Being charged with murder or manslaughter could mean long-term negative consequences for your future. You will need a skilled legal team, and our Gilbert violent crimes lawyers will work to defend you and protect your rights.
Since 2007, we have worked toward just outcomes for people charged with crimes. Suzuki Law Offices is headed by former federal prosecutor RJ Suzuki, and his team includes former law enforcement investigators. Our Gilbert murder and manslaughter defense lawyers have a strong team on our side.
How Our Murder and Manslaughter Defense Lawyers in Gilbert Help You
You have a right to retain a lawyer to represent you. You may be less familiar with what a Gilbert criminal defense lawyer can do to help you. This is a complicated area, but it is possible to sum it up in fairly simple terms. Specifically, we:
- Evaluate your case: We will examine all the evidence that the police used to justify your arrest. However, we may conduct our own investigations, including speaking with witnesses. If there are weak points in the case against you, we will notice them.
- Providing guidance: At a time like this, it is understandable that you will be unsure of your rights and what you should or should not do. Your lawyer will answer your questions and give you the guidance you need.
- Develop a defense strategy: Once we have a clear understanding of the events leading up to your arrest and have examined all the evidence, we will develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case.
Most importantly, we will be there for you and your family, answering questions and providing informed opinions on your case and its possible outcomes.
Possible Defense Strategies Your Gilbert Murder and Manslaughter Defense Attorney May Explore
The strategy we adopt will depend on the facts, including the information you provide about your case. Remember, everything you say to us is confidential, so please be honest with us so that we can assist you more effectively. Possible defenses include:
- Self-defense or defense of another person: You were forced to defend yourself or another person in a dangerous situation that presented a strong chance of severe harm.
- Lack of intent: A charge of murder implies that you intended to kill a victim. If there is evidence showing you did not intend to do so, a lesser charge may apply depending on the circumstances.
- Insufficient evidence: For such serious charges, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If their evidence is not strong enough to do so, we may win your case based on a lack of sufficient evidence.
- Mistaken identity: Mistaken identity is a frequent feature of cases involving violent crimes. Having an alibi is especially helpful in proving mistaken identity, but DNA evidence is even more effective.
As you can undoubtedly imagine, presenting these defenses requires a thorough investigation. We do not cut any corners. Your future is at stake. Our team works together to uncover important details that others have missed.
Mitigating Factors That May Lead to Lighter Sentences for Murder and Manslaughter
When the prosecution has strong evidence that indicates a person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, mitigating factors may lead to milder sentences. These are raised after a court has already delivered a guilty finding or, sometimes, when negotiating a plea deal.
Examples may include:
- Age (for example, the offender is very young)
- A clean criminal record
- Extenuating circumstances such as provocation
- Evidence of genuine remorse
- A mental handicap
- A history pointing toward mental trauma
Although none of these will prevent you from being found guilty of murder or manslaughter, a judge may reduce your penalty to the lower end of a recommended range. Your murder and manslaughter defense attorney in Gilbert will know how to present any mitigating circumstances that apply to you.
Understanding the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter
You will need to understand the exact nature of the charges against you, and you may be wondering what the differences between murder and manslaughter may be. They are two distinct charges, with murder being the more serious of the two.
A murder charge means you stand accused of deliberately killing someone else. If you planned the killing in advance, you are charged with first-degree murder. If you intended to kill someone but did not plan the act, it is classed as second-degree murder.
The more common charge of manslaughter means that you reacted in the moment to provocation or else did not mean to kill anyone, but your reckless behavior caused a death. If you killed someone because you were provoked, it is classed as voluntary manslaughter. If your recklessness unintentionally caused a death, it is classed as involuntary manslaughter.
Penalties for Murder and Manslaughter
The crime you have been charged with is very serious, and the penalties are severe. Our Gilbert criminal defense lawyers will do everything possible to represent your interests.
However, you should be aware of the potential consequences if you are found guilty of the charge against you:
- First-degree murder carries a sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
- Second-degree murder is punishable by 10 to 25 years’ imprisonment.
- Manslaughter carries sentences ranging from 7 to 21 years in prison.
- Negligent homicide can result in 4 years of imprisonment.
You can find the original laws on sentencing in Chapter 14 of Arizona’s criminal code. Although this will help you with some information, you should rely on your lawyer to interpret the law. Do remember that an overview of criminal defense in Arizona confirms that you are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Strong Representation Will be Essential to the Outcome of Your Case
Whatever the background of your case, you need strong and compassionate representation from an experienced lawyer. We will strive to achieve the most positive outcomes possible under the circumstances. At Suzuki Law Offices, we are always available to help.
Whether you are the accused person or are seeking a lawyer to assist a loved one, you can rely on us. You need not take our word for it, either. Read reviews from former clients to see what you can expect when you choose our Gilbert murder and manslaughter defense lawyers. You need Suzuki. Get us on your side.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form