Murder Defense Attorney in Westchester County

Facing a Murder Accusation? Get Defense Informed by Murder Trial Experience

A murder accusation demands an immediate review of the prosecution’s legal theory, the evidence collected, and the procedures police followed. Before answering questions, consenting to a search, or discussing the allegations with anyone, you should understand how those actions could affect your defense.

We examine the specific degree and theory of murder alleged, including intent to cause death, depraved indifference, felony murder, and aggravating circumstances. This early review may cover statements, warrants, searches and seizures, witness accounts, digital records, physical evidence, and forensic findings.

Contact our murder attorney in Westchester County at (914) 928-2766 for a free, confidential consultation.

Murder Trial Experience From Inside the District Attorney’s Office

Michael J. Borrelli conducted murder trials to verdict during seven years in the Superior Court Trial Division of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. That firsthand experience shapes how we evaluate charging decisions, prosecution strategies, witness preparation, and weaknesses in the evidence.

Michael’s record spans more than 40 felony trials involving murder, attempted murder, robbery, and burglary. He has handled those trials with a near-perfect success rate. Every case depends on its own facts, but our clients benefit from representation grounded in substantial felony trial experience.

First-Degree & Second-Degree Murder Charges in New York

New York classifies murder charges according to the defendant’s alleged conduct, mental state, and surrounding circumstances. Murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree are both Class A-I felonies, but each requires proof of different statutory elements.

Murder in the Second Degree

New York Penal Law § 125.25 recognizes several theories of second-degree murder. They include intentionally causing another person’s death, causing death through conduct showing depraved indifference to human life, and causing death during certain enumerated felonies.

Depraved indifference concerns an utter disregard for human life under circumstances creating a grave risk of death. Felony murder generally alleges that a death occurred during the commission or attempted commission of a qualifying felony, even if causing death wasn’t the original objective.

Murder in the First Degree

Under New York Penal Law § 125.27, first-degree murder requires an intentional killing combined with a specified aggravating circumstance. Those circumstances may concern the alleged victim’s status, multiple victims, a prior murder conviction, or other conditions identified by statute.

The prosecution’s precise theory matters. A murder lawyer serving Westchester County must determine whether the admissible evidence can establish every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Key Defense Issues in a New York Murder Case

A defense starts with the elements the prosecution must prove, not assumptions based on the accusation. The strategy will depend on the evidence, the circumstances surrounding the death, and whether constitutional violations affected the investigation.

Potential issues requiring close review include:

• Intent: Whether the evidence proves intent to cause death or supports a different theory of criminal liability.
• Justification: Whether self-defense or defense of another person applies under the circumstances.
• Extreme emotional disturbance: Whether this affirmative defense could reduce second-degree murder to first-degree manslaughter if its legal requirements are established.
• Identification: Whether eyewitness procedures, conflicting accounts, or other evidence undermine the alleged identification.
• Forensic evidence: Whether collection methods, laboratory procedures, interpretation, or chain of custody affect reliability.
• Statements and searches: Whether police lawfully obtained statements, warrants, digital records, or physical evidence.

Suppression motions ask the court to exclude evidence obtained in violation of constitutional or statutory protections. The available motions depend on how police conducted interviews, searches, identification procedures, and evidence collection.

The Murder Defense Process in Westchester County

The status of the case determines what needs to happen next. A person may need representation during an investigation, after an arrest, at arraignment, during grand jury proceedings, after indictment, or while preparing for hearings or trial.

The defense may involve reviewing discovery, addressing release conditions, examining grand jury issues, preparing suppression motions, evaluating forensic material, conducting evidentiary hearings, discussing possible resolutions, and preparing for trial. A grand jury determines whether the prosecution has presented enough evidence to issue an indictment. It doesn’t decide guilt.

Michael has managed thousands of criminal cases and served as a legal advisor to more than 20 police agencies throughout the county. He also personally attends 99% of client court appearances, providing continuity throughout the case.

Confidential Guidance for the Accused & Their Families

Don’t discuss case details with friends, potential witnesses, or anyone on social media. Messages, call records, photographs, location data, and other materials may become relevant. Ask us how to preserve potential evidence without changing or deleting it.

We offer free, confidential consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends. We also serve Spanish-speaking clients. Hablamos español.

Get a Focused Review of the Murder Allegation

If you or a family member is under investigation, has been arrested, or faces an indictment, contact us as soon as possible. During a confidential consultation, you can explain what happened, identify immediate legal concerns, and learn what information we need to assess the case.

Our review draws on Michael’s experience conducting murder trials inside the county prosecutor’s office and defending serious felony charges in court.

Call (914) 928-2766 now for a free, confidential consultation with our Westchester County murder defense firm. We’re available 24/7, including weekends.