There are no crimes more serious than murder, and if you are facing homicide charges, the consequences of a conviction are severe. You could spend the rest of your life in prison, or worse. Nobody could blame you if you are scared and confused about what to do next.
Things may seem dire, and the authorities may even have treated you unfairly. It is important to take a step back and get the legal help you need. Our West Valley Phoenix murder lawyers will stand up for your civil rights and seek to achieve the best available outcome to your case.
At Suzuki Law Offices, our team has decades of combined legal experience, and founding attorney R.J. Suzuki is a former federal prosecutor. Call today for your free case review and learn how our West Valley Phoenix violent crimes lawyers can help.
You Need an Attorney When You’re Accused of Murder
It is usually a good idea to get help from a criminal defense attorney when you are charged with a crime. If that crime is murder, there should be no question about it. You need legal representation by a firm with a strong background of success.
Our West Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers can handle your case and fight on your behalf. While each case is different, some of the ways we may be able to help include:
- Explain your rights and the charges against you.
- Conduct an independent investigation and review the state’s evidence.
- Challenge inappropriately collected evidence.
- Reviews police procedures for rights violations.
- Argue for reduced charges if possible.
- Negotiate for a plea deal if needed
- Build a strong, facts-based defense
- Represent you in court
- Negotiate for reduced or alternative sentencing, where possible.
- Handle the appeals process.
Penalties for Murder in Arizona
You probably already know that the consequences of a murder conviction are extremely serious. Arizona is one of 27 states that still has the death penalty, and there is no statute of limitations.
Your charges and potential punishment will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Types of murder-related charges and possible penalties in Arizona include:
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder in Arizona refers to the intentional and premeditated killing of another person or a death that occurs during certain felony crimes. The penalties for first-degree murder are among the most severe under state law.
- The Death Penalty: Arizona permits the death penalty in certain first-degree murder cases when prosecutors seek it and legally required aggravating factors are proven.
- Natural Life in Prison: Life without any possibility of parole.
- Life in Prison: Some life sentences allow a chance of release after many years in prison; however, release is not common.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder is a class one felony that involves intentionally or knowingly causing death without premeditation or causing death through extreme recklessness. While not as harsh as first-degree murder, it still carries serious consequences.
- Minimum of 10 years in prison.
- The typical sentence is around 16 years in prison.
- Maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter in Arizona involves causing a death without premeditation, often through recklessness, provocation, or imperfect self-defense. It is a class two felony punishable by a minimum of three years in prison, and up to several decades with aggravating circumstances.
Our West Valley Phoenix murder attorneys will explain the difference between murder and manslaughter in Arizona, review your case, and look for ways to reduce or eliminate your charges.
Potential Defense to Murder in Arizona
Our murder lawyers in West Valley Phoenix will look for ways to challenge the prosecution’s case. We’re on your side, and we’ll stand with you through the legal process. Some potential defenses to murder we may explore include:
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution does not have enough evidence to warrant an indictment and therefore can’t pursue their case against you.
- Self–defense: The murder occurred because of your need to legally defend yourself with appropriate force.
- Lack of intent: If our team can show a lack of intent, your charges could be dropped or reduced.
- Mistaken identity: The police arrested the wrong person. We’ll work to prove you are innocent.
Get Legal Help from Our West Valley Phoenix Murder Attorneys
Very few types of legal cases carry the emotional charge of a murder trial. Families and communities want justice, police want to close the case, and the prosecutor wants to chalk up a win. With so much on the line, the pressure is on the authorities to resolve the case.
Everyone deserves a fair trial and the presumption of innocence, but authorities sometimes treat suspects unfairly. Our West Valley Phoenix murder attorneys can make sure your rights are protected. We’re here to fight for you at pretrial, in court, and during the appeals process.
Our legal team at Suzuki Law Offices treats our clients like you’d treat your family. Since 2007, we’ve stood up for Arizona residents accused of criminal activity. Call today to schedule your free case review and tell us about the murder charges you are facing.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form