Kill Contract Attorneys

An agreement to do something or refrain from doing something between two people is referred to as a contract. Some agreements can be enforced. Contracts that call for illegal behavior, like contract killing, are unenforceable.

A Contract Killing: What Is It?

A murder-for-hire scheme involving two or more people is referred to as a contract killing. Because one party contracts another to murder a specific person or group of people, it is seen as organized crime. The party frequently receives something of value, such as money, in exchange for killing the individual.

If you, a loved one, or someone close to you is found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to commit murder for pay or a contract killing, the sentence will be quite harsh. Whether the state or the federal government makes the accusations, it is imperative to retain counsel who is knowledgeable about these claims.

Even if the case is dropped or a not guilty judgment is rendered after a trial, the sheer implications of a charge like this can completely alter your life. But keep in mind that convictions for federal crimes can carry harsh fines and lengthy prison terms.

Although a state may prosecute a case of murder for hire, the government will prosecute it as a federal case if it fits the following requirements:

Federal jurisdiction will be used if state lines were crossed to commit the crime, regardless of who traveled across them—the attacker or the victim.

Additionally, if it can be demonstrated that communication took place during the commission of the crime via the mail system, any facility for interstate or international commerce, as well as the wires (telephone, computer, etc.), this too would be a basis for the federal government to take the lead.

A failed contract killing can be prosecuted as a conspiracy offense by definition since it involves multiple parties agreeing to commit a crime with the intent to carry it out. This kind of murderous plot would be subject to the same jurisdiction laws.

This “contract” is obviously a legally voidable arrangement from the start because it was entered into in violation of the law. If the outcome is successful, charges of murder may be brought against both the person who hired the party to carry out the murder and the person who actually carried it out. An unsuccessful attempt would subject both defendants to accusations of attempted first-degree murder in addition to a conspiracy charge.

A promise of money, property, or any other form of recompense acceptable to the person hired to carry out the murder may be used to initiate the illegal contract between the parties; this contract is, of course, unenforceable.

In the event of a conviction, one of the numerous offenses that could result in the death penalty is federal murder by contract.

Crime Components

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the prosecutor must prove each of the following elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt in order to establish a case of murder for hire:

• That the defendant, at or about the time specified in the indictment, traveled or caused another to travel in interstate commerce, used or caused another to use the mail or any facility in interstate or foreign commerce,
• Did so with the intent that a murder would be committed in violation of the laws of any State or of the United States, and
• That anything of value was received, promised, or agreed to be received in exchange for the conduct.

Federal Murder for Hire Charges Penalties

Depending on the circumstances of the case, three potential penalties are available under the murder-for-hire statute:

• If a person is actually killed, the punishment is life in prison, the death penalty, or a fine of up to $250,000;
• If a person is injured personally, the punishment is between 0 and 20 years in prison or a fine; and
• If there is no serious injury or death, the punishment is between 0 and 10 years in prison or a fine.

Typical Cases of Murder for Hire

Example A: A “Typical” Murder-for-Hire Case Involving an Undercover Agent or Informant
In a typical murder-for-hire case, law enforcement is informed that the accused intends to kill the “target” and is looking for a “hitman” to kill the target for them in exchange for money. The case’s facts significantly impact how the threat inquiry is handled.

However, it is usual practice in law enforcement to attempt to introduce an informant, undercover agent, or officer to the accused for the informant or undercover to attempt to influence the plot while covertly recording the accused discussing a murder plot in audio or video. Once the government is certain that all of the elements of the crime have been established and, preferably, at least for the government, recorded, the takedown or arrest often takes place.

Federal prosecutors like video evidence showing the suspect meeting the hitman, explicitly instructing them that the target should be killed, and then giving the hitman the payment. This is strong proof that usually results in the accused being taken into custody and charged.

Example B: A case Involving a Dark Web Murder for Hire or Online Murderous Solicitation
Not all murder-for-hire instances are as clear-cut or straightforward to prove as the example above. Given how widely used the internet has grown, it should come as no surprise that more and more people are attempting to use its anonymity, especially the dark web, to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of an undercover operation like the one described above.

According to a cursory Google search, hitman services are advertised on publicly accessible websites. These websites typically include one or more connections to the dark web and directions on how to access these “dark web hitman” websites. The appearances of these hitman websites on the dark web vary.

For instance, they can assert that they work with strong individuals, gang members, foreign gangsters, or former military hitmen. These websites provide a la carte services like murder, “roughing up,” maiming, and making someone’s death look like an accident. Payment is performed via bitcoin, and prices vary accordingly.

You should be aware, though, that many of these kinds of websites are frauds or otherwise not what they seem to be. Some merely steal your money and challenge you to report them to the police. Can you still get in trouble for plotting to murder someone on these sites if they aren’t “genuine” hitman websites? Absolutely.

If the Other Person Doesn’t Carry Out the Murder for Hire, May I Still Sue Them?

No. The agreement cannot be enforced. As a result, a party cannot file a civil lawsuit to recover any property that was delivered to the party that was hired to kill the intended victim.

Is a Murder-for-Hire a Criminal Act or a Contract Dispute?

It is seen as unlawful behavior. The agreement to kill someone is unlawful in both state and federal jurisdictions. To commit murder, one must go to the target location or assist the target victim in crossing state lines.

Can I Still Be Arrested if I Hired a Person but Did Not Participate in the Contract Killing?

Yes. Making contact with the intention of killing someone can result in arrest. The development of the murder-for-hire scheme will determine the precise charge. For instance, a defendant who establishes a contract to kill may be detained for murder.

Murder is the intentional killing of another person. Dealing with someone to murder a third person typically demonstrates premeditation, which is regarded as malice.

Is the Commission of a Murder for Hire a Criminal Conspiracy?

There is a criminal conspiracy involved in murder for hire. An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime is referred to as a conspiracy. It could be a murderous or criminal act.

If I’m Accused of a Contract Killing, Should I Consult a Lawyer?

If you’re suspected of planning a murder for hire, you should definitely speak with a contract lawyer. This is a highly serious offense that carries a potential prison sentence.