Homicide Attorney in the Bronx

Guiding You Through Serious Charges with Integrity & Clarity

When the stakes could not be higher, you need a legal team that delivers careful strategy, personal support, and respected leadership in local courts. At The Law Offices of Elliot S. Kay, we defend individuals facing homicide charges in the Bronx, providing close guidance at every step and working to uncover every meaningful detail in your case.

Homicide cases in the Bronx require a strong understanding of both local criminal procedures and effective, clear communication with judges and agencies. We pride ourselves on building professional relationships throughout the borough’s legal system, and those connections help us advocate for you in significant moments. 

Our approach combines personal advocacy with insights gained from years of handling complex criminal cases in the Bronx. You get a responsive team committed to pursuing the strongest possible defense under New York law.

Your freedom is at stake. Speak with a dedicated Bronx homicide lawyer who is prepared to fight the prosecution every step of the way. We offer free consultations to discuss your options. Contact our firm at (646) 759-9233 or reach out online for confidential legal advice.

Understanding the Classifications of Homicide in New York

In New York, the term homicide is a broad legal category defined as conduct that causes the death of a person. However, the specific charge—and the associated prison sentence—depends entirely on the defendant’s mental state, or mens rea, at the time of the incident.

New York Penal Law Article 125 divides homicide offenses into a hierarchy of severity:

Murder

Murder charges are the most severe, all classified as A-I Felonies:

• Murder in the First Degree (PL § 125.27): This is reserved for intentional killings coupled with specific aggravating factors, such as the victim being a police officer, a witness in a criminal case, or when the killing involves torture or is committed during the course of certain serious felonies (like kidnapping).
• Murder in the Second Degree (PL § 125.25): This is the most common murder charge. It covers:
  • Intentional Killing: Intending to cause the death of another person and doing so.
  • Depraved Indifference Murder: Recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death, acting with depraved indifference to human life, and thereby causing death (e.g., shooting into a crowd).
• Felony Murder: Causing the death of a non-participant while committing or attempting to commit an inherently dangerous felony (like robbery, burglary, or arson).

Manslaughter

Manslaughter involves causing death without the intent to kill, but with a degree of culpability.

• Manslaughter in the First Degree (PL § 125.20): A Class B Felony. This occurs when a person intends to cause serious physical injury to another person and, through that act, causes the person's death.
• Manslaughter in the Second Degree (PL § 125.15): A Class C Felony. This occurs when a person recklessly causes the death of another person.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

• Criminally Negligent Homicide (PL § 125.10): A Class E Felony. This applies when a death is caused by criminal negligence—failing to perceive a substantial risk of death, which constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe.

The difference between these charges can mean the difference between life in prison and a shorter sentence or even a complete acquittal. As your homicide attorney in the Bronx, we focus our firm’s resources on challenging the State's classification of your intent.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Homicide Conviction in New York

A homicide conviction in New York carries penalties that can permanently alter the course of a person’s life. Sentences vary depending on the classification of the offense under state law:

• Murder (1st & 2nd Degree) – Class A-I Felony: 15 years to life, or 20 years to life in prison.
• Manslaughter in the First Degree – Class B Felony: Up to 25 years in state prison.
• Manslaughter in the Second Degree – Class C Felony: Up to 15 years in state prison.
• Criminally Negligent Homicide – Class E Felony: Up to 4 years in state prison.

Beyond the direct criminal sentence, a violent crime conviction creates devastating, permanent consequences:

• Permanent Record: A felony homicide conviction is permanent and cannot be sealed or expunged, leading to near-total disqualification from most employment and housing opportunities.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, any homicide conviction is considered an "aggravated felony," leading to mandatory detention and deportation proceedings.
• Civil Liability: The defendant will face a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim’s family, which can result in massive financial judgments and the seizure of assets.
• Loss of Rights: Loss of the right to vote, own firearms, and hold public office.

