Homicide Attorney in Lincoln, Nebraska

Defense for Murder, Manslaughter & Motor Vehicle Homicide Charges

A homicide charge covers a broad range of criminal accusations under Nebraska law, from first-degree murder to manslaughter to motor vehicle homicide. Each carries distinct penalties and requires a different defense strategy. At Glasz Law, we’ve been representing clients in Lincoln since 2016, and we’re prepared to stand beside you through every stage of this process.

The decisions made in the first hours after an arrest can shape how a case unfolds. Retaining defense counsel early gives us the best opportunity to investigate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and protect your constitutional rights. Every case we take receives an individualized strategy built around its specific facts.

If you or a family member is facing a homicide charge in Lincoln, contact Glasz Law now for a free consultation by phone, in person, or virtually. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (402) 624-4637 today.

Nebraska Homicide Charges & Their Penalties

Nebraska divides criminal homicide into four categories under Chapter 28 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes. These distinctions matter because the difference between charges often turns on a single factor: the defendant’s mental state at the time of the killing.

First-Degree Murder (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-303)

First-degree murder requires proof that a killing was purposeful and carried out with deliberate and premeditated malice, or that it occurred during the commission of certain felonies. It is classified as a Class IA or Class I felony, with the sentence determined in a separate proceeding. A conviction can mean life in prison.

Second-Degree Murder (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-304)

Second-degree murder applies when someone intentionally causes another person’s death without premeditation. It’s a Class IB felony carrying a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The absence of premeditation is what separates it from first-degree murder, which is precisely the kind of distinction a defense attorney can argue at trial or in negotiations.

Manslaughter (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-305)

Manslaughter covers killings that occur without malice, either in the heat of a sudden quarrel or unintentionally during an unlawful act. It’s a Class IIA felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years and no mandatory minimum, a substantially different exposure than a murder charge.

Motor Vehicle Homicide (Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-306)

Motor vehicle homicide applies when someone unintentionally causes a death while operating a vehicle in violation of Nebraska law or a local ordinance. The severity of the charge ranges from a Class I misdemeanor to a Class II felony depending on the circumstances, including whether DUI was involved and whether the driver had a prior DUI conviction.

Beyond incarceration, any felony homicide conviction in Nebraska can result in the loss of voting rights during incarceration and supervision, loss of the right to possess firearms, and lasting consequences for employment and housing.

How We Build a Homicide Defense in Lincoln

Homicide defense isn’t a single strategy applied the same way to every case. We start by examining the prosecution’s theory, scrutinizing forensic evidence, evaluating witness credibility, and assessing how the alleged intent holds up under scrutiny. Our attorneys handle every legal detail, from gathering evidence and submitting filings to preparing your case for trial.

Prosecutors in Nebraska have discretion in how they charge homicide. A death involving a motor vehicle, for example, might be pursued as manslaughter or motor vehicle homicide depending on how the evidence is framed. We can challenge those charging decisions and argue for the classification that most accurately reflects the facts. Depending on the case, defense strategies may involve contesting forensic conclusions, raising lack of intent or self-defense, pursuing charge reductions through negotiation, or taking the matter to trial at Lancaster County District Court.

We’re trial-ready. When litigation is what it takes to reach a fair outcome, we’re prepared to see it through.

Why Lincoln Clients Choose Glasz Law

Our firm has built a reputation in Lincoln, Nebraska for handling high-stakes legal matters with seriousness and personalized care. Clients recommend us for our efficiency, professionalism, and commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome under the circumstances.

Here’s what working with us looks like in practice:

• Free case evaluations: Available by phone, in person at either of our two Lincoln offices or our Omaha location, or virtually for your convenience.
• 24/7 availability: We answer calls around the clock because urgent situations don’t follow business hours.
• Individualized strategy: No two homicide cases are alike. We take time to understand your specific concerns before building a defense.
• Over a decade of experience: Since 2016, our attorneys have guided clients through complex, high-stakes legal matters across criminal defense and beyond.
• Trial-ready representation: We don’t steer every case toward settlement. If going to trial is what the situation demands, we’re prepared.

When you’re looking for a Lincoln homicide attorney, you need someone who will build a defense around your specific situation, not a template. That’s how we approach every case we take on.