Murder Defense Attorney in Lincoln, Nebraska

Trial-Ready Criminal Defense for the Highest-Stakes Charges

A murder charge is the most serious accusation Nebraska law can bring against a person. The potential consequences range from decades in prison to life without parole, and in some cases, the death penalty remains on the table. What happens in the hours and days after an arrest can shape the entire trajectory of a case. Statements made before an attorney is involved can become evidence. Evidence can disappear. Contacting a defense attorney immediately matters.

At Glasz Law, we handle murder defense in Lincoln with the preparation and focus these cases demand. Our attorneys have been serving Nebraskans since 2016, building over a decade of criminal defense experience in Nebraska’s courts. We prepare every case for trial from day one, and we offer free consultations, including virtual case evaluations, so you can reach us regardless of your circumstances.

If you or someone you care about is facing murder or homicide charges in Lincoln, don’t wait. Call Glasz Law at (402) 624-4637 to schedule a free, confidential consultation, including a remote case evaluation if needed.

Murder Charges Under Nebraska Law

Nebraska law recognizes several distinct homicide offenses, each defined by the defendant’s mental state and the circumstances of the death. The charge level determines the sentencing range a conviction carries.

First-Degree Murder

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-303, first-degree murder requires a killing committed purposely and with deliberate and premeditated malice. Premeditation, meaning the defendant formed the intent to kill in advance, is the defining element. First-degree murder is a Class I or Class IA felony. A Class I conviction can carry the death penalty. A Class IA conviction carries life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Felony Murder Rule

Nebraska’s felony murder rule, also found in Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-303, applies when a death occurs during the commission or attempted commission of certain felonies: first-degree sexual assault, arson, robbery, kidnapping, hijacking, or burglary. Under this rule, a defendant doesn’t need to have intended to kill, and a separate conviction for the underlying felony isn’t required to face a first-degree murder charge.

Second-Degree Murder

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-304, second-degree murder covers an intentional killing that lacks premeditation. It is a Class IB felony carrying a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison. The distinction between first-degree and second-degree murder in Nebraska turns almost entirely on whether premeditation can be proven.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter, defined under Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-305, involves a killing without malice, either in a sudden quarrel or as the unintended result of an unlawful act. It is a Class IIA felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years and no mandatory minimum. The presence or absence of malice is what separates manslaughter from murder as a matter of law.

There is no statute of limitations for murder in Nebraska. Charges can be filed at any time, and a conviction creates a permanent felony record with consequences that reach far beyond any prison sentence served.

Defense Strategies in Nebraska Murder Cases

The prosecution must prove every element of a murder charge beyond a reasonable doubt, which means identity, intent, premeditation, and causation are all subject to challenge. We build a defense around the specific facts of each case, because no two situations are alike and no single strategy fits every defendant.

Depending on the circumstances, defense approaches may include:

• Self-defense or defense of others: Arguing the use of force was legally justified under Nebraska law
• Challenging forensic and physical evidence: Contesting the reliability, handling, or chain of custody of the prosecution’s evidence
• Attacking witness credibility: Examining inconsistencies, bias, or motive in witness testimony
• Contesting premeditation: Seeking a lesser charge than first-degree murder by challenging evidence of deliberate planning
• Constitutional challenges: Moving to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures
• Felony murder defenses: Contesting whether the underlying felony occurred, whether the death was causally connected to it, or whether the defendant was an active participant
• Plea negotiations: When evidence is genuinely contested, prosecutors may consider reduced charges or other agreements that can significantly affect sentencing exposure

We’re prepared to litigate when that’s what it takes to pursue a fair outcome. That trial readiness informs every decision we make at the negotiating table as well.

Why Lincoln Defendants Turn to Glasz Law

We don’t treat murder defense as a set of standard procedures applied to every file. Our individualized approach means your defense is built around your specific facts, your history, and your goals, not a template. We’ve been doing this since 2016, and our clients consistently recommend us for our efficiency, professionalism, and commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome.

We’re also accessible in ways that matter when stakes are this high. We have two office locations in Lincoln and one in Omaha, and we offer remote case evaluations for clients who can’t come to us in person. Our attorneys stay in responsive communication throughout the process so you’re not left without answers. Every case starts with a free consultation, because you shouldn’t have to pay to understand where you stand.