Contact an accomplished criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona to learn more about your rights under the law.

Information on Homicide Law From a Phoenix, Arizona-Based Criminal Defense Attorney

Homicide, defined by Black’s Law Dictionary, is the killing of one person by another. In Phoenix, Arizona and throughout the United States, criminal homicide is defined as homicide prohibited and punishable by law, such as murder or manslaughter, with the act of purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causing the death of another human being. In the Textbook of Criminal Law by Glanville Williams, “The legal term for killing a man, whether lawfully or unlawfully, is homicide.”

Homicide is the most serious charge that a person can face. If you or your loved one has been charged with or feel you may be charged with this crime, an aggressive and skilled Arizona criminal homicide lawyer will be your best defense. The State will have their most senior attorneys and the full power of the County Attorney’s Office behind them. The police and prosecution have one agenda: find the quickest manner to convict you. We understand the approach of the State, and will utilize every available resource to combat the State’s case against you or your loved one. A Phoenix, Arizona-based criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable and aggressive in the protection of your rights could be the only defense you have for your freedom and your future.

Types of Homicide Charges

The charge of homicide can be split into two different areas. The first area involves the use of a vehicle, as stemming from an initial DUI charge. The second area involves all other aspects, which results, as well, in the death of an individual.

The charge of vehicular homicide may or may not be a part of your initial charge of driving under the influence. If fatalities result from your incident, the State may feel free to charge you or your loved one with second-degree murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide in connection with the incident. Second-degree murder is a class 1 felony, which, for a first time offender is a prison term in a range from 10 years to 22 years. If the State can show that you or your loved one intentionally or knowingly caused the death of another person, or recklessly caused the death of another or if the criminal negligence caused the death of another, the State will charge this crime or another serious crime. Homicides range from a Class 4 felony up to a Class 1 felony punishable by a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole.

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Homicide Sentencing Structures

Homicide charges are extremely serious and it is important you know the potential punishment you will face if convicted. For this reason and a multitude of others it is essential to hire an attorney to defend you.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 11, Homicide: there are four specific charges that you may face, each with very specific parameters, which in turn are represented by their severity of penalties. They can range up to the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Negligent Homicide §13-1102
Manslaughter §13-1103
Second Degree Murder §13-1104
First Degree Murder §13-1105

Due to the severe nature of the possible prison sentences associated with these charges, you or your loved one will need an attorney who will aggressively fight for your rights and seek the best result for you particular circumstances.

An experienced Phoenix, Arizona criminal defense lawyer can handle all aspects of your homicide case, from pre-trial investigations with our staff of investigators, to witness interviews, legal research, and defense identification. We will also handle with our experience: motions, pleadings, and plea negotiations with the State. If the matter culminates in a full trial, we will be ready to advocate your case before a jury and provide the highest level of criminal defense representation.

Most often, the charge of murder or manslaughter can be defended by arguing a myriad of affirmative defenses , ranging from self-defense to insanity. An Arizona-based criminal defense lawyer will take your case and find the best defense based on your unique fact pattern. We will fight aggressively against your homicide accusation, and fight for an acquittal or other less severe results than a lifetime of imprisonment or possible capitol punishment.

In Phoenix courtrooms and throughout Arizona, a successful homicide defense requires a lawyer with thorough knowledge of the intricate details of your particular case. Our attorneys know that no two cases are the same and our painstaking investigation into your situation will determine the approach we employ. We will present the facts in a logically organized manner, which can result in less serious charges or an outright dismissal of the charges brought by the State. Our aggressive and experienced homicide defense attorney will try to prevent you and your family from enduring the unspeakable hardships of capital punishment.

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Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Specializing in Homicide Law

When the state of Arizona is accusing you of a crime as serious as homicide and your freedom is in jeopardy you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer. It can be in your best interest to enlist an attorney with experience as both a prosecutor and on the defense-side.

If you or a loved one in Phoenix, Arizona is facing an accusation of homicide, contact a capable and successful criminal defense lawyer today.