Homicide and Murder Charges in Arizona

Of all the laws in Arizona that exist that deal with the commission, prosecution and punishment for crimes, none are more severe than the laws that deal with homicide.  These laws have continued to grow harsher in terms of consequences, and a convicted defendant could pay the ultimate price in certain circumstances.

Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorneys

In situations like these, where your freedom for the rest of your life or even your life could be at stake, you need to do absolutely everything you can to provide yourself with the best possible criminal defense.  Phillips & Associates is a law firm that has helped fight for the rights of those accused of homicide countless times, and the firm also provides flexible payment plans for many who need it given the extreme urgency of these situations.  Below is an overview of the issue of homicide in Arizona.

Phoenix Homicide Defense Lawyer

Homicide has been illegal since the foundation of the American legal system, and it’s always been treated harshly when a defendant is convicted.  Over time, the laws dealing with homicide have developed with society, with such homicide issues as vehicular homicide and the felony murder doctrine being added to the Arizona statutes when these problems began to arise.  Below are a few examples of homicide charges available to prosecutors in Arizona:

• Vehicular homicide
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Negligent homicide
• Second degree murder
• First degree murder

As mentioned above, the doctrine of felony murder also exists in Arizona.  Basically, felony murder arises when, during the commission of a different crime, someone is killed even if it’s accidental.  When this occurs, the defendant can be charged with first degree murder.  Clearly, if you face any of these types of charges, you need to act immediately to build your defense.  A good place to start is by contacting the homicide attorneys at Phillips & Associates.

Arizona Homicide Investigations

The public pays more attention to homicides than perhaps any other type of crime, and many of these situations involve intense media coverage and a loud outcry from the public to bring someone to justice.  The reasons are obvious, but the result is that police and detectives charged with bringing someone allegedly guilty of homicide to justice feel the utmost in urgency to provide a result to the situation. 
Therefore, police officers will work relentlessly to analyze every potential piece of evidence, every witness and any other piece of information that could possibly bring about an arrest.  The police also have new DNA and forensic expertise available to them, which only provides them with more advantages.

If you find yourself being questioned in relation to a homicide, you absolutely need to invoke your rights to remain silent and to have an attorney represent you.  Therefore, before you answer any questions, you need to respectfully invoke these rights before you wind up harming your case.  After you’ve made use of these protections, you need to contact a homicide attorney at Phillips & Associates as soon as possible to begin the process of building your defense.

Arizona Homicide Prosecution Strategy

When a prosecutor receives a case from the police that relates to homicide, he or she immediately understands the pressure and the expectations involved.  Elections are won and lost based on how District Attorneys handle and succeed with handling homicide cases, and prosecutors are likely to push aggressively for either a trial or a plea bargain that’s very favorable to the state.

The prosecutors charged with handling this sort of case will meticulously pore over every potential piece of physical and circumstantial evidence, thoroughly review the testimony of every potential witness and waste no time in pushing the wheels of justice forward.  In short, prosecutors will leave no theory untested in an attempt to obtain a conviction in a homicide case in Arizona.

Arizona Homicide – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you work with a homicide attorney from Phillips & Associates, you’ll have the advantage of skill and experience on your side.  A skilled attorney will be able to help you decide whether pursuing a fair plea bargain is either possible or advisable, and if it is not he or she will help you prepare for trial.  Homicide trials are often the target of intense public scrutiny, and your attorney will be invaluable in helping you prepare for this experience.
Based on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, your attorney will rely on his or her experience and skill to provide you with insight in relation to every aspect of the case and help you make the proper decisions at different points of the procedure.  In addition, you will be treated with understanding and compassion, which is critically important as you face the biggest struggle of your life.

Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer - Homicide and Murder

At no time in your life will working with a criminal defense attorney be more important than when you face homicide charges.  Phillips & Associates understands not only how to handle these cases but how to work with you during this stressful time.  The firm has offices all over Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Mesa and Tucson, and the firm can meet with you at your location.  In addition, the firm provides the opportunity for payment plans in regards to legal fees, as now is not the time to forego your rights because of monetary concerns.  Contact the firm today to schedule an initial consultation.