People may judge you as soon as you are charged with murder or manslaughter. Regardless, you have legal rights. Let a murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Florence help you contest your charge. Your attorney can prepare a legal strategy that may raise a reasonable doubt about whether you should be convicted.
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona criminal defense law firm with decades of combined experience. We have former prosecutors on our team committed to helping you with your murder or manslaughter case. To learn more, request a case consultation with a Florence violent crimes lawyer from our team.
Why You Should Partner with a Murder and Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
If you do not give your murder or manslaughter charge the attention it deserves, you will be convicted. The consequences of your conviction will affect you for the rest of your life. Thankfully, if you work with a murder and manslaughter defense attorney in Florence, you can dispute your charge before it leads to harsh penalties and other long-lasting ramifications.
Your Florence criminal defense lawyer offers legal guidance and support. In your case, they will look for ways to fight back against the prosecution’s argument. Meanwhile, your attorney gathers evidence and crafts an argument that will resonate in court. They also remain accessible and are ready to address your legal concerns and questions promptly.
The team at Suzuki Law Offices is committed to providing exceptional legal service. We can teach you about the common types of felony offenses and discuss other legal topics with you relating to your murder or manslaughter case. Contact us today.
Prison Sentence Terms of a Murder or Manslaughter Conviction
The penalties you receive if you are convicted of murder or manslaughter depend on the circumstances of your case. Your Florence murder and manslaughter defense lawyer explains what can happen if you are convicted. They want you to understand the ramifications that come with a conviction and take your case seriously.
A first- or second-degree murder conviction can lead to a prison sentence. If you are convicted of first-degree murder, you may face a lifetime prison sentence, according to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-1105. Comparatively, if you receive a second-degree murder conviction, you are subject to a maximum of 25 years in prison.
Those convicted of manslaughter generally receive lesser penalties than those associated with murder. Based on ARS. § 13-1103, if you are convicted of manslaughter for the first time, you may have to serve up to 21 years in prison. Or, if you have previously been convicted of a felony, a manslaughter conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 35 years.
Other Penalties If You Are Convicted of Murder or Manslaughter
Outside of a lifetime prison sentence, if you are convicted of first-degree murder, you can receive the death penalty. With murder and manslaughter convictions, you can get penalties in addition to a prison sentence. These can include a fine of up to $150,000 and probation.
The collateral consequences of a conviction can affect your ability to enjoy your life the way you want. Following a conviction, you may lose your right to possess a firearm, encounter problems if you want to land a job or buy a home, and have a professional license suspended or revoked. In addition, your conviction can damage your relationships with family members and friends.
Your lawyer shares answers to frequently asked questions and many others about the short- and long-term impact of a murder or manslaughter conviction. They remain on your side throughout the legal process, helping you make informed decisions as your case moves forward.
How Murder and Manslaughter Charges Differ
You can be charged with first-degree murder if someone claims you planned or thought to kill before committing such an act. To be convicted of this crime, a prosecutor must make it clear to the court that you had intent and there was premeditation or deliberation.
If you have been charged with second-degree murder, someone says you killed a victim. Unlike first-degree murder, this charge does not involve premeditation or deliberation. It is possible to receive a second-degree murder charge if you commit a careless or reckless act and someone dies as a result.
With a manslaughter charge, someone alleges you killed a victim. Yet, when this happened, you did not act with intent. You can be charged with voluntary manslaughter if someone claims you killed a victim in the heat of the moment, or involuntary manslaughter if a person’s unintentional death was due to carelessness or recklessness.
A Look at Murder and Manslaughter Legal Defense Strategies in Florence
Self-defense may be a viable legal defense against a murder or manslaughter charge. Your lawyer may say that you acted the way you did because you were protecting yourself or others against imminent harm. They may use surveillance camera footage, witness statements, or other evidence to support their argument.
If you were not actually present when a murder or manslaughter was allegedly committed, your attorney can provide the court with details about your alibi. Your attorney can show the court that the crime took place while you were doing something else. This could prompt the court to drop the case against you.
There are times when a prosecutor is worried about whether they can prove to the court that a conviction is warranted. At these times, the prosecution could propose a plea deal. If you accept a plea bargain, you may be subject to a reduced prison sentence or other penalties less severe than the ones initially levied against you.
Ask for Legal Help from a Law Firm That Will Guide You Through the Criminal Justice System
Suzuki Law Offices has a history of excellence and integrity. Our team represents your best interests as you go through the legal process that follows an arrest for murder or manslaughter. Trust a Florence murder and manslaughter attorney from our team to help you with your case. Schedule a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form