Phoenix Murder Defense Lawyer
Phoenix Manslaughter Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with committing murder or manslaughter, it is imperative that you contact an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Taking another person’s life is the most serious crime you can commit. The prosecutors and law enforcement agencies involved in your case are going to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law, and do everything in their power to convict you of the charges. In their eyes you are already guilty, and they are going to make it their ultimate goal to ensure that you wind up behind bars. Do not leave yourself unprotected during the criminal process. Phoenix murder & manslaughter defense attorney Anthony Knowles has over 15 years of experience in criminal law, and can protect your rights and relentlessly fight to clear you of your charges.
Murder/Manslaughter Defense in Phoenix
Both murder and manslaughter are defined as criminal offenses in which one person kills another person. However, what differentiates these offenses from each other is whether or not the defendant committed the act with premeditation or malice. In murder and manslaughter cases, premeditation is referred to as “planning” or “plotting” to commit an illegal act. When a person commits the act of murder, he or she planned or plotted to kill another human being. Manslaughter is committed without malice or premeditation. Manslaughter is committed unintentionally or out of an immediate reaction to an emotion such as fear, danger or anger.
For example, if you unintentionally killed somebody in a car accident, you mostly likely would be charged with manslaughter, as you did not purposely set out to cause a fatal accident.
Penalties for Murder & Manslaughter in Arizona
Because a person who commits murder actually planned or plotted to kill another person, it is considered a much more heinous crime than manslaughter. The penalties for murder are incredibly harsh. If you are convicted of murder, you could be sentenced to life in prison (with or without parole), high fines, restitution to the victim’s family, and even the death penalty.
To be convicted of manslaughter, however, the prosecution must prove that you either did not plan to commit the crime, or that your negligence led to the crime. For example, if you killed your spouse out of self-defense, you most likely will not be convicted of manslaughter. Also, if you caused a car accident and accidently killed someone, the prosecution must prove you engaged in some type of unlawful behavior, such as driving under the influence, speeding, racing, etc. If the crash was truly an accident and you did not engage in unlawful behavior, then you most likely will be cleared of the charges. In the event that you are convicted of manslaughter, you will likely face many of the same penalties as those people convicted of murder, with the exception of the death penalty.
Contact Phoenix Murder & Manslaughter Defense Attorney
If you have been accused of murder or manslaughter, Attorney Anthony Knowles can provide you with the level of superior attention, dedication, and representation you need to be successful in court. With over 15 years of experience, Attorney Knowles is extremely familiar with both the state and federal criminal laws that govern murder and manslaughter cases in Arizona. As an experienced Phoenix murder & manslaughter defense attorney, Mr. Knowles understands what is at stake, as well as the life-altering implications a conviction of this nature can take on your life. Mr. Knowles is fully committed to utilizing all of his legal resources, thoroughly investigating the accusations, and creating innovative defense strategies to protect you from criminal prosecution. Furthermore, Attorney Knowles will vehemently challenge the prosecution’s case, and try to negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of the charges. But above all, Mr. Knowles’ main concern is ensuring your rights and freedom remain intact, and that you walk away a free man or woman!
To set up a free consultation with Phoenix Murder & Manslaughter Defense Attorney Anthony Knowles, please contact the Knowles Law Firm at (602) 702-5431 or (888) 332-5621.
The Knowles Law Firm handles murder/manslaughter cases for clients located throughout the entire Phoenix metro area including Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa.