Oklahoma Malice Aforethought and Murder Laws
Murder is one of the most serious charges that can be brought against a person. But not all murders are equal in the eyes of the law. Intent is one of the most important things that must be proven for a first-degree murder conviction.
What Was the Intent?
Malice aforethought refers to the deliberate intention to take another person’s life. Accidental deaths therefore cannot have malice aforethought. There does not necessarily have to be hatred or any sort of overwhelmingly negative emotion, simply the intent to take another’s life. Without Malice Aforethought there cannot be a first-degree murder conviction.
The burden of proof falls on the prosecution, which means the state must find a way to prove malice aforethought.
Common defenses for first-degree murder include:
- Self-defense
- Defense of another person
- Mitigation to a lesser degree
- Reduction of charges with plea agreement.
Telling Your Story
Narratives and stories are an important part of any legal case. When murder trials are being conducted, it is incredibly important to tell a story that a jury can connect to, because that can help the defendant explain their side of the story well. At Edge Law Firm, our team knows how important these cases are and work tirelessly to give our clients the help they need.
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