Woman Charged with First-Degree Murder After Domestic Dispute

 Posted on August 27, 2012 in Criminal Defense

Nora P. Peterson, 34, has been charged with first degree murder in the death of her live-in boyfriend, 55-year-old Michael N. Mielczarek. Peterson, who lives in Eligin, is accused of striking the victim in the head with several items, including a frying pan. Police say the blows caused Eligin to fall and strike his head on the floor. If you or someone you know is involved in domestic violence, contact a Lake County domestic violence attorney to prevent the situation from escalating. A lawyer can help you with restraining orders, orders of protection, pressing charges or defending yourself against accusations.

The alleged attack occurred during a domestic dispute. Peterson called 911 when she realized that Mielczarek was not breathing. He was transferred by ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy was performed and cause of death was determined to be by blunt force trauma to the head.

The Courier-News reports that Peterson’s bail has been set at $750,000 on the murder charge. Illinois defines first-degree murder as the killing of an individual with the following criterion:

• There is an intention to kill or do great bodily harm to an individual or knows that such acts will cause death.
• Knowing such acts create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.
• Attempting or committing a forcible felony, other than second degree murder.

If someone is found guilty of first-degree murder in the state of Illinois, the punishment is a minimum of 20 years in prison up to a maximum of life. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is your best bet for avoiding conviction or minimizing your sentence. There is also the possibility of the death penalty. Lesser degrees of murder charges include second degree, involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide. If you have been charged with any kind of serious crime, you need an experienced Lake County criminal defense attorneyon your side.