Murder in the First Degree (Class A-I Felony)
Reserved for aggravated killings: murder of police officers, witness elimination, murder-for-hire, serial killings, or torture murders. Sentences: 20 years to life, or life without parole.
NYC Murder Lawyer
Relentless Defense from a Trusted NYC Murder Lawyer
Being charged with murder or manslaughter can change your life forever. Prosecutors pursue these cases with intense scrutiny and the highest penalties, so you need a defense attorney who understands homicide law, local courts, and how to build a powerful defense. We stand ready to defend you with strategic investigation, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy.
- Former NYC Public Defender
- All five boroughs
- Available 24/7
Leopold GrossMurder defense · Former NYC Public Defender
The charges
Understanding Murder and Manslaughter Charges in New York
New York law categorizes homicide offenses based on intent and circumstances. Understanding these distinctions in criminal law is crucial because the differences determine whether you face decades in prison or life without parole.
Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I Felony)
Intentional killings, depraved indifference murders, and felony murders (deaths during serious crimes like robbery). Most common murder charge in NYC. Sentences: 15 years to life.
Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class B Violent Felony)
Applies when someone intends serious injury but not death, or acts under extreme emotional disturbance. Sentences: 5 to 25 years.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class C Violent Felony)
Reckless homicides where defendant consciously disregarded substantial risk. Sentences: 3.5 to 15 years.
An experienced NYC murder lawyer knows how to challenge the prosecution’s characterization and fight for reduced charges.
Defense strategies
Common Homicide Murder Charges Defense Strategies
Murder prosecutions must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt. Gross Law Firm examines every angle to find weaknesses and build your defense.
Self-Defense Claims
New York law allows deadly force when you reasonably believe it's necessary to prevent imminent deadly force against you. Once self-defense is raised, prosecutors must disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Extreme Emotional Disturbance
This New York-specific defense can reduce a murder charge to manslaughter, potentially cutting decades off your sentence.
Challenging Intent
Murder requires proof of intent to kill. Evidence showing accident, recklessness, or lack of premeditation can reduce charges or lead to acquittal.
Alibi Evidence
Surveillance footage, cell phone records, and witness testimony establishing you weren't at the scene can create reasonable doubt.
Forensic Evidence Problems
DNA contamination, flawed eyewitness identifications, improper lineups, and chain-of-custody failures can undermine the prosecution's case.
False Accusations
Sometimes individuals are wrongly accused due to mistaken identity, coerced statements, or fabricated evidence. Gross Law Firm investigates thoroughly to expose false allegations.
Your attorney
Defending You in Your Darkest Hour
As a former New York City Public Defender, our firm brings a decade of experience representing individuals accused of murder and manslaughter across the five boroughs. These are among the most serious charges in the criminal justice system, often involving complex forensic evidence, extensive investigations, and high stakes litigation. Years spent inside New York courtrooms provide critical insight into how prosecutors prepare homicide cases and how to strategically challenge their evidence.
Murder and manslaughter charges carry the possibility of decades in prison or even life sentences. From the earliest stages of an investigation, every decision matters. Law enforcement may rely on witness statements, forensic reports, digital evidence, or alleged confessions. A strong defense requires immediate action, independent investigation, and a comprehensive review of every detail to identify weaknesses and protect your constitutional rights.
When your freedom is on the line, you deserve more than surface-level representation. You deserve an attorney who is honest about the challenges you face, accessible when you have questions, and relentless in the courtroom. Our commitment is to provide clear communication, strategic preparation, and aggressive advocacy aimed at securing the strongest possible outcome in your case.
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Why Gross Law Firm
Why Choose Gross Law Firm
Former Public Defender
Attorneys at Gross Law Firm spent years as New York City Public Defenders, gaining firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors approach murder cases. As experienced NYC criminal lawyers, we understand their strategies and know when to take your case to trial.
A Decade of Courtroom Experience
With ten years defending homicide charges in New York, Gross Law Firm has the courtroom experience to handle your case with confidence.
