A murder or manslaughter charge can feel like the end of the world. Fortunately, you do not have to face your charge by yourself. Get legal help as soon as you can. A Glendale murder and manslaughter defense lawyer can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options with you.
Suzuki Law Offices has former prosecutors with decades of experience on staff. We can guide you through the criminal justice system and help you make informed decisions throughout your case proceedings. Speak to a Glendale violent crimes lawyer.
Why You Need Legal Representation if You Are Facing a Murder and Manslaughter Charge
A Glendale murder and manslaughter defense attorney knows the law. They can explain what your criminal charge entails and answer any questions you have about it. From here, your lawyer helps you defend yourself against a conviction.
Getting convicted of murder or manslaughter will change your life. Your lawyer prepares a legal strategy to help you disprove the prosecution’s argument. They advocate for you and protect your legal rights. If you have concerns or questions as the legal process moves forward, your attorney will address them.
Suzuki Law Offices offers exceptional legal services and support. We understand just how difficult it can be to combat a murder or manslaughter charge. Our murder defense lawyer helps you build a case and explain to the court why you should not be convicted. Consult with a Glendale criminal defense lawyer.
Penalties You Can Receive If You Are Convicted of Murder or Manslaughter
The penalties associated with murder depend on the degree of the crime. First-degree murder is considered more serious than a second-degree offense. If convicted of first-degree murder, you could face life in prison. Alternatively, if convicted of second-degree murder, you could receive a prison sentence that lasts 10 to 29 years.
Manslaughter is punishable in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1103. You could receive seven to 21 years in prison if convicted. These penalties can increase if you were previously convicted of a dangerous felony.
A murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Glendale can teach you about the penalties that come with a conviction. They may be able to negotiate a plea deal. With this agreement, you accept a lesser charge than the one initially levied against you. This allows you to receive a shorter prison sentence than the one associated with your murder or manslaughter charge.
How to Avoid a Murder or Manslaughter Conviction
A murder and manslaughter defense attorney in Glendale looks for evidence to use in your criminal defense case. They can utilize documentary, digital, and demonstrative evidence to support your argument. In addition, a murder lawyer considers many legal defenses, such as:
Self-Defense
It may be necessary to use force to protect yourself or others if there is an imminent threat of harm. Your homicide lawyer could argue that you were charged with murder or manslaughter in spite of the fact that you were defending yourself or others. To prove this point, your attorney may present surveillance camera footage or other evidence that validates your case.
Accidental Killing
A person’s death could be the result of an accident. In this situation, a homicide defense lawyer can explain that a fatal accident occurred and that you did not act with negligence or intent to harm during the incident.
Loss of Control
Your lawyer can describe how you were provoked and acting in the heat of the moment. As such, you may have lost control to the point where you harmed someone else without realizing the severity of what you were doing. This defense may help you get a murder charge reduced to manslaughter.
Diminished Responsibility
Your attorney can provide the court with insights into your intoxication or mental illness, either of which can impact your actions. This may cause the court to doubt whether you had the intent to commit murder.
A violent crimes attorney develops an argument based on your charge. Regardless, they may realize that the prosecution may have a strong case against you. If the prosecution offers a plea deal, you can review this proposal with your attorney. They can explain if you should accept a plea bargain and the short- and long-term implications that would come with doing so.
Tips to Help You with Your Criminal Case
Do not wait to hire a criminal defense attorney who has relevant murder and manslaughter case experience. Your lawyer can discuss what it means to plead “no contest” to a criminal charge and other legal topics with you. They can provide tips to help you with your case, such as:
Take Care of Yourself
It is stressful and emotionally taxing to be charged with murder or manslaughter. Make your health and well-being priorities during this challenging time in your life. If necessary, meet with a professional counselor so you can talk to someone about your thoughts and emotions. Stay in touch with your lawyer, and they will assist you in any way they can during the legal process.
Attend Your Court Hearings
You are required to attend court hearings. If you choose not to attend, this can hurt your chances of achieving a favorable case outcome. Keep in mind that you do not have to go to these hearings alone. Your lawyer remains on your side and represents you in court.
Do Not Speak to the Police
What you say about your case to the police can be used against you. Let your lawyer know if the police or anyone else contacts you about your case. Otherwise, you risk saying something that could help the prosecution get a guilty verdict.
You may question whether it is worth your time and energy to fight back against a murder or manslaughter charge. Ultimately, what you do now has the potential to change the future. Your attorney can help you dispute your charge. If they succeed, you could avoid a lengthy prison sentence and other consequences that come with a criminal conviction.
Choose a Glendale Murder and Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Who Focuses on Your Best Interests
Suzuki Law Offices offers top-tier legal help to those facing murder and manslaughter charges. We have insider knowledge of the criminal defense system and use it to help our clients in any way we can.
Speak to us about your murder or manslaughter case.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form