If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter, what you do now could affect you for the rest of your life. By doing nothing, you could be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Alternatively, if you hire a murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Peoria, you can contest your charge before it leads to a conviction.
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona criminal defense law firm with a history of excellence and integrity. Our team includes former prosecutors who work diligently to help those charged with murder and manslaughter avoid a conviction. We are available to help you with your case. Schedule a consultation with a Peoria violent crimes lawyer from our team.
Why You Should Not Wait to Get Legal Representation After Getting Arrested for Murder or Manslaughter
Take your murder or manslaughter charge seriously. If you do not, a prosecutor will make sure you are punished. With help from a murder and manslaughter defense attorney in Peoria, you do not have to face your charge alone.
Your Peoria criminal defense lawyer knows how overwhelming it is to be charged with murder or manslaughter. They learn about your case and why you were arrested. Next, they can develop a legal strategy that may resonate with the court. In addition, your attorney guides you through the legal process. If you have legal questions, your lawyer addresses them promptly.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we encourage our clients to share any legal questions they have with us. Our team provides answers to frequently asked questions and others relating to manslaughter and murder charges, and other legal topics. We can provide legal guidance and support so you can make informed decisions throughout your case proceedings. Contact us today.
Penalties If You are Convicted of Murder or Manslaughter in Arizona
Per the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-1105, a person can be charged with first-degree murder if they intentionally or knowingly cause someone’s death. If convicted, an offender can receive the death penalty or a lifetime prison sentence.
Second-degree murder is defined by ARS § 13-1104. A person may be convicted of second-degree murder if they did not plan or intend to commit a criminal offense. The penalties for a second-degree murder conviction include a prison sentence of 10 to 25 years.
The conditions for a manslaughter conviction are listed under ARS. § 13-1103. Manslaughter is considered less serious than murder. Those convicted of manslaughter may be subject to a maximum of 21 years in prison for a first offense.
Collateral Consequences of a Murder or Manslaughter Conviction
Outside of receiving a lengthy prison sentence and other harsh criminal penalties, a murder or manslaughter conviction can impact the way you live your life moving forward. Your Peoria murder and manslaughter defense lawyer will teach you about the collateral consequences that come with a conviction. These consequences can include:
- Loss of the right to vote, serve on a jury, or hold public office
- Loss of the right to possess a firearm
- Loss of a professional license
- Restricted access to housing and employment opportunities
Who you choose as your legal representation makes a difference in your murder or manslaughter case. Partner with a criminal defense attorney who has a track record of success. This lawyer has likely received many positive client reviews and testimonials. They will commit substantial time and resources to help you achieve your desired case outcome.
A Look at the Differences Between a Murder Charge and a Manslaughter Charge
Police officers may arrest you for murder if they believe you intentionally killed someone. To be convicted of murder, a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted maliciously and intended to inflict serious bodily harm.
First-degree murder is a severe criminal offense. You can be charged with first-degree murder if the police say you planned to commit this offense in advance. Comparatively, you may be charged with second-degree murder if the police indicate that there was no premeditation or deliberation behind your actions.
Manslaughter is considered a form of unlawful killing that occurs without malice. You may be arrested for manslaughter if someone is killed due to recklessness or while you are involved in a quarrel with them. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may attempt to negotiate a plea deal in which your murder charge is lowered to a manslaughter offense.
Murder and Manslaughter Defense Strategies in Peoria to Consider
It is incredibly difficult to dispute a murder or manslaughter charge. As such, it is paramount to have a criminal defense lawyer with relevant murder and manslaughter case experience on your side. In your case, your attorney may use any of the following legal defenses:
- Showing the court that you are the victim of mistaken identity
- Poking holes in the prosecution’s argument and explaining to the court that the evidence against you is not enough to warrant a conviction
- Arguing that you have been charged with a crime that you did not intend to commit
- Providing surveillance camera footage, witness testimony, and other proof to validate your claim that you were acting in self-defense or defense of others
If the prosecution offers a plea deal, it may be in your best interests to accept it. Your attorney can evaluate a plea bargain with you and help you weigh the proposal’s pros and cons. They will let you know what can happen if you accept a plea bargain. If no such deal is offered, your attorney makes sure you are ready to go to trial and present your case in court.
Get Legal Help From a Peoria Murder and Manslaughter Defense Attorney
The Suzuki Law Offices team is committed to providing exceptional legal service. We can connect you with a Peoria murder and manslaughter defense attorney who will give your case their undivided attention.
We can guide you through the legal process and develop a legal strategy specifically for your case. For more information, request a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form