Have You Been Charged With Attempted Murder? Call An Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney.
Falling just short of actual murder, attempted murder is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face. It means that you are accused of actually taking steps that – but for some mistake or failure – could have resulted in someone’s death.
At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, we understand how serious attempted murder charges are and the impact they can have on your life. Our lawyers will help you come up with the most favorable defense strategy for your Chicago or Cook County case.
The Elements Of Attempted Murder
The legal definition of attempted murder is outlined in the Illinois Code Section 720. It can be broken down into two parts, the mental element of attempted murder and the physical element.
For charges of attempted murder to stand, the accused must first have had murderous intent. They must have intended to kill an individual. It is not enough to show that the accused intended to cause nonlethal harm or merely scare another person. Different charges may apply in these scenarios.
The physical element of attempted murder means that the accused took a “substantial step” toward attempting to kill another person. Substantial steps may include:
- Luring someone into a situation with the intent to kill them
- Constructing a weapon for the purpose of killing another person
- Instructing someone else to kill another person
Merely thinking about killing another person would not qualify as a “substantial step”. The law in this area can be nuanced and it is pivotal that you seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney in Illinois.
Call Us Today For Defense Against Serious Criminal Charges
A conviction for attempted murder could result in severe penalties. Sentences can range from five years to 80 years in prison. At the Law Office of Stephen L. Richards, we understand the severity of facing criminal accusations of this nature. We believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and we will fight for your legal rights. Call us today at 773-467-7079 or use our online form to schedule your initial consultation and start building your defense.