Scottsdale Manslaughter & Homicide Lawyer

Scottsdale Manslaughter & Homicide Attorney

The Hallam Law Group has experience handling manslaughter, homicide, and murder cases in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our manslaughter and homicide attorneys in Scottsdale understand the nuances of Arizona’s manslaughter laws and how to successfully litigate claims.

We use aggressive defense strategies, personal attention, and compassionate advocacy to achieve the best results possible for our clients. Our Scottsdale criminal defense lawyers will fight to protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation. We are assertive and hard-hitting Scottsdale manslaughter and homicide attorneys you can count on.

How Does Arizona Handle Manslaughter and Homicide Cases?

Manslaughter isn’t “voluntary” or “involuntary” in Arizona. Instead, it’s “manslaughter” or “negligent homicide.” Arizona’s manslaughter law is in Section 13-1103 of the Arizona Revised Statute, while the negligent homicide law is in Section 13-1102. The state defines manslaughter as:

• Recklessly killing another person
• Committing second-degree murder in a “heat of passion” the victim provoked
• Intentionally encouraging or facilitating someone else’s suicide
• Committing second-degree murder under coercion that someone else reasonably could have resisted
• Knowingly or recklessly killing an unborn child by physically injuring the mother

A negligent homicide occurs if a person, with criminal negligence, causes the death of another person. The death of an unborn child also counts as negligent homicide, unless the defendant is the unborn child’s mother, the defendant was performing medical treatment on the mother or unborn child, or the defendant was performing an abortion with consent from the mother or someone the law has authorized to act on behalf of the mother. Negligent homicide is a Class 4 felony in Arizona, while manslaughter is a Class 2 felony.

Arizona’s definition of manslaughter is quite broad, giving the law a large platform from which to prosecute alleged offenders. To learn more about this, speak to a Scottsdale manslaughter and homicide lawyer.

A negligent homicide charge might arise in many cases where the defendant did not mean to kill or even cause harm to the victim, such as a case involving a drunk driver. Either way, you need exceptional legal representation to help you defend yourself and take advantage of weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our Scottsdale homicide attorneys can help you fight for dropped charges or a plea bargain that can significantly improve your outlook on the future.

Why You Need to Hire A Scottsdale Homicide and Manslaughter Attorney

The penalties for a manslaughter conviction will depend upon your criminal history, whether you used a deadly weapon, or whether the courts consider it a dangerous offense. You could face just three years for a mitigated sentence or 12.5 years for an aggravated sentence. Negligent homicide comes with a minimum one-year prison sentence and a maximum of eight years, on top of fines and restitution. Note that you might also become the defendant in a civil wrongful death claim, which the family has the right to bring against you in pursuit of monetary damages for the death of a loved one.

The Hallam Law Group can shield you from an unjust, biased, or one-sided criminal court case. We will protect your rights, speak out on your behalf, and create a concrete defense strategy. Our Scottsdale manslaughter attorneys know how to help clients in cases involving the loss of someone’s life. Our years of experience and unique qualifications give us the extra push you need for confidence during your case and in a trial if it comes to that. Let us be your support system during this difficult time. Our Scottsdale homicide lawyers will create a personalized plan for you after a free case evaluation in Scottsdale.

Contact our firm as soon as possible after a manslaughter or homicide arrest to discuss your case. Initial consultations are always free, confidential, and come with no obligation to retain our firm. We’ll work with you to get to the bottom of your case and come up with a strategy you can feel good about. It all starts with a phone call to (602) 237-5373. You can also contact us online.