Can a Greensboro criminal defense attorney explain if I can get charged with murder for distributing drugs? Yes, we can! Surprisingly to most people, you can be charged for murder if you distributed drugs to someone who died after consuming the drugs you distributed to them. Murder by drugs is a second degree murder charge that is very serious, and should not be taken lightly. For more information about this charge, or other similar drug charges, you should speak with a Greensboro criminal defense lawyer!
Murder by drugs happens when unlawful distribution of certain drugs was the proximate cause of someone’s death. When proving this crime, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that (1) The victim’s death was caused by ingesting opium, cocaine, or one of their derivatives, or methamphetamine; (2) The defendant intentionally and unlawfully distributed the specified substance; (3) The defendant’s unlawful distribution of the substance was a proximate cause of the victim’s death; and (4) The defendant acted with malice. G.S. 14-17(b)(2). These elements may be more difficult to prove than the average person would imagine. For example, was the drug identified correctly? What drugs qualify under this statute? How is the cause of death proven? Was distribution of the drug the proximate cause of the person’s death? And lastly, was it done with malice? For specific answers to these questions, you should speak with a Greensboro criminal defense attorney about your case.
If you have any kind of drug charge, it’s important that you speak with a Greensboro criminal defense attorney before making any major decisions. The criminal defense attorneys at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth, and Olson know the requirements of the law and also genuinely care about each case presented to them. Call today at 336-379-0539; we are here to help!