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Charged with a Homicide? Call a Phoenix Defense Lawyer Who Has Handled Murder Cases
The Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. has successfully defended clients against murder and manslaughter charges. Such an outcome is not possible in every case, but with the high stakes of years or a lifetime behind bars, you want an attorney who gives you the best fighting chance of a favorable outcome.
If you or a family member is charged in the death of another person — in Maricopa County, Pima County, Pinal County or anywhere in Arizona — contact us immediately for protection of your rights and a vigorous, proactive defense.
Experience in Murder Defense • Former State and Federal Prosecutor
Free Consultation • 602-635-1369 • Hablamos Español!
Mr. Suzuki has represented clients on the full range of homicide charges including:
- First degree murder — A premeditated killing, including intentionally causing the death of an unborn child
- Felony murder (also charged as first degree murder) — (a) Causing the death of a law enforcement officer or (b) causing any death in the commission of or flight from a felony crime (both with or without the intent to actually kill)
- Second degree murder — (a) Intentional but not premeditated murder, such as “heat of passion” or sudden quarrel, or (b) extreme indifference to human life resulting in death
- Manslaughter — (a) Reckless actions causing death, (b) assisting a suicide, (c) a coerced killing under threat to your own life or loved ones, (d) second degree murder upon adequate provocation, or (c) assault on a pregnant woman resulting in the death of her unborn child
- Negligent homicide — Criminal negligence causing death of a person or unborn child
Mounting a Defense Against Your Homicide Charges
The prosecution puts its best trial lawyers on a murder case, and they have extensive resources. Richard J. Suzuki is an experienced criminal defense attorney who got his start as a Deputy Maricopa County Attorney and as an Assistant U. S. Attorney. He can gauge the strength or weakness of the government's case, and anticipate their moves. He also knows where there is “wiggle room” to negotiate pleas to lesser offenses.
Mr. Suzuki, our investigators and support staff examine every piece of evidence — forensic evidence, witness statements, police reports — and look at the actions of police in their investigation, arrest and execution of search warrants. We explore self-defense, defense of a third party, provocation and other reasonable explanations for the death.
Murder and unintentional homicide cases often hinge on the premise of mens rea, the defendant's state of mind at the time. We put great effort into proving there was (a) no intent to cause death or (b) no knowledge that actions would lead to death.
When a jury has an all-or-nothing choice on a murder charge, that's a big gamble. We often argue for lesser included offenses at trial, so that a sympathetic jury has the option to convict for on a lower-level crime. It may still spell some prison time for you, but it's much better to serve 5 years for manslaughter than 20 years to life for a murder conviction.
What if You Are Convicted?
A good trial lawyer begins noting possible grounds for appeal from the moment of arrest all the way through the instructions to the jury. Richard Suzuki has experience in post-trial motions and appeals to convince a higher court to overturn your conviction or order a new trial.
Call our Phoenix, Arizona law office at 602-635-1369 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation, and we can be there to represent you at your arraignment and bond hearing. Mr. Suzuki is fluent in Spanish to serve our diverse clientele.
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