Homicide Defense Attorney in Baton Rouge

Facing charges like murder, unlawful homicide, or manslaughter is incredibly stressful, with potential life-altering consequences, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some cases.

Our Baton Rouge murder defense lawyers at Rozas understand the gravity of these charges. With extensive experience in state and federal laws related to murder defense, our Baton Rouge defense law firm are prepared to create a tailored defense strategy for you. 

Contact our Baton Rouge homicide defense attorneys to explore your defense options and protect your rights.

What is Homicide?

Not all deaths caused by another person are considered criminal. In Baton Rouge, just like anywhere else, homicide simply means one human being causing the death of another. Think of it like an umbrella term. It covers both legal and illegal situations.

For example, if you act in self-defense, taking a life wouldn't be considered a crime. That's a non-criminal homicide. However, if you kill someone intentionally or recklessly, it's a different story. That falls under criminal homicide, which includes categories like murder.

The law takes these situations very seriously, with different levels of severity depending on the details. That's why it's crucial to understand the specific circumstances surrounding each case. This complexity is why having strong legal representation is vital in such situations.

What is Murder?

In Baton Rouge, the law takes a close look at both federal and state definitions of murder. Here's what you need to know:

Federal law, 18 U.S.C §1111, defines murder as the unlawful killing of someone with "malice aforethought," which basically means they planned it beforehand. This definition splits murder into two degrees:

  • First-degree murder: This is for intentional killings that are planned in advance, especially those involving specific methods or happening during other serious crimes.
  • Second-degree murder: This covers any other unlawful killing that doesn't meet the criteria for first-degree.


Louisiana murder law is similar to federal law, with the key difference being "aggravating factors." These are specific circumstances that make the crime even more serious, pushing it into the first-degree category.

Basically, Baton Rouge's legal system recognizes that the situation surrounding a murder matters. They categorize murders based on intent and circumstances, which leads to different penalties and legal consequences.

Our criminal defense team can help you and your loved ones.

225-341-6945

What is Manslaughter?

In Baton Rouge, the law treats manslaughter differently from murder because it happens without planning or malice. This distinction is important, and it follows similar rules across the United States:

  • Voluntary manslaughter: This happens in the heat of the moment, like during an intense argument or a sudden fight. The person didn't plan to kill, but they acted in a strong emotional state.
  • Involuntary manslaughter: This is an accidental killing that occurs in two ways:
  • Unlawful act: Doing something illegal, but not a serious crime, that accidentally results in death.
  • Reckless act: Doing something legal (like driving) but in a careless or unsafe way that leads to someone's death.

Louisiana's laws on manslaughter are similar to these federal guidelines. They focus on the lack of planning and bad intent and categorize the crime based on the situation and the person's mindset at the time. This helps differentiate manslaughter from more serious crimes like murder.

Penalties for Murder & Manslaughter

Federal law takes murder and manslaughter very seriously, and the penalties reflect that.

  • Second-degree murder: This can get you life in prison, showing how seriously they view these acts.
  • First-degree murder: This is considered even worse and can lead to life in prison or even the death penalty. This highlights how strongly the government feels about planned or especially brutal killings.

Manslaughter is different because there's no planning or bad intent, but it still comes with consequences:

  • Voluntary manslaughter: Up to 15 years in prison, because it happened in the heat of the moment and not as a planned act.
  • Involuntary manslaughter: Up to 8 years in prison, as it's often due to carelessness or recklessness.

The law also punishes attempts to commit murder or manslaughter with jail time and fines. This shows how committed they are to stopping these crimes and getting justice for victims.

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Experienced Murder Defense Attorneys in Baton Rouge

Facing accusations of manslaughter or murder in Baton Rouge is incredibly stressful, and the legal system can feel overwhelming. That's why having the right homicide defense lawyer in Baton Rouge is crucial.

Prosecutors often feel pressure to be tough on crime, which can sometimes lead to focusing on getting a conviction rather than finding the truth. This can be dangerous for innocent people, who risk being charged or even convicted unfairly.

At Rozas, we understand the seriousness of these situations. Our experienced murder defense attorneys near Baton Rouge have years of practice in local, state, and federal courts. We are dedicated to fighting for our clients' rights and building a strong defense strategy. We'll be there for you every step of the way, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Meet Our Homicide Defense Lawyers in Baton Rouge

David Joseph Rozas
Founder
Rachel Chappell Chauvin
Partner/Senior Immigration Law Attorney
Shea R. Smith
Supervising Criminal Law Attorney
Britton Evers
Senior Family Law Attorney
Eric H. Hayes
Attorney at Law
Keith Mikesell
Attorney at Law
Caitlin T. Fowlkes
Attorney at Law
Lane Simon
Attorney at Law
Stephen Stanford
Attorney at Law
Mary-Grace Pollet
Attorney at Law
Matthew Rozas
Operations Chief
Danira Piedra
Office Manager
Eva Gonzalez
Human Resources
Marco Jerezano
Client Relations Supervisor
Elizabeth Figueroa
Billing Supervisor
Diego Tangarife
USCIS Supervisor
Emily Valdez
Legal Assistant
Pamela Bueso
Bond and Paroles Department (Detained)
Ana McDonald
Legal Assistant
Cristel Gamarra
Litigation Supervisor
Andrea Mazzoni
Legal Assistant
Brenda Valdez
USCIS Legal Assistant
Kate Simoneaux Martinez
USCIS Legal Assistant
Briseida Vela
Intake Supervisor
Lisette Morales
Family Legal Assistant
Karla Renee McNabb
Legal Assistant

Why You Need a Baton Rouge Murder Defense Attorney

Facing a murder charge in Baton Rouge pits you against determined prosecutors in a complex legal system. You need a skilled Baton Rouge murder defense attorney who can navigate this terrain expertly.

