Can Greensboro criminal defense attorneys explain how young defendants are sentenced to life without parole? Yes!
North Carolina has recently enacted new laws that apply to young defendants that have committed serious crimes. These laws make it more difficult for defendants charged with first-degree murder who were under the age of 18 at the time of the offense to be sentenced to life without parole. Under this law, if the sole basis for a youthful defendant’s first-degree murder conviction is the felony murder rule, the court must sentence the defendant to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years. G.S. 15A-1340.19B(a)(1). If you have been charged or convicted of first-degree murder, you should contact a Greensboro criminal defense attorney for help with your case.
The good news is that this rule applies retroactively, meaning that people who have already been sentenced to life without parole may be able to receive life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years. There are several things that the judge will take into consideration when deciding your specific situation, but there are mitigating factors that the defendant an submit to help the judge make a more favorable decision. For example, you may say that you were young when the offense was committed, and along with this age comes immaturity. You ay say that you had pressure from friends or family, or that you have benefited from some form of rehabilitation while in confinement. There are several other standard mitigating factors that can be considered, but you should contact a Guilford County criminal defense attorney to discuss specific factors that may help you in your situation.
For more information about young defendants who are sentenced to life without parole, you should contact an experienced Greensboro criminal defense lawyer. The criminal defense attorneys at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth and Olson know the requirements of the law and also genuinely care about each and every case presented by their clients. Call at 336-379-0539 today; we are here to help!
- Former President, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Elected member, Criminal Justice Section, North Carolina Bar Association
- Selected to present the Wade M. Smith Award for Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in North Carolina
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Bring the warrant, the release order and anything else they gave you.
Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
317 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 379-0539
This article explains North Carolina law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your case, and laws, penalties and court procedures change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.