Homicide Attorney in Rochester

Facing Homicide Charges? Get Rochester Defense Counsel from a Firm Founded in 1916

A homicide investigation can move quickly from police questioning and evidence collection to an arrest, arraignment, or indictment. Before answering questions or making consequential decisions, you need to understand the accusation and protect your rights.

We represent defendants accused of violent crimes and serious felony charges in Rochester. The accusation alone doesn’t establish which offense applies or whether the prosecution can prove it. Mental state, causation, witness accounts, forensic evidence, and the circumstances preceding the death can all shape the case.

Speak with a homicide attorney before discussing the case with investigators or making decisions about your defense. Call (585) 542-1778 to contact our office.

Strategic Defense for Serious Felony Allegations

As a full-service law practice founded in 1916, Osborn Reed & Burke, LLP brings established litigation and courtroom capabilities to criminal defense. We provide discreet counsel, responsive communication, and practical guidance throughout the criminal process.

Every defense begins with the specific charge and the evidence behind it. Murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and vehicular homicide have different statutory elements. We assess the prosecution’s theory rather than treating every death-related allegation as the same case.

How We Examine the Prosecution’s Homicide Evidence

We evaluate whether the prosecution can prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. That review includes whether searches and seizures were lawful, statements were obtained properly, and evidence is reliable and admissible.

Important areas of analysis can include:

• Intent and mental state: What the prosecution claims the accused person intended, knew, or consciously disregarded
• Causation: Whether the alleged conduct has a legally sufficient connection to the death
• Witness reliability: Whether accounts align with testimony, recordings, physical evidence, and documented timelines
• Forensic proof: Whether medical findings, laboratory testing, digital records, and physical evidence support the charged theory
• Constitutional issues: Whether police obtained statements or evidence in violation of protected rights

Depending on the evidence and procedural posture, defense work may involve further investigation, evidentiary challenges, pretrial litigation, negotiations, or trial preparation. The available legal theories depend on the facts, the charged offense, and the applicable law.

How Homicide Cases Move Through Rochester & Monroe County Courts

The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony and misdemeanor offenses committed in Monroe County, including homicide cases. Rochester City Court handles felony arraignments and preliminary criminal proceedings, while Monroe County Court has authority to conduct felony trials.

A case may pass through several proceedings or courts. Filing requirements, hearings, and deadlines depend on the charges, custody and indictment status, and disputed evidence. We provide strategic advocacy and courtroom representation as those issues develop.

Get Clear Guidance About the Charge and Your Next Steps

If you’re under investigation, have been arrested, or face an indictment involving another person’s death, contact us for individualized legal guidance. We serve clients throughout the Greater Rochester Area with discretion, careful preparation, and responsive communication.

Call (585) 542-1778 to speak with a homicide lawyer in Rochester about your situation.