s front door three days later. Dan shoots and murders Victor as soon as he leaves his home.

Elements Of First Degree Murder

These elements are willfulness, deliberation and premeditation. However federal law and some states also include malice afterthought as an element. The amount of malice differs from state to state. Most states decide based on certain kinds of killings. However, not all states divide murders into degrees. For example, in some states the top level of murder is known as “capital murder.”

Intent

There must be a specified intent to kill with a first degree murder. Even if the eventual victim was not the original intention. Many state laws sat killing with a depraved indifference to human life qualifies as first degree murder.

Deliberation And Premeditation

This can only be decided on an individual case basis. Having time enough to make the decision to kill and then act on it following enough time for a reasonable person to think of the consequences usually is enough. Deliberation and preparation must always happen prior to the killing.

Malice Aforethought

Certain killings are categorized as first degree murder, for example:

• The killing of a child by means of unreasonable force
• Certain killings when in a pattern of domestic abuse
• The murder of a member of law enforcement
• Homicides as part of another crime such as robbery, arson or rape
• Intentional Poisonings
• Murders as a result of being imprisoned
• Murders where the killer waited for and/or ambushed the victim

Most states also follow a legal principle known as the “felony murder rule,” which stipulates that anyone who kills anyone (even unintentionally) as a result of committing certain violent felonies, like:

• Arson;
• Burglary;
• Kidnapping;
• abuse; and
• Robbery.

For instance, when Dan and Connie rob Victor’s liquor shop, Victor shoots Dan as he runs away, killing him. Even if neither of the thieves actually killed Dan, Connie can be prosecuted with first-degree murder under the felony murder rule.

The Components of First-Class Murder

In general, state laws that divide homicides into first, second, and possibly third degrees demand that first degree murders contain three essential characteristics.

• Willfulness;
• decision-making; and
• Premeditation.

In addition, “malice aforethought” is a requirement under federal law and in several states. States, however, have different standards for what constitutes malice and whether it is a prerequisite for the intentional, premeditated, and willful murder of human life. The majority of states additionally list specific types of murder as first degree murders without requiring proof of intention, deliberate action, or premeditation.

Not all states categorize different types of murder. The most serious murder offense is sometimes referred to by a different word, such as “capital murder.”

Intent

First degree murderers must have the precise purpose to kill a human life in order to be considered willfully guilty. This intention need not be related to the victim in question. First-degree murder is still committed if the victim was the intended victim but the murderer ended up killing a random person or the wrong person. Furthermore, murder in the first degree can be charged under the laws of several states when the act of killing demonstrates a callous disregard for human life.

Premeditation and Deliberation

Only a case-by-case analysis can determine whether a murderer behaved with the forethought and premeditation necessary for first degree murder. The need for deliberate action and premeditation does not imply that the murderer had to think about the crime deeply or make extensive preparations before committing it. Usually enough time is allowed to acquire the conscious intent to kill, and then enough time to act on it after a reasonable individual has had a chance to reconsider their choice. Even though it might happen very rapidly, planning and preparation must come before, not during, the act of killing.

“Malice Ahead of Time”

First-degree murderers are required by several state statutes to have acted with malice or “malice aforethought.” Malice is typically characterized by a wicked nature or goal as well as a disregard for human life. States have varied laws on how to define “malice.” Malice aforethought is defined in certain legal systems as behaving with a planned intent to kill or severe disregard for human life. Other states demand proof of malice in addition to the usual elements of first degree murder, such as willfulness, deliberation, and premeditation.

First-degree Murders Listed

State laws frequently designate certain sorts of homicides as first degree. In some situations, it may not be necessary to prove the traditional requirements of explicit intent to murder, deliberate action, and premeditation. These often include:

• the use of excessive force to murder a kid;
• certain murders carried out amid a pattern of domestic violence;
• a law enforcement officer was killed, and
• murders committed while other crimes, such arson, rape, robbery, or other violent crimes, are being committed.

This list just serves to highlight a few of the first-degree murders mentioned. Consult the relevant state legislation for an exhaustive list.

Additionally, many states define particular killing techniques as first-degree murder. These include homicides committed with the purpose to poison, those brought on by torture or incarceration, and those committed while the victim was being “lay in wait” for or ambushed.

Obtaining Legal Assistance in a First-Degree Murder Case

First degree murder is one of the most serious accusations you might be charged with in the criminal justice system, and it carries the worst punishments. So that you may understand your rights and protections and create a moving legal strategy, it’s crucial to get in touch with a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can.