Criminal charges do not get much more serious than murder or manslaughter. After being arrested, you may not know what to do and feel that your world is crashing down around you. A Duncan violent crimes lawyer can help give you clarity and direction.
Remember, you have a right to due process, and that includes representation. As your murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Duncan, Suzuki Law Offices will protect your rights and seek the most positive outcome possible. Our lead attorney, R.J. Suzuki, has a tremendous amount of experience in this field and will do his utmost on your behalf.
How Our Duncan Murder and Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Handles Your Case
As you can see, it will be important to have a strong Duncan criminal defense lawyer on your side when facing murder or manslaughter charges. At Suzuki Law Offices, we will go above and beyond to defend you. Our process includes:
- Confidentially consulting with you to discover your perspective on what occurred. Anything you tell us is protected information and cannot be used against you.
- Exploring how police have treated you and whether your rights were properly respected.
- Examining the evidence on which your charges have been based. We will look for gaps, inconsistencies, and evidence that should be disallowed.
- Investigating the case more deeply than police have done. This may bring evidence to light that clears your name or results in a lesser charge.
- Negotiating a favorable plea bargain if appropriate. Please be aware that you should not accept a plea bargain without consulting your lawyer first.
- Building a strong defense strategy based on the unique details of your case.
- Representing you in court.
Throughout, we will be available to you and your family members. We understand that criminal charges are not just individual matters; they impact entire families, and people close to you will be concerned about your welfare. As your murder and manslaughter defense attorney in Duncan, we will be ready to help whenever you need us.
How You Can Benefit Your Case After Being Arrested
You may feel powerless after being arrested, but there are several things you can do to help us achieve the most positive outcome possible. Adhere to these points to help your Duncan murder and manslaughter defense attorney help you.
- Take advantage of your rights. You should never speak to the police about the charges against you without advice from your attorney. Appoint one as soon as possible after your arrest.
- Document all interactions with police officers and report to your attorney. We will ensure that they do not infringe on your rights. For example, they may not subject you to lengthy interrogations in which they try to trick you into making a confession.
- Be careful of what you say at all times, whether talking to other prisoners or even family members. You may be under surveillance. An incautious word may be taken out of context and used against you.
- Preserve any evidence you may have. You may feel that leaving things like your phone records open to scrutiny invades your privacy, but destroying evidence will weaken your case.
- Be completely honest when speaking with your attorney. We are not here to prosecute you, and your version of events may give us valuable clues to use in our investigations.
- Follow our advice at all times. It will always be in your best interests to do so.
The most important thing to do is to remain as calm as possible. Do not allow others to provoke you into doing or saying something that may damage your defense. Although you may feel passionate about clearing your name, your actions may do more harm than good. Leave your defense to us.
Why Choosing Suzuki Law Offices Benefits You
We respect our clients no matter who they are or what they have been accused of. Our clients have repeatedly said that our caring lawyers helped to bring calm amid the storm they face. There are also very practical reasons to choose us. Here are a few of them.
- Mr. Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor, which gives him in-depth insight into prosecution strategies. He knows what to expect in court and comes prepared.
- Adding to our defense arsenal, our team of former law enforcement investigators often uncovers important evidence that can be used in your defense.
- We never leave you in the dark. We will keep you informed as your case evolves, and we will always respond to your questions or concerns.
- We are always available. Get in touch with us around the clock on any day of the week. We will treat your call as an emergency.
Suzuki is your lawyer. Read reviews from our former clients to get their perspective on what it is like working with Suzuki Law Offices. We are passionate about protecting your rights as a person who has been accused of a serious crime.
The Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter
The primary difference between murder and manslaughter lies in your intentions. If you have been accused of murder, your charge alleges that you intentionally killed another person. There are two “degrees” of murder to consider:
- First-degree murder: You planned to kill another person while committing another crime, such as a robbery.
- Second-degree murder: You intended to kill someone, or were involved in their death, but you did not plan ahead.
If you are charged with manslaughter, the allegation is that you did not intend to kill someone, but did. This applies to, but is not limited to, circumstances like getting into a fight or suddenly reacting to something that upsets you.
Potential Penalties for Murder and Manslaughter
Arizona laws classify first-degree murder as a class 1 felony in statute 13-1105. You may be sentenced to death or life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime you are charged with committing.
Second-degree murder is defined as a class 1 felony in Arizona law under 13-1104. Because of the lack of premeditation (planning in advance), penalties are slightly less stringent, ranging between 10 and 25 years in prison.
Arizona law 13-1103 classified manslaughter as a class 2 felony. The potential penalty is, therefore, anything from 7 to 21 years in prison. To qualify for the shorter range, there would be mitigating circumstances, and the higher range means there were aggravating circumstances.
Contact Us 24/7 And Allow Us to Advocate for Your Rights
Knowing that you or someone close to you has been charged with a serious crime is extremely distressing. Allow Suzuki Law Firm to bring calm and a sense of purpose to the situation. Our murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Duncan will know what to do.
Your first consultation with us is free. Use it to see what it will be like if you choose to work with us. We believe you will find skilled and caring lawyers and a legal team that will work diligently and tirelessly in your defense. We are always available. Call us now.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form