Gilbert Manslaughter Attorney
Facing manslaughter charges can be terrifying. A conviction can carry serious penalties, including decades behind bars.
However, the charge is difficult to prove, and a Gilbert manslaughter lawyer could present a robust defense. Once you are arrested, contact an experienced homicide attorney from the Grand Canyon Law Group for help. You need the right attorneys on your side, and we are here to help, but you must call IMMEDIATELY.
For a free legal consultation with a manslaughter lawyer serving Gilbert, call 480-400-5555
UNDERSTANDING A MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE
Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1103 describes manslaughter as reckless behavior that leads to death or killing someone in the heat of passion without premeditation. In addition, it is considered manslaughter to help a person commit suicide, provide the means for them to do so, or commit an act that leads to the unintentional death of an unborn child.
Recklessness is knowing that an action carries a substantial risk of harming others but doing it anyway. For it to be criminally reckless, the accused’s conduct must be far outside the norms of reasonable behavior.
A prosecutor might charge manslaughter when a lesser charge is more appropriate. Our Gilbert manslaughter lawyers at Grand Canyon Law Group recognize this tactic and know how to combat it.
Gilbert Manslaughter Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
DEFENSES TO MANSLAUGHTER
In criminal cases, our capable defense attorneys will review the police’s conduct. A judge might dismiss a charge or limit usable evidence when the police failed to read a defendant’s rights, did not inform them of their right to a lawyer, or committed a Constitutional violation.
Although manslaughter does not require the intent to have been to cause someone’s death, the defendant’s state of mind during the incident is critical. An accused must have behaved recklessly or knowingly. Assessing the prosecutor’s evidence (or lack thereof) regarding the accused’s intent can be a productive defense for a manslaughter charge.
Proving the individual acted in self-defense or to protect others can defeat a manslaughter charge. This defense requires a Gilbert criminal attorney to prove that the accused believed they or someone else was in imminent danger of physical harm and that their actions were necessary to stop the threat.
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PENALTIES UPON CONVICTION
Manslaughter is a Class 2 felony, the second-most serious category of felony. The penalties are harsh, even for first-time offenders.
A first offender convicted of manslaughter would face a presumptive sentence of ten and a half years. This has a minimum of seven years and a maximum of 21 years. With one prior offense, the presumptive sentence is 15 years and nine months; and with two prior convictions, the presumptive sentence is 28 years. Sentences increase substantially if the prior offenses are classified as dangerous felonies.
When the individual did not have a weapon or use a dangerous instrument, such as a screwdriver, car, baseball bat, or anything that could inflict harm, manslaughter could be charged as a simple Class 2 felony, which carries less severe penalties. A Gilbert manslaughter defense attorney can assess a particular case and explain the penalties associated with a charge.
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GET IN TOUCH WITH A GILBERT LAWYER AFTER A MANSLAUGHTER ARREST
When people are charged with manslaughter, prosecutors often have weak evidence of your intent to hurt someone. As former prosecutors, we know how to recognize and exploit weak evidence.
Your freedom and future are at stake, so acting quickly and decisively is critical. A lot goes into building a solid case against manslaughter charges. Contact a Gilbert manslaughter lawyer at the Grand Canyon Law Group immediately after getting arrested. We are prepared to fight for your future.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form