At Rozas, we understand the intricacies of Louisiana's legal system and are fierce advocates for your rights in court. Facing this alone is daunting; the prosecution is already building their case against you.

Choosing our homicide defense attorneys at Rozas ensures you have a seasoned legal team with a proven track record in complex murder and manslaughter cases. Don't wait to give yourself the best chance. Contact our criminal defense attorneys today for a consultation and let us help you tell your side of the story.

Immigration lawyer David Rozas
I am so very thankful that I found Rozas & Rozas Law Firm. They were so professional and nice. I was blown away with how fast they got me in and was able to help me with my situation. Corey was so helpful. He felt more like a friend than an attorney but I am so grateful for them during the WHOLE experience and I most definitely will use them if I ever need that law assistance again! Thank you Rozas & Rozas. :)

Trévon Dyson

Jessica and David were amazing! They made me feel like my issue was important, they took the time to explain things to me and prepare me for any outcome, they were always there every time I called them with any questions, and always looked and acted very professional. I highly recommend them! 😊

Stacey Garcia

David is very professional & friendly. Never had to wait for multiple days before he responded to our calls or replied to my emails with an answer to our questions & concerns. Responding in a timely manner made us feel that our needs were not taken lightly. It truly was a really positive experience.

Mirna Sorto

Rozas and Associates Law Firm was absolutely amazing handling a case for me. They were very nice and got back to me and whatever I needed. The bond department was on top of everything and managed to get bond for the case. I couldn’t recommend a more better or more reliable group of people to handle immigration cases.

Hannah Castillo

We couldn't be more happy about choosing this law-firm. We live in Miami and have a friend that needed help with an immigration case. We did a lot of research and called many different firms and decided to go with Rozas and Associates. From the moment we called, Nancy took the time to explain us everything and what our options were, she was very patient and helpful. Once we decided to hire them, Joseph, David and Rachel were assigned to our case. Rachel is THE BEST! She answered our calls always, and whenever she was busy or not available to talk, she always called us back or texted us... every question that we had throughout the process was professionally and patiently answered by her. She's amazing!!!

Dany Thimann

This law firm is amazing! David represented me in my case and he could not have done a better job. The staff is so professional and friendly. Especially Jessica. They make you feel like your case is the most important one they are working. I plan to recommend them to all of my friends and family who may need their services.

Michelle Barron

Attentive, thorough, passionate about justice for immigrants, honest and fair – these are some of the words to describe Rozas and Associates law firm. My boyfriend was detained at Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana in June 2019. We hired Rozas to represent him because of their reputation amongst the detainees in the Center. Rachel Chappell and the rest of the Rozas team worked tirelessly to assist us – and he won full asylum one week ago.

Josie Lalonde

I wanted to apply for my citizenship and Jessica referred me to Rozas and Associates. They made the whole process seem so simple. David and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, not to mention friendly. I highly recommend them for any of your immigration issues.

Janie Garcia

Very good service from all the Rozas & Rozas workers, they help all the immigrants as if they were their family. In my personal experience I have to thank the majority but in my case directly to Tirsa, Danira, Alejandra, Ana and the lawyer Rachel🙏 🙏🏻🙏🏻..Thank you on behalf of my cousin Fidel and the whole family🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Dunia Rodriguez

I’m so glad I picked Rozas’ to help me through my divorce. They handled everything so well, quickly, and cost-effectively. In particular, Brandi, who I interacted with the most was beyond amazing. She always responded to messages right away, and not only was efficient but also compassionate in the way that she interacted with me. Definitely recommend!

Mary Allen

For all my Latin friends who are going through immigration and legal processes, I recommend this law firm since they are excellent. They defend the Latino community very well. They are very professional and attentive. They respond to you immediately and fight for your case. A thousand thanks to Pamela for being super attentive and Nancy who was exceptional. Also to John Sharby and his colleagues who worked on my wife's case who was in a Louisiana detention center, they are the best. Many thanks to all for their professionalism.

Aidevis Zamora

They are the best immigration lawyers. Thanks to the lawyer Rachel my husband won his asylum. They are more than more than recommended, it was a blessing from God that they represent my husband.

Jaqueline Burgos

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Visit our contact page to submit a form to our law firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney to handle your criminal defense, immigration, or family law needs. English and Spanish-speaking representation is available.