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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.

Why Choose Our Attempted Murder Lawyers

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. Attempted murders are complex cases. 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. If you need help navigating your attempted murder sentence, our Nashville murder lawyer is ready to help!

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

Attempted Murder Definition

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.

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)

What is Considered Attempted Murder?

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.

Attempted Murder Sentence in Tennessee

How many years can you get for attempted murder? 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

To learn more about attempted first-degree murder in Tennessee or second-degree attempted murder, contact our murder defense attorneys in Nashville.

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    The case came during my senior year of college. It was the scariest moment of my entire life. I felt my career was over before it even started. I chose McKinney Law Firm because they are the Best of the Best. To have a prepared and knowledgeable defense, in a room where you feel guilty until proven innocent, is invaluable. Roger T. May's no non-sense approach was deliberate and strategic. The results of the case were better than I could have ever imagined. After the case was over, I went on to land a lucrative job, travel the world, and have had a very successful career. I truly believe McKinney Law Firm gave me a second chance at life. I am forever grateful for the team's care, urgency, persistence, and professionalism during a very difficult time. "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Thank you.
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    This was my first experience ever being accused of a crime and I was very nervous and scared. Rob and his staff were incredibly helpful, answering all of my questions and putting my mind at ease throughout the process. In the end, we were able to get everything dismissed successfully. Although in the grand scheme, my case was a relatively minor one, Rob always was there to help and it was clear that his knowledge and experience would be hard to find anywhere else. I would absolutely recommend Rob and his team to anyone looking for a defense attorney.
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    Rob McKinney did an exceptional job! I was extremely worried about my case. Not only did he get the best outcome possible for my case, he had skilled knowledge to answer all my questions about my nursing license along the way. I would recommend him to all of my closest friends and family. Karen and the entire staff are extremely helpful and I always felt that I was a priority. Thank you Mr. McKinney for helping to keep my future bright! I am so very thankful to you!
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