If you are facing homicide charges, your most important right is the right to an attorney. Exercise it by connecting with a Safford violent crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices right away. Founding attorney RJ Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor, and most members of our team have prosecutorial experience. We know what to expect from the other side and put that knowledge to work for you.
Partnering with a murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Safford means you have advocacy from a team whose sole purpose is serving your interests–no one else’s. Though you may feel terrified and lost, we can help you find the best way through this extremely difficult situation.
Secure Representation from an Experienced Safford Murder and Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Quickly
There are many reasons to hire a criminal defense lawyer after an arrest for murder or manslaughter. You have rights, but you do not always know how to exercise or protect them. It is easy to be intimidated into answering questions you do not have to, only to have your answers used against you later.
Manslaughter and murder charges are homicide charges. Convictions on homicide charges can lead to extremely serious penalties, including long periods of incarceration, large fines, and other lifelong consequences.
Your Safford criminal defense lawyer will offer immediate protection once you form a partnership. We will also get to work investigating the situation, building your case, and taking law enforcement to task for any rights or procedural violations. We can help put you at ease during this very stressful situation.
What to Know About Murder and Manslaughter Crimes
In Arizona, there are different levels of homicide charges, with first-degree representing the most serious. A person can be charged:
- With first-degree murder for the intentional and premediated killing of a another person
- With second-degree murder for the intentional, but unpremeditated killing of another person
- With manslaughter for the unintentional and unpremeditated killing of another person
- With negligent homicide for killing another person while engaging in other criminal behavior, even if accidentally
The Arizona criminal time limitations do not put a limit on how long law enforcement has to file charges for violent crimes. There is no statute of limitations on homicide or violent sexual offenses.
Trying to hide, outrun, or avoid the consequences only makes things worse. If facing charges, your best option is to form a partnership with an experienced Stafford murder and manslaughter defense lawyer.
What to Know About Murder and Manslaughter Penalties
The penalties for murder and manslaughter range, depending on the degree of the crime and other factors. You can face steeper penalties for committing these offenses in the presence of a child or if the victim was particularly vulnerable, perhaps disabled or older.
If convicted of first-degree murder, you could get a sentence of death or life imprisonment. For second-degree, you could spend 10 to 29 years in prison. Manslaughter convictions can bring a 21-year prison sentence.
Though homicide charges are serious, Suzuki Law Offices will work diligently to design a solid defense that leads to the most favorable case outcome possible. When you need Suzuki, we show up and we fight.
Defenses for Homicide Charges
The State recognizes the justification of self-defense for some homicides. You are allowed to use physical force to protect yourself from harm, and your attorney may be able to build your defense on this premise.
You may also have been coerced into confessing, committed the alleged offense by accident, or because of diminished mental capacity. You may be a victim of a false accusation or mistaken identity. We will analyze your situation with great care and construct the defense that serves you best.
How an Attorney Can Help Your Defense
A skilled Safford murder and manslaughter defense attorney will speak for you. We are your voice in action and know what to say and what not to say. We are also former prosecutors who know the other side’s game plan and how to design a strong defense strategy to counter that plan.
We know what evidence you can use in a criminal defense, and have a comprehensive understanding of criminal law and court procedures. We will also be on the lookout for procedural and evidentiary issues that could affect your defense, including whether:
- You were read your Miranda rights
- Law enforcement handled physical evidence properly
- The prosecution filed charges appropriately
- Eyewitness testimony is credible
- Confidential information is reliable
- There were delays or errors in forensic testing
- Your criminal history is admissible
You need a team that knows the system and the law and will not overlook a single detail when building your case and challenging the prosecution.
How Mitigating Factors and Plea Bargains Affect Your Case
Mitigating factors, those that reduce your culpability, may apply to your case. We will present evidence of these factors to have your charges and penalties reduced. For example, we may be able to show you only committed the alleged offense under threat or that your youth and immaturity impaired your judgment.
As your case progresses, we can help you decide if you should accept a plea bargain. A plea bargain results from negotiations between your attorney and the prosecution. You agree to admit to lesser charges to avoid a trial and potentially worse penalties.
We will give sound guidance as you make this decision. Sometimes, accepting a plea is the best option, but not always. Our fierce trial attorneys have secured favorable verdicts for many clients. Every case is different, and the guidance we give is based on the specifics of yours.
Our Defense Team Is on Your Side
We understand the fear you feel after being charged with a violent crime. That fear can be paralyzing, making you feel hopeless and powerless.
When you partner with a Safford murder and manslaughter defense attorney, you get the full power of Suzuki Law Offices on your side. We are here to support you, protect you, and fight for the best case resolution possible.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form