Chicago Wife/Husband Murder Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime in Chicago, you owe it to yourself to obtain the best criminal defense representation possible.

To learn more about your legal rights, contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg today.

All initial consultations are FREE of charge.

Murder charges are extremely serious, as they carry the possibility of 20 years to life in prison and, in the worst cases, the death penalty upon conviction. In addition to the loss of freedom, those convicted may also face a number of other devastating consequences – including permanent criminal records, public humiliation, expensive fines, loss of career and loss of close personal relationships.

If you or a loved one is charged with murder in Chicago or anywhere in the state of Illinois, contact Mr. Andrew M. Weisberg at the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg for experienced legal counsel. Having formerly practiced as a felony prosecuting attorney in Cook and Will Counties, Mr. Weisberg has extensive knowledge about the complexities and various facets of the criminal law system, as well as the criminal law statutes themselves.

Experienced, discreet and dedicated, Mr. Weisberg is committed to providing each of his clients with aggressive legal representation so they can resolve their case in the most efficient and favorable manner possible.

Husband/Wife Murder Statistics

The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that:

• More than 150 wives were convicted of killing their husbands last year; nearly 300 husbands were convicted of killing their wives
• Husbands are 13 percent more likely to receive a prison sentence for killing their wives than wives are for killing their husbands
• On average, husbands convicted of killing their wives receive 10 more years of prison time in their sentences than wives convicted of killing their husbands do
• While a defense of “victim provocation” is used in 44 percent of the cases in which a wife is accused of killing her husband, this same defense is only used in 10 percent of cases in which a husband is accused of killing his wife
• About 34 percent of all spousal homicides occur as the result of a shooting, and the use of firearms in spousal murder cases is on the rise
• Stabbing and physical beatings are also other common ways in which a spouse will murder his or her partner
• Every 6 hours, a woman dies as the result of spousal abuse and domestic violence

Types of Murder Charges

The specific type of murder charged filed will depend on a number of factors, including whether the defendant:

• has a criminal record, particularly if they have previously be convicted of homicide or other violent crimes
• attacked after being provoked by the victim
• was driving a car, watercraft or other mobile during the crime
• intended to commit murder (formally referred to as “premeditation”)

Specific types of murder charges may include a charge of:

• First-degree murder: This is the most serious type of murder charge. While convictions of this charge will carry a 20-year to life in prison sentence, the death penalty may be applied if there are other aggravating circumstances. Also, convicts must serve the entire length of their prison sentence, as they are not allowed to benefit from sentence reductions due to “good behavior.”
• Second degree murder: While convictions of this charge typically carry a 4 to 20 year prison sentence, judges may choose to replace time in prison with probation time.
• Involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide: While convictions of this charge come with a 2 to 7 year prison term, judges may replace prison time with probation – or they may impose mandatory prison time.

If you are suspected or charged with the murder of your husband or wife, you will need an experienced and dedicated defense attorney to fight on your behalf. To schedule a free evaluation of your case, contact Mr. Weisberg today.