Experienced Murder Attorney in Staten Island, NY
Being accused of any criminal offense can be overwhelming and leave you with significant anxiety about your immediate and distant future. However, no charge is quite as serious as murder, and a murder conviction can dramatically alter the course of your life. If you have been accused of murder in Staten Island or the surrounding area, or if you suspect you may be, you need an experienced Staten Island murder lawyer on your side.
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Why Trust The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy?
When you stand accused of a serious crime like murder, you need an attorney who knows the law, knows the local court system, and is not afraid to advocate for you to the fullest extent. At The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy, attorney Brendan Tracy is the strong representative you need when the stakes are high. He is an experienced lawyer who was recently elected to the Richmond County Bar Association board, and he is ready to put his skills to work in your defense.
Brendan is a former New York prosecutor, and his years of experience working in the office of the Manhattan District Attorney give him an edge in the courtroom as a criminal defense attorney. Because he understands the strategies the prosecution may use, Brendan has the ability to anticipate their next move and stay one step ahead.
What Is Murder Under New York Law?
Contrary to popular belief, homicide and murder have different legal definitions. Homicide is a larger umbrella term that encompasses the offenses of murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, and vehicular homicide. In 2025, there were 309 murders reported throughout New York City. Under New York law, there are three distinct definitions of murder offenses:
- Second-degree murder: Second-degree murder involves intentionally causing the death of another person, recklessly causing the death of another person with indifference to the potential for death, or killing someone in the course of committing another crime such as rape or burglary.
- Aggravated murder: An offense can be charged as aggravated murder when it meets the criteria for second-degree murder, the defendant is over the age of 18, and the victim was a police officer, first responder, or other public servant while they were performing their duties, or when the victim was under the age of 14 and the offense involved torture.
- First-degree murder: A murder offense can be charged as first-degree murder when the killing was intentional, the offender was over the age of 18 at the time of the crime, and the victim was a police officer, public servant, or a witness to a crime. Murder for money or other material gain, murder involving torture, and murder perpetrated by someone with a previous murder conviction can also be charged as first-degree murder.
In New York, all murder offenses are considered Class A-I felonies. A conviction for a Class A-I felony comes with extensive prison time governed by NY Penal Law § 70.00.
- Second-Degree Murder: Mandates an indeterminate sentence of life in prison, with the court setting a minimum parole-eligibility period between 15 and 25 years (expressed as 15 years to life up to 25 years to life).
- First-Degree Murder: Carries a mandatory indeterminate sentence with a minimum parole eligibility period of 20 to 25 years to life, or a direct sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- Aggravated Murder: Results in a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
When Should You Hire a Murder Lawyer?
If you even suspect that you may be charged with murder related to any incident, you should hire a murder lawyer as soon as you can to begin building a defense. You should not wait until formal charges have officially been filed. The sooner you bring a competent attorney into the situation, the sooner your lawyer can pull information together and start advocating for you.
You should never speak to police or anyone else regarding criminal charges against you without an attorney present, as anything you say can be used as evidence against you in court. When you retain an attorney and give them all of the relevant information you have, they can begin protecting you and helping to preserve your constitutional rights throughout the criminal justice process.
FAQs
What Court Handles Murder Cases in Staten Island?
In the state of New York, murder cases are handled by the Supreme Court branch that serves the county in which the offense took place. So, for murder cases in Staten Island, the relevant court is the Richmond County Supreme Court. Murder trials for these cases take place in the Richmond County Supreme Court building located at 26 Central Avenue in Staten Island.
How Much Does a Murder Lawyer Cost in Staten Island?
The cost to hire a criminal defense attorney is highly variable, as the ultimate cost often depends on the complexity of the case and the amount of time the attorney must spend working on the case. Most lawyers require an up-front fee called a retainer to begin working for a client. Once this deposit is paid, the attorney bills their actual working hours against it.
How Long Does a Murder Case Take to Resolve in New York?
It is impossible to predict how long a specific murder case might take to make its way through the court system and reach a resolution. Contributing factors include the case’s complexity, the amount of time it takes to complete a thorough investigation, and whether or not the prosecution and defense attempt to come to a plea agreement rather than going through the process of a full criminal trial.
Is It Possible to Defend Against Murder Charges?
It is absolutely possible for a competent lawyer to defend a person against murder charges. There are many potential defense strategies an attorney can use, and bringing a lawyer into your situation as soon as possible maximizes the time your attorney has to learn about your case and build a formidable defense.
Contact The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy Today
If you find yourself facing murder charges in Staten Island, you need an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who knows the Richmond County court system inside and out. At The Law Office of Tracy & Tracy, we are ready to advocate for you and help you protect your rights through every step of the process. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you.
