Attempted Murder Charges in Nashville, TN

Contact a Nashville Attempted Murder Attorney Immediately

If you have been charged with a crime such as attempted murder, remember this: the outcome of your case will hinge on a prosecutor's ability to prove your intent. Does the prosecution have enough true insight into your thoughts to demonstrate that your actions were premeditated? A successful outcome in your case may mean achieving a downgrading of the charges against you. Perhaps your actions could justify charges of aggravated assault — and even then, it is up to the prosecution to prove those charges beyond a shadow of a doubt.

In the face of attempted murder charges, nothing short of the best and most tenacious defense representation will do. That is the level of counsel delivered at May McKinney. Not only do our Nashville defense attorneys have more than 80 years of combined experience, but they stop at nothing to pursue the best possible outcome in every case they touch.

Call (615) 265-6383 or contact us online to find out how our team can help you. We serve clients in Nashville, Franklin, Mount Juliet, Brentwood, and throughout Tennessee.

What is Considered Attempted Murder?

Attempted murder is the unsuccessful act of killing another person. To be convicted of attempted murder, a demonstration of intent to murder must be present, the perpetrator attempted to murder yet failed.

To be considered attempted murder, there must be the presence of a "direct action." This means merely preparing or planning to kill someone is not sufficient to satisfy the elements of attempted murder. Additionally, there must be "intent to kill" present in attempted murder. Causing bodily harm is not sufficient proof of attempted murder unless evidence of actual intent to kill is there.

Elements of Attempted Murder

There are two elements required in attempted murder:

• Offender took action toward killing a person (direct action)
• Offender's act was intended to kill a person (intent to kill)

Attempted Murder Penalty in Tennessee

Typically, attempted murder is charged in degrees. These include:

• First-degree attempted murder: requires premeditation or a willful act
  • Often a life sentence; at least 10 years in prison
  • Possible parole
• Second-degree attempted murder: any other act that is not deliberate or planned
  • 5 - 15 years in prison, depending on whether serious injury was inflicted
  • Prior criminal record will enhance the sentence

Charged with Attempted Murder in TN? Contact Our Firm.

Attempted murder charges are a challenge to prove precisely because the "attempted" term implies premeditation. For best results after an arrest on charges of attempted murder, begin your defense in the context of a productive attorney-client relationship with your defense lawyer. Discuss your charges with a knowledgeable lawyer who will offer honest insight that applies to your unique situation. Sit down with May McKinney to learn about possible defense strategies.

Keep in mind that criminal charges tend to be at the highest level that a prosecutor believes he or she can prove. A successful outcome often means reduced charges and/or penalties. Even so, our Nashville attempted murder defense lawyers approach every case in defense of the concept of innocent until proven guilty. If you are not guilty as charged — or if a prosecutor cannot prove your guilt — you should be represented by a lawyer who will zealously advocate for you, working hard to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

We Deliver Seasoned Counsel in Every Stage of Your Case

We are always willing to take a case to trial to defend our clients' rights. We will never urge you to plead guilty to a crime you did not commit. We will adeptly guide you through all phases of your case, including through sentencing and beyond to appeal, if necessary.

Contact May McKinney today to schedule your confidential strategy session.