Scottsdale Homicide Lawyer

Homicide Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ

Among the most severe criminal charges that a person may face are those that stem from the death of another person. Homicide describes any criminal activity where another person dies. This includes cases where a person is accused of intentionally causing another person’s death, as well as accidental death cases involving criminal charges. No matter the exact circumstances that led to your arrest, a Scottsdale homicide lawyer is ready to help.

The relentless Scottsdale criminal defense attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group can explain the laws that control your case, protect your Constitutional rights, and fight for your interests in all legal proceedings.

THE VARIOUS CRIMINAL STATUTES FOR CASES INVOLVING A DEATH

When many people hear “homicide charges,” they think of murder allegations. However, Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1101 states that homicide cases may involve murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide. It is vital to recognize these differences and understand the potential penalties of the specific charge when preparing a defense against your homicide charges.

NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

Negligent homicide under AZ Rev. Stat. § 13-1102 is the least severe version of a homicide. Here, a prosecutor attempts to prove that a defendant’s negligent behavior rises to the level of criminal activity. This can include acting in a way that is indifferent to human life. This is a class 4 dangerous felony, where mitigating circumstances may lead to a prison term as short as four years. However, aggravating factors could justify an eight-year sentence.

MANSLAUGHTER

The charge of manslaughter under AZ Rev. Stat. § 13-1103 applies when a defendant recklessly causes the death of another. A person acts recklessly when they behave in a way that they should know places another at risk of harm. These offenses are class 2 felonies, with a possible sentence of 7 to 21 years. A manslaughter attorney may be able to get the charges or sentence reduced.

MURDER

Finally, murder is the most serious type of homicide case, heard at the Maricopa County Superior Court. Murder charges require a prosecutor to prove that a defendant intentionally caused the death of another person. Murder charges can be classified as first or second-degree, and penalties can include life sentences or even the death penalty.

An experienced Scottsdale attorney can provide more information about the various forms of homicide charges under state law.

HOMICIDE PENALTIES IN ARIZONA

The penalties for homicide in Arizona vary depending on the level of homicide you are being accused of committing. First-degree murder is punishable by 25 years to life in prison or the death sentence. Manslaughter is a Class 2 felony, punishable by between three and 12.5 years in prison. Negligent homicide is a Class 4 felony punishable by one to 3.75 years in prison.

DEFENSES FOR HOMICIDE ALLEGATIONS IN SCOTTSDALE

Charges involving an alleged homicide are serious matters where a mere arrest can forever change a person’s life. It is crucially important to approach these cases from a position of strength. A seasoned Scottsdale homicide attorney can protect a person as soon as they learn they are the target of a homicide investigation. Legal counsel could help control all police questioning and question the police tactics used to obtain evidence.

A Scottsdale homicide lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group will also represent clients’ interests during all preliminary court sessions. This could involve challenging the admissibility of evidence and arguing for appropriate bail terms to await the end of a case from the comfort of home. Finally, an attorney could present powerful arguments in court before juries. Potential defenses that a skilled homicide lawyer could use include the following arguments:

• The incident was self-defense
• The supposed victim was an aggressor
• The defendant was not present at the scene of the event

From day one, our homicide attorneys are prepared to do all that is necessary to protect a client and their way of life.

WHY HIRE A HOMICIDE LAWYER?

There were six homicides in Scottsdale in 2025, which constitutes a five-year high for the city. In Maricopa County, 84 homicides were committed in the first three quarters of the year. Those numbers may not seem high, but if you are one of the people facing homicide charges in the county limits, that doesn’t matter. You need to take your situation seriously and hire a homicide lawyer right away. Your lawyer can help you:

• Understand the charges
• Gather evidence
• Analyze the prosecution’s case
• Interview witnesses
• Protect your rights
• Negotiate a plea deal
• Represent you in court

Having a skilled lawyer on your team is the most effective way to improve your chances of obtaining positive results.

FAQs

What Law Pertains to Homicide in Arizona?

The laws that pertain to homicide in Arizona are codified in A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 11. Offenses defined in this statute range from negligent homicide to first-degree murder. The penalties for violations of homicide laws vary, as some homicide crimes are charged as Class 2 or 4 felonies, while first and second-degree murder are both considered Class 1 felonies.

What Makes a Death a Homicide?

Causation is what makes a death a homicide in Arizona. If one person causes the death of another, including an unborn child, through criminal negligence or active premeditation, that death is considered a homicide. Homicides don’t need to be planned. Something like a traffic fatality caused by a texting driver is just as much of a homicide as a premeditated murder.

Who Is Liable for Homicide?

The primary person liable for homicide is the individual who caused the death through intentional, reckless, or negligent acts. Accomplices to murder, co-conspirators, and people who solicited homicide can all be held liable, as well. Criminal liability does not apply to legally justified, accidental, or non-negligent deaths, which are not considered homicides.

What Are the Elements of Homicide?

The elements of homicide are actus reus, or an unlawful act; mens rea, or a culpable mental state; causation; concurrence; and the death of a human being. In other words, the person who committed the homicidal act must have had an intent to kill or malice aforethought in the form of extreme recklessness, and their actions must have been the actual and proximate cause of death. Mens rea and actus reus must have occurred at the same time.

LET A SCOTTSDALE HOMICIDE ATTORNEY FIGHT FOR YOU

Incidents resulting in a person’s death can lead to severe legal consequences. If you have been arrested for an alleged homicide or are the target of an investigation, you need to act quickly to protect yourself.

A Scottsdale homicide lawyer can provide the protection you need. At Grand Canyon Law Group, our dedicated attorneys work to shield you from aggressive police tactics, obtain evidence that helps prove your innocence, and fight to protect your rights during every court session. Contact us today, as the sooner you get help, the better the odds of a positive outcome.

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