Scottsdale Homicide Defense Attorney

Homicide is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face in Arizona. Being accused of this crime could change your life forever. If you are being charged with causing the death of another person under any circumstances, it is critical to contact a Scottsdale homicide defense lawyer immediately. AZ Defenders is known for being one of the most aggressive criminal defense law firms in the country. Find out how we can help you or a loved one during a free case consultation.

Scottsdale Homicide Defense Resources

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Why Choose the AZ Defenders?
Defining Homicide Under Arizona Laws
Categories of Homicide in Arizona
Penalties for Homicide in Scottsdale
Potential Defenses for Scottsdale Homicide Charges
Cost of an Experienced Defense Lawyer
Speak to an Attorney Today

Why Choose the AZ Defenders for a Scottsdale Homicide Case?

• We know the ins and outs of an Arizona homicide case. Our Scottsdale criminal defense attorneys have decades of legal experience. We understand how the state’s homicide and murder laws work and will navigate them on your behalf.
• We know how stressful this time is for you and will aim to make things easier whenever possible. Your lawyer will guide you through each phase of the criminal justice process with personalized care and attention to detail.
• Our lawyers take the time to customize defense strategies for each unique case and client. This is the only way to achieve the best possible outcome for a homicide case. We will fight for your rights in and out of the courtroom.

Defining Homicide Under Arizona Laws 

Homicide crimes are offenses related to the death of a person that is caused deliberately or unlawfully by another. In Arizona, homicide can but does not always refer to murder. State law says that a person commits murder by intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person, including an unborn child. Recklessly or negligently causing the death of another person, however, could also result in homicide charges.

Categories of Homicide in Arizona

“Homicide” does not refer to just one specific crime in Arizona. Instead, it can be charged as one of four different offenses under state law. The elements of each specific charge are unique. The categories of this crime are:

1. Negligent homicide (A.R.S. 13-1102): criminal negligence that results in the death of another person. Criminal negligence means a substantial or unjustifiable risk and a gross deviation from the accepted standard of care.
2. Manslaughter (A.R.S. 13-1103): recklessly causing another person’s death, such as by driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a deadly car accident.
3. Second-degree murder (A.R.S. 13-1104): knowingly or intentionally causing the death of another person or causing a death through actions that demonstrate an extreme indifference to human life.
4. First-degree murder (A.R.S. 13-1105): knowingly or intentionally causing the death of another person with premeditation.

Intent to take a victim’s life is not a necessary element of proof for manslaughter or negligent homicide charges in Arizona. This means you could be convicted of a homicide crime even if you did not intend to injure or kill someone.

What Are the Penalties for Homicide in Scottsdale?

The penalties for homicide in Arizona change greatly from case to case, depending on the circumstances. The category of the charge can make a significant difference, as it deals with the intentions of the defendant. Being convicted of premeditated murder, for example, will typically result in greater penalties than manslaughter, as the defendant did not necessarily mean to harm the victim in the latter offense. 

Potential homicide penalties are as follows:

• First-degree murder: Class 1 felony, punishable by 25 years to life imprisonment or capital punishment (the death penalty).
• Second-degree murder: Class 1 felony, punishable by 10 to 25 years in prison.
• Manslaughter: Class 2 felony, punishable by 4 to 10 years in prison for most first-time offenders.
• Negligent homicide: Class 4 felony, punishable by 1 to 3.75 years in prison for most first-time offenders.

Any category of homicide conviction will result in a felony on the defendant’s record. A felony will automatically take away some of the convicted person’s rights, such as the right to vote and bear arms. It can also interfere with the individual’s ability to find a job and housing upon release from prison. A homicide conviction will always remain on your criminal record.

What Are Potential Defenses for Scottsdale Homicide Charges?

If you are facing homicide charges in Scottsdale, it is imperative to hire an attorney with experience in this practice area. Homicide and murder cases are complex areas of litigation that require a skilled and qualified defense attorney. The potential defense strategies that may be available to you include:

• Wrong defendant: you may have an alibi that places you somewhere other than at the scene of the crime, lending the argument of mistaken identity or incorrect defendant.
• Insufficient evidence: demonstrating that the prosecution has not met the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt to find you guilty of homicide.
• Self-defense: you committed the act you are being accused of in self-defense due to a reasonable threat of imminent harm.

The defense process is long and complicated for someone who is accused of any type of murder or homicide crime in Arizona. It takes an in-depth investigation into the case to determine the right strategy, as well as the hiring of multiple experts. Our homicide and assault defense attorneys in Scottsdale will take the time to craft the strongest possible defense for your specific case.

Cost of an Experienced Homicide Defense Lawyer in Scottsdale

Most criminal defense lawyers charge an hourly rate for homicide cases, but a flat fee is also a possibility. The amount of the lawyer’s hourly rate will depend on the complexity of the case and how much work will take to litigate. Since homicide is one of the most serious types of criminal charges in Arizona, a higher rate is likely. 

At AZ Defenders, we are always upfront about the price of our services. We aim to make our fees as affordable as possible. If you cannot afford a private attorney, a public defender will be provided to you, as is your constitutional right. With a life-changing charge such as homicide, however, the best odds of a positive case outcome come with hiring a private attorney.

Speak to a Skilled Scottsdale Homicide Defense Attorney Today 

If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges or allegations of any degree of murder in Scottsdale, Arizona, call AZ Defenders now at (480) 568-4473. You can speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer to learn more about your situation and rights. As your attorneys, we can guide you through police interrogations, hearings and every other step of the legal process, preserving your rights along the way. Contact us today to request your free case consultation.