Murder Defense Attorney in Lincoln
Trial-Ready Defense When the Stakes Can’t Be Higher
A murder or homicide charge is among the most serious accusations a person can face under Nebraska law. The consequences range from decades in prison to mandatory life imprisonment and, in the most severe cases, the death penalty. From the moment of arrest, the decisions you make shape how your defense unfolds. We’re here before that window closes.
At Glasz Law, we’ve defended clients across Lincoln and Lancaster County since 2016. We don’t treat these cases as routine, because they aren’t. We build defense strategy around the specific facts of your situation, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial at the Lancaster County District Court if that’s what it takes to pursue a fair outcome.
If you or someone you love is facing a murder or homicide charge, don’t wait. Our team is available 24/7 and offers free consultations, including virtual case evaluations. Call (402) 624-4637 now to speak with a Lincoln murder defense attorney.
Nebraska Murder & Homicide Charges Explained
Nebraska law defines several distinct homicide offenses, each carrying different elements and penalties. Understanding the charge you’re facing is the first step in building a defense.
First-Degree Murder
Under Nebraska Revised Statute §28-303, first-degree murder means killing purposely and with deliberate and premeditated malice. The statute also covers deaths that occur during the commission of qualifying felonies, including robbery, arson, kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault, hijacking, or burglary. This is Nebraska’s felony murder rule: if someone dies during one of those felonies, a first-degree murder charge can follow even without an intent to kill, and a conviction on the underlying felony isn’t required to pursue it. A first-degree murder conviction is classified as a Class I felony, punishable by death, or a Class IA felony, which carries mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Nebraska Revised Statute §28-304 defines second-degree murder as intentionally causing the death of another person without premeditation. It is a Class IB felony, carrying a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The line between first- and second-degree murder often comes down to the accused’s mental state at the time of the incident. Prosecutors typically charge the highest degree the evidence can support.
Manslaughter
Under Nebraska Revised Statute §28-305, manslaughter applies when a death results from a sudden quarrel without malice, or when someone causes death unintentionally while committing an unlawful act. It is a Class IIA felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years and no mandatory minimum. Nebraska also recognizes motor vehicle homicide as a separate category, ranging from a Class I misdemeanor to a Class IIA felony depending on the circumstances.
Why Lincoln Clients Choose Glasz Law for Murder Defense
When the charge is this serious, the quality of your representation matters more than at any other point in your life. We bring local knowledge and genuine trial readiness to every case we handle.
- Prepared for trial: We don’t structure our practice around settling. Our attorneys are prepared to litigate at the Lancaster County District Court.
- Lancaster County court experience: Familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures is a practical advantage when building and presenting your defense.
- Available around the clock: Arrests don’t follow business hours. Our team can be reached 24/7 so you have access to counsel from the earliest stage of the process.
- Individualized strategy: No two murder cases are the same. We build your defense around your specific facts, not a template.
- Free consultations: We offer no-cost case evaluations, including virtual meetings, so cost isn’t a barrier to getting immediate guidance.
- Two Lincoln office locations: We serve clients across the Lincoln area with convenient access throughout the city.
Defense Strategies in Nebraska Murder Cases
Every viable criminal defense starts with a thorough review of the evidence, the circumstances, and the prosecution’s theory of the case. Nebraska law provides several grounds on which murder charges can be challenged, reduced, or defeated.
Self-Defense
Nebraska law permits the use of force, including deadly force in certain circumstances, to protect yourself or others. A legally justified use of force can defeat a murder or manslaughter charge entirely. The facts of the encounter and the reasonableness of the response are central to this defense.
Alibi & Misidentification
Murder charges are sometimes brought against the wrong person. Digital records, surveillance footage, and witness accounts can establish that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred or that the identification was unreliable. We investigate these issues from the start.
Constitutional Challenges to Evidence
Physical or forensic evidence gathered in violation of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure may be suppressed and excluded from trial. Removing key evidence from the prosecution’s case can fundamentally change its strength.
Challenging Intent & Mental State
The prosecution must prove the defendant possessed the mental state required for the charged degree of murder, whether that’s premeditation for first-degree or intent for second-degree. Undermining that proof can support a reduction to a lesser charge or an acquittal.
Insanity & Lack of Mental Capacity
Under Nebraska Revised Statute §29-2203, a defendant may assert that they weren’t criminally responsible due to insanity at the time of the offense. The burden falls on the defendant to prove this defense by a preponderance of the evidence, and notice must be filed with the court well in advance of trial. It remains an available avenue in appropriate cases, but it requires careful preparation and substantial supporting evidence.
Charge Reduction & Negotiated Resolution
Not every case proceeds to trial. In some situations, the strongest path involves negotiating a reduction of charges, pursuing a lesser-included offense, or reaching another resolution through the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. We evaluate every option and can counsel you on the realistic paths forward.
Steps to Take After a Murder Charge in Lincoln
The actions you take in the hours and days after an arrest or law enforcement contact can significantly affect your defense. Here is what matters most:
- Stay silent: Don’t make any statements to police or investigators before speaking with an attorney. Anything said before counsel is present can be used by the prosecution.
- Request an attorney clearly and immediately: Law enforcement must stop questioning once you invoke your right to counsel. State it directly and don’t answer further questions until your attorney is present.
- Avoid contact with others involved: Don’t reach out to alleged victims, co-defendants, or potential witnesses. Any contact can complicate your defense and may result in additional charges.
- Preserve relevant information: Keep any communications, records, or evidence related to the incident and share them with your attorney as soon as possible.
- Follow all court-ordered conditions: Comply with bond requirements, no-contact orders, and any other release conditions to avoid creating additional legal jeopardy.
Our team is available around the clock. If you’ve been arrested or contacted by law enforcement in connection with a homicide investigation, we can begin protecting your rights immediately.
Get a Free Murder Defense Consultation in Lincoln
A murder charge demands immediate, committed representation. At Glasz Law, we offer free consultations, including virtual case evaluations, so you can get candid guidance on your situation without delay. We’re available 24/7, and everything you share with us is confidential.
You deserve a defense built around your case. Our Lincoln murder defense attorneys are ready to listen, assess your options, and stand with you through every stage of the process.
Call (402) 624-4637 now to speak with a Lincoln murder defense attorney at Glasz Law. We’re available around the clock and ready to help.
"The communication we received was outstanding."Nick was amazing working with us through this process. The communication we received was outstanding. Nick always returned calls and messages and always kept us informed with everything to do with the case. Nick was able to get us EVERYTHING we asked for. We highly recommended him and would use him again in a heartbeat.
- Matt C.
