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Murder Charges in Arizona

Homicide charges in Arizona are broken into a number of different crimes. First degree murder occurs when someone intentionally kills after premeditating the act. This crime is the most serious of all homicide charges and can result in only three sentences, life imprisonment with possibility of parole after 25 years, life imprisonment with no parole and the death penalty. Only a top Phoenix criminal attorney can help defend clients from a first degree murder charge.

If the murder was intentional, but not premeditated, the suspect will be charged with second degree murder. This crime is still very serious and can result in life imprisonment. Manslaughter occurs when someone dies as a result of another person’s reckless behavior. This crime is a class 2 felony, punishable by up to 21 years in prison. The last homicide charge in Arizona is negligent homicide, which occurs when someone dies as a result of someone else’s criminal negligence. Drunk drivers who took the life of someone else can be charged with negligent homicide. This charge is punishable by up to eight years in prison. If you have been accused of any of homicide charges, please speak with a skilled Phoenix criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

When you hire The Law Offices of James Goodwin to help defend you against homicide charges, you know your crime defense representation in Phoenix, Arizona will be doing everything possible to fight these serious charges. Our staff will examine every bit of evidence against our client and independently investigate the situation. We will hire forensics teams to re-evaluate any DNA evidence. We will speak to expert witnesses. We will bring in character witnesses and alibis on your behalf to prove you could not have committed this type of crime. In some situations, your Phoenix criminal attorney may not be able to beat the charge all together, but instead get the charges against you reduced.

If you have been charged with homicide in Arizona, please call our offices today and schedule your free initial consultation with a Phoenix criminal lawyer.