In 2006, more than 1.4 million violent crimes were reported across the United States, and unfortunately, thousands more go unreported each year. Among the more than 1.4 million violent crimes reported annually in America, roughly 20,000 are murders. Murder is the crime of killing another person deliberately and not in self-defense or with any other extenuating circumstance recognized by the law.

There are two degrees of murder including: first degree murder and second degree murder. You will also hear the term third degree murder being used – which is basically involuntary manslaughter. Second degree murder or murder in the second degree is the crime of murdering in "the heat of passion" which oftentimes results from intense anger, fear, rage, or terror.

State and federal laws regarding murder are the most complex of any criminal laws. The classifications of offenses are complex but they are often divided into a handful of categories based on severity. Because of this, the punishment for second degree murder varies greatly from state to state and more importantly, case to case. The severity of the punishment will also depend on a wide variety of factors.

If you have been accused of second degree murder, whether you are guilty or not, you will need to hire a criminal lawyer or attorney. If you are suing a convicted murderer for damages resulting from second degree murder, you should hire a civil lawyer or attorney. If the person was not convicted and you still want to sue for damages, you should still hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. A criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you have been arrested for second degree murder, you should request an attorney at the time you are arrested or contact a private criminal lawyer or attorney immediately. A good criminal attorney will be familiar with second degree murder laws of the state in which the crime took place, they will be familiar with local court customs and procedures, and they will also have a clear understanding of the "hidden costs" of pleading guilty.

To locate a criminal lawyer or attorney in your area, visit the American Bar Association, The ABA features a lawyer locator, which can help you quickly and easily find a criminal attorney.