If you are charged with killing someone, you need an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Craig Orent has been certified by the Arizona State Bar as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He has over 30 years of experience defending individuals against criminal offenses in Phoenix, Arizona.
If you are accused of causing someone’s death, contact Orent Law Offices at (480) 656-7301 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix involuntary manslaughter lawyer.
Just because the criminal offense is a manslaughter charge, do not assume you will receive a lighter sentence. On the contrary, you could face years in prison for a manslaughter conviction. Therefore, you need an aggressive Phoenix criminal defense attorney on your side.
At Orent Law Offices, our founding criminal defense lawyer has been named one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Arizona by the American Institute of Legal Counsel. He also has a perfect 10 Rating on Avvo. With over three decades of experience handling criminal cases, you can trust that you have an experienced, skilled, and trusted criminal lawyer handling your defense.
When you hire Orent Law Offices, you can expect us to:
If you face manslaughter or homicide charges, you want a legal defense team that leaves nothing to chance. You want a defense team that uses every resource and defense available to win your case. We are that law firm.
Call our law office to schedule your free consultation with an experienced manslaughter defense lawyer in Phoenix, AZ.
Many states have different statutes for murder. They may divide murder into several different charges, including manslaughter. Furthermore, they might distinguish between voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.
However, Arizona does not have an involuntary manslaughter statute. If you cause the death of another person, you are charged with one of the following criminal charges:
The facts and circumstances of the case determine which criminal offense the prosecutor decides to bring against you.
Arizona Revised Statute §13-1103 classifies manslaughter as a Class 2 felony. You commit manslaughter if you do any of the following acts:
Manslaughter charges generally result from reckless behavior, but intent is a factor in some of the elements.
Generally, a person is not charged with manslaughter if the death occurred by mistake or accident. In other states, deaths caused by mistake or accident might be charged as involuntary manslaughter. In Arizona, negligent homicide is similar to involuntary manslaughter in other states.
Arizona Revised Statute §13-1102 defines negligent homicide as a death caused by a criminally negligent act. It is a lesser charge than manslaughter.
Criminal negligence occurs when someone does not recognize the unjustifiable and substantial risk their actions will have on another person. In other words, they do not foresee that their conduct could result in the death of another person.
Negligent homicide is a Class 4 felony offense.
As a Class 2 felony offense, manslaughter can be punished by seven to 21 years in prison. The presumptive prison sentence is 10.5 years. However, aggravating factors can enhance the sentence.
The punishment for negligent homicide (the closest charge to involuntary manslaughter) is a one-year minimum prison sentence. However, you could face up to a maximum of 3.75 years in prison for a conviction. Aggravating factors, using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, and prior negligent homicide offenses enhance the penalty.
If you are charged with manslaughter or negligent homicide, your defense lawyer may use one or more defense strategies. The defense strategies depend on the facts of your case.
For example, your attorney might argue that your actions do not rise to recklessness. Therefore, the manslaughter charge should be reduced to negligent homicide. Self-defense is another potential defense strategy used in manslaughter and negligent homicide cases.
Your lawyer might also produce evidence that the victim’s actions or the actions of a third party caused the death instead of your actions. There may also be one or more criminal defenses based on violations of your constitutional rights.
It is essential for you to begin working on your defense as soon as possible. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Phoenix involuntary manslaughter defense attorney. At Orent Law Offices, we are ready to fight for your legal rights and your freedom.
