One of the most confusing aspects of criminal law is the felony murder rule. In fact, you can be convicted of felony murder without ever physically harming somebody with your own hands. Many people have faced and been convicted of felony murder in cases that would surprise you.

Are you facing felony murder charges? There are a few things you need to know about your case.

The Felony Murder Laws

Felony murder laws mean that you can be charged with a murder that occurs in the commission of another felony, even if you were not the one to commit the murder in question. These laws are meant to act as deterrents so that people will not participate in dangerous crimes like robbery and home invasions. Other crimes associated with felony murder include rape, burglary, kidnapping, and arson.

In order to be convicted of felony murder, you do not have to have had the intent of murdering somebody. Instead, the prosecution only needs to show that you participated in a crime that led to the death of another individual, even an individual who was in your group.

An Example of Felony Murder

Let's say that three people decide they want to rob a house one night. They enter the home, only to find that the residents are still home and awake. The group of people intends only to rob the house and begins to take items. If one of the people in the group decides to shoot and kill somebody in the home, everybody in the group may face the same criminal charges because somebody died in the commission of the crime.

The same could apply if the resident of the home shot and killed somebody in the group. A case could be made that the entire group contributed to the death of the individual who passed.

The Consequences for Felony Murder

Felony murder comes with harsh consequences. If you are convicted of this crime, you face many of the same punishments you would face if you committed murder on its own. You could face life in prison for these crimes, even if you did not personally kill somebody.

Hire a Felony Attorney

Felony lawyers understand the consequences you could face if you are convicted of a felony, including felony murder. You have a lot of serious concerns, and your attorneys strive to help you with these questions. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case with your attorney.