A homicide charge is one of the most serious accusations a person can face, carrying the potential for life imprisonment. Early legal representation is critical because the investigation often begins long before prosecutors file formal charges. As a homicide defense attorney practicing in Flint since 2002, Attorney Matthew L. Norwood understands what’s at stake and works to protect his clients’ rights at every stage of the process.
Michigan law recognizes several distinct homicide charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. Each charge carries different elements that the prosecution must prove and, upon conviction, entails different potential penalties. Michigan does not have the death penalty for these state-level charges, though certain crimes involving federal law could theoretically carry that possibility if a loss of life occurred.
Understanding the difference between these two charges is important because each requires the prosecution to prove different legal elements and carries different penalties.
Charge 02 — Second Degree
Second-degree murder does not require proof of premeditation but remains a serious felony. Sentencing can range up to life in prison, with the possibility of parole.
Michigan also allows prosecutors to charge a case as “open murder,” meaning the jury decides between a first-degree or second-degree murder conviction. The outcome is based on the facts proven at trial, rather than the prosecution locking in one charge from the outset.
As per Michigan law, some defendants may qualify for a separate sentencing procedure or hearing if they were 20 years old or younger when the offense allegedly occurred.
The court may consider:
Age
Maturity
Personal background
Rehabilitation potential
Charge 01 — First Degree
First-degree murder involves a premeditated killing. The prosecution must prove the killing was planned in advance, not committed in the heat of the moment.
A conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
First-degree murder charges can also arise under the felony murder doctrine, where a death occurs during the commission of certain other serious felonies. These felonies may include kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, criminal sexual conduct, arson, first-degree child abuse, home invasion, larceny, extortion, unlawful imprisonment, torture, aggravated stalking, and vulnerable adult abuse.
Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without malice. Voluntary manslaughter involves an intentional killing committed in the heat of passion, while involuntary manslaughter involves an unintentional killing. Notable examples include killing resulting from reckless driving, criminal negligence, or the improper handling of a firearm. Both carry a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Understanding what prosecutors must prove helps shape an effective defense strategy. In any homicide case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant’s actions caused the person’s death. It must also show that the defendant acted with the level of intent or recklessness required for the specific charge. For first-degree murder, the prosecution must also prove that the killing was premeditated
As a homicide defense lawyer, Attorney Norwood examines every case for potential defenses and reviews the prosecution’s evidence. He also examines whether investigators violated your constitutional rights while collecting that evidence. In addition, he considers if the facts support self-defense under Michigan’s Self-Defense Act. Every case is different, and no defense strategy is guaranteed to succeed, but understanding these avenues is the first step toward building a real defense.
The period immediately following an arrest, or even before formal charges are filed, is often when suspects are most vulnerable. It’s critical not to speak to police without an attorney present. Being polite is important, but so is avoiding giving consent, negotiating, or answering questions without legal counsel.
The earliest hours and days of a homicide investigation are often the most consequential for building a strong defense. Contacting an attorney immediately, even before charges are filed, can make a meaningful difference in how a case unfolds.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood has focused on criminal defense since 2002, aggressively investigating the prosecution’s case from the earliest possible stage. From your first consultation through trial, you work directly with Attorney Norwood, so the attorney handling your case is the same person developing your defense and representing you in court. If you are looking for the best lawyer for a murder case in Michigan, that level of personal representation can make an important difference.
Choosing the right Flint drug crime attorney means having strong advocacy on your side from the onset of the legal proceeding. Attorney Norwood proceeds with every case by reviewing how law enforcement built the prosecution’s case. He carefully reviews whether searches and seizures complied with Fourth Amendment protections and investigates whether any evidence was obtained unlawfully. It usually involves challenging the search warrant’s legitimacy and contesting the seizure through a claim-and-bond process.
Since 2002, Attorney Norwood has adopted a dual-track approach to ensure that the defense is properly presented and that the property remains in possession. In addition, he can represent clients in both the criminal case and any related civil asset forfeiture matter, providing coordinated legal representation throughout the process.
First-degree murder requires premeditation and carries a mandatory life sentence without parole. Second-degree murder doesn't require premeditation and allows for the possibility of parole. See "First Degree Murder vs. Second Degree Murder" above for full detail.
Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is based in Flint, Michigan, and represents clients throughout the Flint area facing homicide charges.
Contact an attorney immediately, before speaking to police. The earliest stage of an investigation is often the most important for protecting your rights and building a defense.
Attorney Norwood has practiced criminal defense, including homicide cases, since 2002.
Read what our satisfied clients say about our law firm based on their first-hand experience. Decide for yourself whether you need a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in Flint or not.
A homicide charge demands an immediate, aggressive defense. Attorney Norwood has practiced criminal defense in Flint since 2002 and is ready to start protecting your rights from the earliest stage of your case.
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