MURDER OR HOMICIDE INVESTIGATIONS 

Criminal homicide is the unlawful killing of another person.  In Tennessee, there are several types of homicide including First Degree murder, Second Degree murder, Voluntary Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide (see other section) Reckless homicide and Criminal Negligent Homicide. 

First Degree Murder is defined as the “premeditated and intentional killing of another.”  It can also be defined as a killing committed during certain types of felonies as well as any killing committed as the result of a bomb.  First Degree murder carries life in prison, life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty. 

Lawyers, Lee Davis & Bryan Hoss, have collectively been involved in over 100 First Degree murder cases in their careers.  Few, if any, other law firms in south-east Tennessee have this type of experience.  

In 2010, Lee Davis & Bryan Hoss represented a death penalty Defendant charged in Bradley County, Tennessee.  Following a jury trial, all charges against her were dismissed. 

Second Degree murder is defined as the “knowing killing of another” or a killing that results from the unlawful distribution of any Schedule I or II drug, if the drug was the proximate cause of death of the user.  Second degree murder is a Class A felony carrying a range of punishment of 15 to 40 years. 

Voluntary Manslaughter is defined as the “intentional or knowing killing of another in a state of passion produced by adequate provocation sufficient to lead a reasonable person to act in an irrational manner.”  Voluntary Manslaughter is a Cass C felony carrying a range of punishment of 3 to 15 years. 

Reckless Homicide is the “reckless killing of another.”  It is a Class D felony carrying 2-12 years.

Criminally Negligent Homicide is defined as “ciminally negligent conduct that results in death.  It is a Class E felony carrying 1-6 years. 

Davis & Hoss has on staff a criminal investigator, multiple paralegals and law clerks.  Davis & Hoss lawyers routinely utilize local universities and conduct mock trials of their biggest cases to explore what important questions juries ask and gain perspective.  No other law firm in town has these types of resources at their fingertips.  If you’ve been charged with homicide, contact Davis & Hoss today.