Some of the most severe charges you can face in the state of Arizona are those involving homicide. If you have been accused of this offense, it is vital that you seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can educate you on both your legal rights and options and also the difference between homicide vs. murder vs. manslaughter in Arizona. The penalties that can come along with a successful conviction can be devastating, and assistance is crucial.

It is important to keep in mind that the specific charge you face will depend on the nature, severity, and other circumstances involved in the death of the victim. No matter what actually happened while the alleged crime was committed, the possible outcomes can be frightening, and you will likely be left with more questions than answers. If you find yourself wondering about the difference between these charges, you’re not alone, and we can help.

Homicide in Arizona

When an individual kills another human being, the term that is often used to describe the act is homicide. This term may also be used interchangeably with both murder and manslaughter, but it is important to remember that those other words are simply terms used to describe different forms of homicide. Homicide can be considered lawful or unlawful, depending on the situation. Unlawful killing includes killing someone out of anger, greed, or malice.

Lawful killing can occur when it happens in self-defense, in the defense of others, or as part of a lawful mode of employment. If you kill an individual who was trying to kill, rape, or otherwise harm you, it can be considered lawful. If you are in the military and kill someone in battle, this is also lawful.
In cases of unlawful homicide, the courts will weigh your intentions when deciding upon your sentencing. If you have carefully planned how to end another person’s life, it can be treated in a different manner than accidentally killing an individual.

Murder in Arizona

Murder is one of the worst forms of homicide. It takes place when the killing is deliberate, and there are varying degrees of both intention and forethought involved. Penalties can include life in prison. For homicide to be considered murder, it must involve both premeditation and intent, meaning that you allegedly planned out the murder beforehand and knew exactly what you were doing.

There are several different forms a murder charge can take in Arizona. These forms include the following:

• First-Degree Murder: This occurs when an individual is killed with both intention and premeditation, and there are certain weapons involved in the murder, including poison, explosives, or ammunition.
• Second-Degree Murder: This form of murder charge can be handed down when someone kills another with intention but without premeditation. However, the act is still very much intentional and fatal. Penalties can include time served in prison.
• Felony Murder: This form of a murder charge can be considered either first or second-degree murder and happens while the alleged offender commits another felony crime such as rape, kidnapping, or arson.
• Capital Murder: This form of murder charge can include first-degree murder, which is especially egregious. Examples of capital murder can include the murder of a public servant, murder for financial gain, or murder for hate crimes.
• Attempted Murder: This can occur when an individual tries to kill another person in a way that, if successful, would have been considered murder. This charge can happen even if no one experiences actual harm, as it is based on the alleged offender’s intention and ability.

Manslaughter in Arizona

This charge can arise when an individual kills another without any intention or premeditation. This can often happen through some form of provocation or acts of recklessness or negligence, like in circumstances of a car accident or an act of aggravated assault that results in death. Manslaughter charges are broken into three main categories, including:

• Voluntary Manslaughter: This is often referred to as a crime of passion and occurs in a way that is not premeditated but can be willful. This crime often involves some form of provocation, which will lead the offender to take the action of homicide against the victim.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: This includes an action of killing another individual without any intention, malice, or premeditation. This often involves some form of negligence, recklessness, or disregard for the other individual’s life.
• Vehicular Manslaughter: If a person is killed on the roadway, it can be considered vehicular manslaughter. This is a typical charge in events like a fatal car crash when the driver does something careless or illegal, which causes death. However, the defendant typically had no intention of hurting anyone and will not be charged with actual murder.

FAQs About Crime Rate Law in Arizona

What Are Some Examples of Second-Degree Murder in Arizona?

Second-degree murder charges can happen due to various events or circumstances. Some examples of second-degree murder can include the killing of an individual or an unborn child without premeditation but with intent, causing the death of a person or unborn child in a knowing way and knowing that this action would result in death, and recklessly causing the death of another person or unborn child with a large degree of indifference to the death.

What Penalties Are Involved in Homicide, Murder, or Manslaughter Charges?

Being convicted of homicide, murder, or manslaughter charges in Arizona can have varying degrees of punishment and consequences. In most cases, if you are convicted of any of these charges, you could find yourself facing lengthy prison sentences, even those that can keep you behind bars for the rest of your life, and can even face the death penalty.

What Are Some Examples of Negligent Homicide in Arizona?

Negligent homicide can occur when the defendant lacks certain attention to safety, and it leads to a fatality. Some examples can include the accidental discharge of a firearm that leads to someone’s death, even if the defendant had no intention of harm, or the failure to follow certain safety measures or protocols in workplace settings.

What Are Some Common Defenses for Murder or Manslaughter Charges?

There are several defenses that might be used in your murder or manslaughter case to lessen the charges brought against you, the sentence, or to seek a dismissal of all charges. These defenses can include those of self-defense, acting in the defense of others, a lack of intent, having an alibi, a mistaken identity, a lack of necessary evidence, or insanity.

Facing Criminal Charges in Arizona? Hallam Law Group Is Here to Help

If you have been charged with homicide or one of its two forms, manslaughter or murder, you need the legal assistance of an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney. Contact the offices of Hallam Law Group today to schedule your free consultation.