A 25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and second-degree murder of a 29-year-old man in April 2016. It was the first homicide of 2016 for Colorado Springs.

The man charged with the killing was a solider at Fort Carson, Colorado. Another man was with the former solider and the two were reportedly trying to steal marijuana from a house in Colorado Springs when the stabbing occurred.

The man was originally charged with first-degree murder, but dismissed that charge when he pleaded guilty to the other two charges.

The local newspaper reported that the defendant told the court that he suffers from a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The man's sentencing date has been set for April 28, although it is not known what the terms of the man's plea deal are.

When facing such serious charges, it is important for you to have the advice and guidance of an experienced lawyer. The normal penalties for second-degree murder in Colorado without a plea deal are between eight and 24 years' incarceration and five years parole. It is considered a Class 2 felony.

Building a defense to such charges can be difficult, but should be based on fighting the evidence the prosecution has in the case. If the prosecution does not meet the elements for the charge, then another charge must be pursued in which all the elements are met.

While a plea deal may be a good choice for some defendants, it might not be the same for others. It is a choice that should be spoken about with your defense attorney, but ultimately, it is your decision.

Source: The Denver Post, "Former soldier pleads guilty to second-degree murder in fatal 2016 Colorado Springs stabbing," Jesse Paul, Jan. 30, 2017