Chandler Homicide Lawyer

Chandler Homicide Attorney

Homicide is the most harshly prosecuted and punished offense that exists in the criminal justice system. If the State has accused you of taking someone else’s life, you may feel hopeless and overwhelmed by the charges against you. However, it is important to remember that not all is lost. You have rights in this situation, including the right to seek help from an experienced defense attorney. Engage a Chandler homicide lawyer for help.

After such a serious accusation, your first priority should be to contact a Chandler criminal defense lawyer at the Grand Canyon Law Group. Our legal team is made up of former prosecutors who know exactly how these cases are handled. We can put our experience and knowledge to work for you by reviewing your case, assessing your options, and aggressively fighting the charges against you.

CALL A HOMICIDE ATTORNEY BEFORE SPEAKING TO AUTHORITIES

Being under investigation for homicide is an overwhelming experience. The police and prosecutors may appear helpful and suggest that cooperating will benefit you, but do not be fooled into thinking that the authorities are on your side. Talking to the police without an attorney only helps the State build its case.

Anything that a suspect says to the police could be used against them at trial. Those accused should keep quiet and retain dedicated legal counsel as soon as possible. The seasoned homicide attorneys at our Chandler office can be a crucial advocate for an accused individual and protect their rights throughout the criminal investigation.

TYPES OF HOMICIDE CHARGES IN CHANDLER

Homicide is an overarching term to describe when one person takes the life of another person or an unborn child. Within this category, Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1101(2) recognizes the following offenses:

• Negligent homicide
• Manslaughter
• Felony murder
• Second-degree murder
• First-degree murder

Although these offenses differ based on the behavior and intent of the accused person, they are all felonies with severe penalties upon conviction. In the most extreme cases, the court may sentence the accused to life in prison or impose the death penalty. Those with prior criminal histories receive harsher sentences than first-time offenders. To protect a person’s life and freedom, it is crucial to secure rigorous representation from a homicide attorney in the area. The lawyers at our firm will aggressively challenge the State’s case through a variety of tactics to produce the best outcome for the accused.

WHAT IS NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE?

Negligent homicide involves careless actions that result in another person’s death. The accused person may not have even been aware that their behavior posed an unreasonable danger. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1102 classifies this offense as a Class Four felony. Depending on the facts of the case and the criminal history of the accused, a person convicted on negligent homicide charges may face a prison sentence of four to 16 years.

WHAT IS MANSLAUGHTER?

Manslaughter is when someone’s reckless behavior causes another person’s death, such as in a fatal car accident if the driver was impaired. These charges may also be brought if someone killed another person during an argument or altercation in the heat of passion. Encouraging or facilitating someone else’s suicide could also constitute manslaughter. Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1103, this Class Two felony carries a prison sentence of seven to 35 years depending on aggravating or mitigating factors and the criminal history of the accused.

MURDER CHARGES IN CHANDLER

The most serious homicide charge, murder, has two subcategories: first-degree and second-degree murder. Each carries harsh penalties and requires tenacious defense by a knowledgeable homicide attorney to effectively combat.

DEFINITION OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

In a first-degree murder case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had a premeditated intent to kill the other person. As explained in Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1101(1), the defendant deliberately caused another person’s death, had an opportunity to think about it, and continued to engage in the act. If the death occurred during another felony crime (e.g., robbery or sexual assault), the prosecution could seek a first-degree murder charge for felony murder. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1105(D) sets the punishments for this offense as life imprisonment or the death penalty.

DEFINITION OF SECOND-DEGREE MURDER

Second-degree murder also involves the deliberate killing of another person. Essentially, this means that the person understood that their actions would cause severe injury or death. However, second-degree murder does not have an aspect of premeditation. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-1104 identifies second degree murder as a Class One felony carrying prison terms of ten to 25 years, depending on the circumstances.

Preparing for an Initial Consultation With a Lawyer

The FBI’s crime statistics estimate a 3.0% decrease in national violent crime for 2023 compared to 2022. Despite this, legal support is still crucial for many facing criminal charges. To prepare for an initial consultation with a lawyer, start by gathering all relevant documents, like police reports, arrest records, or court papers. Make a clear timeline of events and write down key details about your case.

It’s also helpful to list any questions or concerns you have. Be honest and upfront with your lawyer, as they need all the facts to build your defense. Finally, make sure to discuss costs, payment plans, and next steps during the meeting.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Homicide Lawyer?

A: The cost of hiring a lawyer for a homicide case varies widely. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the jurisdiction can influence fees. Generally, homicide cases are among the most expensive due to their seriousness and the resources required. Lawyers may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or retainers, depending on their billing structure. It’s essential to discuss fees upfront and understand the payment terms before proceeding.

Q: Should I Be Honest With My Homicide Defense Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should always be honest with your homicide defense lawyer. They can only help you if they know the full truth. Anything you say is kept private because of attorney-client privilege. Being open allows them to build a solid defense and avoids any surprises in court. Hiding details can hurt your case or lead to unexpected problems. Your lawyer is there to protect your rights, not to judge you. Trust and honesty are key to working together effectively.

Q: What Is the Legal Definition of Homicide?

A: Homicide is the act of one person causing the death of another person. It can be intentional or accidental. Not all homicides are crimes; some may be legally justified, like in self-defense. The law separates homicide into categories, such as murder or manslaughter, based on intent and circumstances. Each type has different legal consequences. Understanding the specific charge is important, as it affects how the case is handled.

Q: How Long Does a Homicide Case Take?

A: A homicide case can take a long time, but the exact timeline depends on several factors. The complexity of the case, how much evidence there is, and whether the case goes to trial can all play a role. Some cases move faster if there’s a plea deal, while others take longer due to investigations or court delays. Each case is different, so there’s no set time. A defense lawyer can give an idea based on the details of your case.

Q: Is It Hard to Get a Homicide Charge Dismissed?

A: Yes, it is generally hard to get a homicide charge dismissed. Homicide is a serious crime, and prosecutors often have strong evidence. However, there are cases where charges may be dismissed if there is a lack of evidence, legal issues, or other factors that weaken the prosecution’s case. Dismissing a homicide charge is difficult, but with the right legal strategy, it may be possible in some situations.

CALL A CHANDLER HOMICIDE LAWYER TO PROTECT YOUR LIFE

A homicide conviction could lead to a lifelong prison term or even capital punishment. When the stakes are this high, you need the best legal defense on your side to mitigate the potential consequences. At Grand Canyon Law, our tenacious attorneys have years of experience successfully handling these types of cases. One of our Chandler homicide lawyers can work tirelessly to protect your rights, freedom, and future using various defense strategies. Contact us as soon as possible to begin building your case.

Schedule A Consultation With The Grand Canyon Attorney Who Can Help

480-400-5555

Schedule A Consultation