A successful defense from a skilled homicide attorney in the Bronx is not just about reducing jail time; it is about preserving your right to a future.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Homicide Defense

When dealing with a homicide case, a reactive defense is insufficient. Our firm takes a proactive, detail-oriented approach to defending homicide charges that is necessary in the high-stakes environment of Bronx County.

Defense strategies employed by our homicide attorney in the Bronx may include:

• Self-Defense/Justification: This is the most powerful defense. We argue that the client’s use of force was necessary, reasonable, and justified because they reasonably believed another person was using or about to use deadly physical force against them or a third person. Establishing this requires detailed fact investigation, including witness interviews and reconstruction of the scene.
• Mistaken Identity/Alibi: We challenge the reliability of eyewitness identification and use technological evidence (cell phone data, surveillance footage) to establish that the client was not the perpetrator or was not at the scene.
• Challenging Forensic Evidence: Our firm retains independent forensic pathologists, ballistics experts, and crime scene reconstructionists to challenge the medical and technical findings used by the prosecution to prove the cause or manner of death. The Bronx homicide lawyer you choose must be prepared to challenge the State's scientific narrative.
• Extreme Emotional Disturbance (EED): In intentional murder cases, we can argue EED as an affirmative defense to reduce the charge from Murder in the Second Degree (A-I Felony) to Manslaughter in the First Degree (B Felony). This recognizes that the act was committed under a reasonable state of emotional turmoil.

We provide a resolute and comprehensive defense for individuals facing life-altering homicide charges.

Decades of Experience Defending Severe Charges in Bronx Courts

Our track record shows our dedication to each client who walks through our door. We have fought for the rights of thousands accused of serious offenses throughout the borough and earned the respect of local judges and prosecutors. 

We treat every matter with diligence, investing time to examine the facts and ensure your story is fully heard. At every phase, from the first meeting to the final resolution, our team’s commitment stands clear—protecting your rights through close investigation and honest advocacy.

Here’s what you can expect if you connect with a homicide attorney in Bronx at our firm:

• Immediate attention: We meet with you as soon as possible, either in person or over the phone, to discuss your situation and set a plan in motion.
• Clear explanations: We outline the criminal process, address your questions, and give you straightforward next steps to prepare for every phase.
• Open updates: Our attorneys return your calls promptly, keep you posted on new developments, and inform you as your case moves forward.
• Detailed case review: We examine every aspect of your case, paying close attention to any issues that could affect your defense.
• Collaborative strategy: You remain involved at every stage, making informed decisions alongside our team about your legal path.

We guide clients through each phase of the case with steady, personal attention. As matters progress, you may need to respond to meeting requests or court dates on short notice. Our daily involvement in Bronx courthouses helps you avoid confusion and prepare for the pace that homicide cases demand. With our thorough and focused method, you stay informed and supported—every step of the way.

Contact a Homicide Attorney in the Bronx for Trusted Guidance

If you or someone you care about faces a homicide charge in the Bronx, contact The Law Offices of Elliot S. Kay for clear, reliable legal support. Our attorneys offer individual attention, thorough communication, and a defense based on years of local experience. When your future depends on strong legal representation, you deserve a team that listens carefully and stands by you from start to finish. 

Call (646) 759-9233 today for answers, next steps, and support focused on protecting your rights now and for the future.

FAQs

What should I do if I or a loved one is charged with homicide in the Bronx?

Contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Do not speak with law enforcement without legal representation, as having counsel helps protect your rights.

How quickly do homicide cases move in Bronx courts?

Cases can proceed swiftly in Bronx courts from arrest to arraignment and hearings. Seeking prompt legal advice helps you meet important deadlines and prepare effectively.

Will I need to appear in court right away?

Following an arrest, you will usually appear in court for arraignment soon after. An attorney can guide you through these initial proceedings and prepare you for what’s next.

Why is local legal knowledge important for homicide cases?

Every borough operates a bit differently. Attorneys who know Bronx court procedures, local judges, and prosecutor strategies can provide tailored, effective support to help navigate your situation.