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Phoenix Involuntary Manslaughter Lawyer

Phoenix Involuntary Manslaughter Lawyer

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.

How Our Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help When You Have Been Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter

How Our Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help When You Have Been Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter

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:

  • Explain the criminal charges against you and provide legal advice, guidance, and support during your entire case
  • Investigate the criminal charges against you and thoroughly analyze the state’s evidence to develop a solid defense strategy
  • Challenge evidence, employ expert witnesses, and identify key witnesses
  • Aggressively negotiate for reduced charges and a lighter sentence when going to trial is not in your best interest
  • Diligently represent you in court hearings and present a compelling argument at trial

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.

Is Involuntary Manslaughter a Crime in Arizona?

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:

  • First-degree murder
  • Second-degree murder
  • Negligent homicide
  • Manslaughter

The facts and circumstances of the case determine which criminal offense the prosecutor decides to bring against you.

What Is Manslaughter Under Arizona Law?

Arizona Revised Statute §13-1103 classifies manslaughter as a Class 2 felony. You commit manslaughter if you do any of the following acts:

  • Recklessly cause another person’s death
  • Committing second-degree murder in the heat of passion or a sudden quarrel because the victim adequately provoked you
  • Intentionally assisting in another person’s suicide by providing the physical means to commit suicide with the knowledge that the person intended to kill themselves
  • Recklessly or knowingly causing the death of an unborn child by causing physical injury to the mother
  • Committing second-degree murder under coercion

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.

Negligent Homicide Charges for Involuntary Manslaughter

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.

What Are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Arizona?

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.

Potential Defenses to Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

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.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Phoenix Manslaughter Defense Lawyers

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.

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