Honest Communication, Always
Gross Law Firm keeps you informed every step of the way. We send updates promptly, explain developments clearly, and never sugarcoat your situation.
Direct Access to Us
When you call Gross Law Firm, you reach a real attorney, not an answering service. Your case is too important to be shuffled around.
Available When You Need Them
Murder arrests don't follow business hours. Gross Law Firm is available 24/7 because we understand that an arrest at 2 AM still needs immediate attention.
Client-Focused Defense Strategy
Every murder case is different. Gross Law Firm takes time to understand your specific situation, your goals, and your concerns, then builds a defense strategy tailored to you.
Time matters
Accused of Murder or Manslaughter Crime in New York City?
If you’re reading this, you’re terrified. You’re wondering if life as you know it is over. Being accused of this crime changes everything instantly. Gross Law Firm understands exactly what you’re going through.
As former New York City Public Defenders, our attorneys spent years defending people accused of the most serious crimes in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island courtrooms. We know what it takes to beat an NYC homicide charge and how to dismantle prosecutors’ cases.
Gross Law Firm has handled murder cases involving self-defense claims, felony murder prosecutions, extreme emotional disturbance defenses, and wrongful accusations. We bring the experience defending violent crimes and the strategic knowledge to fight for the best possible outcome.
But what truly sets us apart isn’t just our experience, it’s how we treat the people we represent.
Beyond the sentence
Conviction Consequences
A conviction follows you long after a case ends. These are the stakes we fight to protect.
Loss of Freedom
Murder convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years to life. First-degree murder can result in life without parole.
Employment
A murder conviction makes finding employment nearly impossible. Most employers automatically disqualify applicants with violent felony convictions.
Family Separation
Years or decades of incarceration destroy relationships with spouses, children, and parents.
Civil Rights
Convicted felons lose voting rights and gun ownership. These rights may never be restored.
Immigration Consequences
Non-citizens convicted of murder face mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the United States.
The Gross Law Firm fights to protect not just your freedom, but your future through case dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal.
Client reviews
What Our Clients Say
“If you need a criminal defense attorney who delivers results, Leopold Gross is the attorney to call. He handled my case with professionalism, persistence, and clear communication from start to finish. Thanks to his hard work, my case was dismissed, and I walked away with no criminal record. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome and highly recommend him to anyone who needs a dedicated defense attorney who will not back off.”
“I had a criminal case in Queens that lasted about five months and was ultimately fully dismissed. Throughout the entire process, Leopold Gross was professional, thorough, and extremely attentive to every detail. He handled everything in a calm and focused manner, always making sure I understood each step along the way. In court, it was clear that he has strong experience and familiarity with the system — including the judges and staff — which gave me a lot of confidence. Most importantly, he approached my case with seriousness and dedication, and the final result speaks for itself. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and reliable criminal defense attorney.”
“During one of the most difficult times for my life, we needed a criminal defense attorney who would truly fight. That’s exactly what we got when we retained Leopold Gross. While my family members suggested accepting a plea deal, Leo refused to take the easy route and stood by my side and fought hard for what was right, to clean my name. He was focused, relentless, and fully prepared, and the outcome proved his commitment to justice when he got the charges dropped. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a powerful advocate in their corner.”
Reviews are from Google. They are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case.Read all 39 reviews
If you're arrested
What to Do If You’re Arrested for Murder
Remain Silent
Do not speak to police without an attorney.
Request an Attorney
Clearly state you want to speak with a lawyer.
Do Not Resist Arrest
Physical resistance creates additional charges.
Document Everything
Write down what happened, who was present, and any witnesses.
Preserve Evidence
Save text messages, emails, photos, or videos related to the incident.
Contact Gross Immediately
The sooner we get involved, the more we can protect your rights.
Top NYC Murder Lawyer
Protect Your Future. Call Now.
A murder charge is the most serious accusation you can face, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Gross Law Firm has spent a decade defending New Yorkers facing murder charges, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
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