If you, or someone close to you, has been charged with murder or manslaughter, it would be an understatement to say that you are deeply concerned about the future. To protect your rights and achieve the most favorable outcome possible, you will need a strong murder and manslaughter defense lawyer in Thatcher.
Suzuki Law Offices has been providing criminal defense representation since 2007, and our Thatcher violent crimes lawyer is always on standby for emergencies such as this. Headed by a former federal prosecutor, our team will prioritize your case.
What You Can Expect From Our Thatcher Murder and Manslaughter Defense Attorney
When you are arrested, you are informed of your rights, and your right to representation is among these. Our Thatcher criminal defense lawyers act as a lifeline to people in trouble, and you should contact us as soon as possible after an arrest. Your lawyer will:
- Evaluate the case, listen to your version of events, and investigate: We will examine police evidence, looking for weaknesses in the case against you. We will also listen to your account and use it to guide defense investigations carried out by our team of former federal prosecutors.
- Give you the advice you need and keep you informed: With such serious charges against you, you may feel directionless and find yourself with many unanswered questions. Your lawyer will help bring clarity to your situation and provide the direction you need.
- Develop a defense based on our findings: We will defend you based on the strength of the evidence against you, our findings, and your circumstances.
Throughout the process we follow, you will know precisely what is happening and what to expect next. Knowing what to expect from day one after being arrested in Arizona, all the way up to your case’s conclusion, will help you shape your expectations.
Examples of Defense Strategies Your Murder and Manslaughter Defense Attorney in Thatcher May Explore
Every case is different in its details, but the defense strategies we employ can be broadly categorized. The strategy we choose will depend on our findings after a very thorough investigation that looks at events, police conduct, and more. Examples include:
- Insufficient evidence: After a person has died in a violent crime, police are under pressure to identify a culprit. This can lead to weak or inconsistent evidence, or improperly gathered evidence that will be used against you if a lawyer does not intervene.
- Mistaken identity is often a feature of criminal cases. In its publication “To Err is Human: Using Science to Reduce Mistaken Eyewitness Identifications,” The National Institute of Justice acknowledges that mistaken identity remains a risk. If you have been misidentified, we will work to demonstrate that you should not have been arrested.
- Self-defense or defending someone else: If you are confronted with a situation in which you have reason to believe that you or another person might be seriously injured, you are entitled to take steps to defend against it.
- Lack of intent: If we can show you did not intend to kill another person, you may still be guilty of a lesser charge, but you will not be found guilty of murder.
As you can imagine, presenting any of these defenses requires thoroughness and attention to detail. At Suzuki Law Offices, our murder and manslaughter defense attorneys in Thatcher will work diligently on your behalf, exerting every effort to counter the case made against you.
Mitigating Factors That May Result in Greater Leniency From the Court
It would be naive to suppose that people do not, at times, make terrible mistakes that result in the death of others. However, some circumstances may prompt a court to adopt a more lenient stance. Mitigating circumstances are presented if you are found guilty or as part of a plea bargain. They may include:
- A very young offender who could not have exercised mature judgment.
- A person with an otherwise clean criminal record.
- Circumstances such as provocation that led to an impulsive action.
- Evidence of remorse and a willingness to accept and atone for fault.
- A mental handicap that prevented the person from acting reasonably.
- A history of trauma that may have led to impaired judgment.
In the absence of mitigating factors, sentences for murder or manslaughter will be harsh. If they apply, you will likely still have to serve time, but a court may decide on a lighter sentence. When the evidence is inarguable, we will work to identify any mitigating circumstances that apply.
The Severity of Charges in Murder and Manslaughter Cases
When someone is arrested for murder or manslaughter, the severity of the charges is not always appropriate to what occurred. Even if you were involved in an act that resulted in someone’s death, your charges may be more serious than the situation warrants. For example:
- First-degree murder: Alleges that the accused intended to kill someone and planned the act. Alternatively, they killed someone while committing another felony. The penalty is life in prison or the death penalty.
- Second-degree murder: It is alleged that you meant to kill someone, but did not plan ahead. The penalty is 10 to 25 years in prison.
- Voluntary manslaughter: You are accused of killing someone because you were provoked. Alternatively, someone else coerced you, or you helped someone commit suicide. The penalty is 7 to 21 years in prison.
- Involuntary manslaughter: You did not want to kill another person, but someone died because you were criminally negligent or reckless. The penalty is up to 4 years in prison.
It may be possible for your lawyer to argue that your actions do not match the charge. For example, if you are charged with second-degree murder when you should have been charged with voluntary manslaughter, your lawyer will raise this. It may result in a less severe charge and a shorter sentence, as per Chapter 14 of Arizona’s criminal code.
Our Thatcher Murder and Manslaughter Defense Lawyer Makes a Difference
The best strategy to follow depends on the facts of your case. We will always strive for the most favorable outcome possible. This requires experience and a profound understanding of the law. Your murder and manslaughter defense attorney in Thatcher has both of these.
When you are arrested on serious charges, you need us. Suzuki Law Offices is always available. We understand what a stressful time this is for you and your family, and our client reviews and testimonials agree that in us, you will find caring lawyers who will prioritise you. Call us 24/7.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form