Homicide Attorney in Centerville
Local Support When It Matters Most: Your Trusted Criminal Defense Team
When you face homicide charges in Centerville, you deserve a defense team that stands by your side through every stage. At Horwitz & Horwitz, our attorneys bring more than five decades of combined insight representing clients across Montgomery County. You always work directly with our attorneys—not with paralegals—so you receive personal attention from start to finish.
The Centerville Police Department, alongside Montgomery County authorities, manages investigations in this region. Cases often move quickly between local agencies and the county prosecutor's office. We respond to local procedures and unique timelines, relying on established relationships within the Centerville legal system. Our priority is to guide you throughout the process and help ease your mind as you make important decisions for your future.
The path forward begins with a single step. Contact Horwitz & Horwitz now for a free and confidential consultation with a Centerville homicide defense lawyer. Call us at (937) 828-5534 or fill out our online form to learn how we can help protect your rights and your future.
Types of Homicide Charges in Ohio
In Ohio, the term homicide encompasses a range of offenses, not just murder. The state's legal framework, primarily found in Title 29 of the Ohio Revised Code, breaks down these crimes into different degrees based on intent and circumstance. A key distinction lies between murder, which involves a specific intent to kill, and other forms of homicide, which may not.
The specific charge you face depends on the circumstances of the case, and having a knowledgeable homicide attorney in Centerville is crucial for understanding the nuances.
- Aggravated Murder (ORC § 2903.01): This is the most severe homicide charge in Ohio. It is defined as a purposeful killing that involves "prior calculation and design." This means the act was premeditated. The charge also applies if the killing occurs during the commission of a serious felony like kidnapping, rape, or aggravated robbery, or if the victim is a law enforcement officer or a child under the age of 13.
- Murder (ORC § 2903.02): A person commits murder in Ohio by purposely causing the death of another person. Unlike aggravated murder, this charge does not require the element of "prior calculation and design." It also applies if a death is caused as a result of the commission of a first- or second-degree felony of violence.
- Voluntary Manslaughter (ORC § 2903.03): This charge applies when an individual knowingly causes another person's death but does so while under the influence of "sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage" that was brought on by serious provocation from the victim.
- Involuntary Manslaughter (ORC § 2903.04): A person commits involuntary manslaughter if they cause the death of another while committing or attempting to commit a separate felony or misdemeanor offense. The key here is that the killing was not intentional. The death was a proximate result of the underlying crime.
- Reckless Homicide (ORC § 2903.041): This offense involves recklessly causing the death of another. Recklessness is defined as a conscious disregard for a substantial and unjustifiable risk that an action will cause a certain result. It is a lower level of culpability than the "purposeful" or "knowing" mental states required for murder or voluntary manslaughter.
- Negligent Homicide (ORC § 2903.05): This is a lesser charge that applies when a person negligently causes the death of another by using a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. Negligence means that a person should have known their conduct created a substantial risk of death, even if they did not consciously disregard it.
Our firm's extensive experience as a homicide attorney in Centerville means we are prepared to defend against any of these charges. We will work to ensure that the prosecution must prove every element of the specific crime they have charged and will tirelessly fight to have the charge reduced or dismissed entirely.
What Sets Our Lawyers Apart?
Experience the Difference With Horwitz & Horwitz
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Over Five Decades of Combined ExperienceWith over 50 years of combined experience, Horwitz & Horwitz brings the skills to handle tough cases. Whether facing criminal charges or bankruptcy, we’ll guide you toward a brighter future.
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Reasonable Fees, Realistic Solutions
We believe in making high-quality legal representation accessible. Our firm offers reasonable fees and focuses on realistic, actionable solutions that align with your unique circumstances.
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Client-Centered ApproachAt Horwitz & Horwitz, your satisfaction is our priority. Our business thrives on referrals from happy clients, which speaks volumes about the trust and relationships we build.
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Strategic and Thoughtful Representation
Every case is unique, which is why we develop tailored strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. We work closely with you to discuss options and maintain control over the direction of your case.
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Free Consultations Available
We offer free consultations to provide clarity, answer your questions, and help you confidently take the next step.
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Personalized Representation from Start to Finish
At Horwitz & Horwitz, your case is handled directly by our experienced attorneys. From consultation to resolution, we provide dedicated support every step of the way.
Penalties of Homicide Convictions in Ohio
A conviction for homicide in Ohio carries some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system. The consequences extend far beyond prison time and fines. For a charge like aggravated murder, the penalties can include life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Even lesser charges like manslaughter can result in lengthy prison sentences. The financial burden can also be significant, with substantial fines and restitution. A homicide attorney in Centerville is essential to navigate these potential outcomes.
Beyond direct penalties, a homicide conviction can lead to significant collateral consequences that impact every aspect of your life.
These may include:
- Loss of civil rights: The ability to vote, own firearms, or serve on a jury may be permanently lost.
- Employment difficulties: A felony conviction, especially for homicide, can make it nearly impossible to secure meaningful employment. Many professional licenses may also be revoked.
- Housing challenges: Securing housing can become very difficult, as landlords often run background checks.
- Reputational damage: The social stigma associated with a homicide conviction is profound and can affect personal relationships and community standing for life.
- Immigration consequences: For non-citizens, a homicide conviction can lead to deportation or inadmissibility.
The long-term impact of these consequences underscores the need for an aggressive and strategic defense from a dedicated Centerville homicide defense lawyer.
What Sets Our Homicide Criminal Defense Attorneys in Centerville Apart
Selecting a criminal defense attorney in Centerville can shape your case and your peace of mind.
We center our practice around several priorities that set us apart from other defense firms:
- Personalized guidance: Our homicide defense attorneys handle every matter directly—never delegating to support staff—so you get an informed legal perspective throughout the process.
- Decades of local experience: We bring nearly 53 years of combined experience to every defense, grounding our approach in local procedures and community understanding.
- Clear, honest communication: You stay informed and included as your case progresses. We always offer straightforward answers to your questions.
- Integrity in every step: Clients receive practical case strategies grounded in realistic expectations. We give honest feedback, never empty promises.
- Knowledge of local systems: Our attorneys understand how homicide cases proceed through the Montgomery County courts, offering practical guidance on what to expect at every step.
Clients in Centerville choose us when they want to be treated with respect and candor. Our team knows the pressure intense accusations bring, and we respond with clear direction and compassion.
We help families make informed decisions with confidence. By relying on deep roots in this community, we remain accessible for urgent questions and use our local experience to address new concerns as they arise.
Contact Our Homicide Criminal Defense Attorneys in Centerville Today
If you want clarity about your options, speak directly with a homicide lawyer in Centerville at Horwitz & Horwitz. Our attorneys take time to answer your questions, outline your choices, and provide honest, practical direction—without empty promises. Your first step is a private consultation with an attorney who values clear advice and lasting support.
Call (937) 828-5534 or reach out online to start your conversation with a homicide criminal defense lawyer in Centerville who is committed to your needs.
