People charged with crimes such as murder and vehicular manslaughter are often judged as guilty by the public, before stepping into a courtroom. An effective homicide defense requires the assistance of a criminal defense law firm with substantial courtroom experience, effective strategies to suppress evidence and the ability to clearly present facts in order to get your charges reduced or dropped altogether.
Our firm has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle cases ranging from manslaughter to first-degree murder charges. We take pride in our ability to obtain the best possible criminal defense for people charged with serious violent crimes.
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An experienced homicide lawyer from Witson Law can defend homicide cases involving:
- 1st Degree Murder: Premeditated, with intent or knowledge, conduct that would cause death (intent or knowing has to proceed the killing to permit reflection, time can be short, reflection is not required).
- 2nd Degree Murder: Causing death without premeditation while intending to cause death or knowing that death or serious injury would occur.
- Manslaughter: Reckless conduct that results in the death of another person.
- Negligent Homicide: A criminally negligent act that results in the death of another person.
Penalties for Homicide in Arizona
Homicide crimes carry steep penalties in Arizona. 1st degree murder can result in life in prison, and your eligibility for parole will depend on your criminal record. Additionally, Arizona is a capital punishment state, meaning that a person charged with 1st degree murder may be facing the death penalty.
The penalties for 2nd degree murder can include 10 years minimum jail time and 22 years maximum. If you have prior convictions for some felonies, your sentence may be longer. If the crime was committed against an unborn child, a person under the age of 15, or if you have two or more previous convictions, it is possible to receive a life sentence.
The sentences for manslaughter can be affected by many factors, including any prior felonies you may have been convicted of, whether the charge is a dangerous offense or whether or not a deadly weapon was used. Jail time can range anywhere from 3 years to over 12 years, depending on the nature of the crime. If the crime was a dangerous offense and you have prior felony convictions, the sentence can go beyond 12.5 years incarceration.
Negligent homicide in Arizona is a Class 4 felony, which can be punishable by up to 3 years in prison, along with other fines and fees. If you’re facing a homicide charge in Arizona, you need the immediate assistance of an experienced Phoenix homicide lawyer who will work to protect your rights.
Phoenix Homicide Defense Lawyer
Contact an experienced Phoenix homicide defense lawyer from Witson Law to schedule a consultation as soon as possible after you have been charged or if you are under investigation for homicide.