Phoenix Homicide Lawyer
A Phoenix homicide lawyer can help if you are charged with this serious criminal offense. A homicide charge is when one person deprives another of their life. The Arizona legal system reserves the most severe penalties and punishments for those found guilty of this crime. An experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer can help you beat these charges or minimize your sentencing.
The Difference Between Homicide and Murder
Hire an Expert Phoenix Homicide Lawyer
Phoenix criminal defense lawyer Howard Dworman aggressively defends people accused of homicide. He vigorously protects the legal rights of his clients and understands the urgency of your case. He relies on his experience and skills to help you obtain the best possible result. Prosecutors know they will be in for a battle when attorney Dworman sits down with you at the defense table.
If you are facing homicide charges, your freedom and life are at stake. It is critical that you find a strong legal advocate to defend your rights. Dworman Law is dedicated to building the most effective criminal defense for your case.
Call us now at (480) 256-2449 to protect your rights.
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What is the Difference Between Homicide and Murder?
Homicide includes several criminal charges that result in the death of another person. These include murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. Many people use the terms murder and homicide interchangeably. However, they are not the same crimes. While all murders are homicides, not all homicides are murders. Murder involves intentionally killing someone without any justification.
Types of Homicide Charges
In Arizona, homicide charges are classified into four categories. The type of homicide charges an accused may face will depend on certain factors, such as the identity of the victim, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the state of mind of the alleged perpetrator. Each is a serious crime that carries heavy mandatory sentencing.
The types of homicide crimes in Arizona are:
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Murder
- Manslaughter
- Negligent Homicide
Call Phoenix homicide lawyer Howard Dworman as soon as possible if you are charged or arrested for murder or manslaughter. This can result in the court giving you a lower bond and keeping you out of jail while you await trial.
What is the Homicide Rate in Phoenix?
The homicide rate in Phoenix was 12.44 per 100,000 population as of 2020. This is based on the known criminal homicides reported by the city of Phoenix, which were 200 criminal homicides during the year, 12 of which were negligent manslaughter and 188 of which were murders and nonnegligent manslaughter. This is a typical homicide crime rate for cities of a similar size, and the number of reported homicides decreased in 2023 despite increasing population rates.
What Are Defenses to Homicide Charges in Arizona?
A Phoenix homicide defense attorney will determine the best strategy given the specific circumstances of your case. Examples of legal defenses:
- The accused’s constitutional rights were violated by the police during their interrogation or investigation process. This may include the failure to read the accused’s Miranda rights , illegal search and seizure, a coerced confession, or evidence being mishandled in the chain of custody.
- The evidence was illegally obtained and must, therefore, be suppressed. Any constitutional rights violations can result in certain evidence being suppressed or not being admissible in court. Depending on how crucial this evidence is to the prosecution’s case, it could result in the dismissal of the charges.
- There was a mishandling of the physical evidence being offered. This evidence can therefore be invalid and not be used against the accused.
- The accused has an airtight alibi. The defense applies when the accused can be proven to not be at the scene of the homicide when it occurred. The whereabouts of the accused could be verified through witness corroboration, footage, documentation, and other evidence.
- The eyewitness testimony lacks credibility or is unreliable. This may cause enough doubt about the prosecution’s case.
- The killing was done in self-defense or in the defense of another. This defense is an affirmative defense, which states the accused did commit the crime, but they or another person were at imminent and immediate risk of death or serious harm.
- The prosecution cannot prove premeditation. This defense is relevant in a first-degree murder charge, and it could result in the accused being found guilty of a lesser homicide offense.
The defenses applicable to your case depend on the evidence against you and the conduct of the police officers. Attorney Dworman will challenge all wrongful conduct by the police and prosecutor to ensure you are not convicted of a crime you did not commit.
Do I Need a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney?
A Phoenix criminal defense lawyer can provide the greatest chance of avoiding or limiting the consequences of a homicide charge. You have the right to legal representation, and it is crucial that you find an experienced and dedicated attorney who will aggressively for your interests.
It is terrifying to face the criminal justice system by yourself, especially against homicide charges. These are the most serious and seriously prosecuted offenses in Arizona. The prosecution has the burden of proof, and it is important that you get legal protection to find failures in the prosecution’s case, whether you committed the crime or not. A skilled attorney can plan your defense and help you make important choices about your future.
The process of being charged can be complex, from the arrest and initial hearings to a trial. While you may have never navigated the criminal justice system before, a defense attorney has. A criminal defense attorney understands the law and how to effectively use it to protect your interests. While no defense attorney can guarantee an outcome to a trial, you stand a much better chance of having the charge dropped or the penalties mitigated with the support of a skilled lawyer.
Get the Best Phoenix Homicide Lawyer Today
You need the best Phoenix homicide lawyer on your side. In addition to harsh criminal penalties, a conviction can affect your reputation, career, and personal freedom.
At Dworman Law, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals facing homicide charges in the Phoenix area. Our goal is to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward the best possible result. That could mean reduced charges, a dismissal, or an outright acquittal.
Howard Dworman is a trusted Phoenix homicide lawyer known for his strong courtroom presence and deep understanding of the criminal justice system. With a background in law enforcement, Howard brings a unique perspective to every case and is not afraid to push back against tough prosecutors. His clients appreciate his hands-on approach and relentless commitment to their defense.
Do not leave your future to chance. Call Dworman Law at (480) 256-2449 today to speak directly with Howard Dworman and learn how he can fight for you.
Arizona Criminal Homicide FAQs
How much do homicide lawyers charge?
The cost of a homicide lawyer will rely on numerous factors, including the significance of the charges you face and the attorney’s skill and history of success. Homicide charges are incredibly serious, and it is essential that you secure dedicated and knowledgeable legal support. The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depend on:
- The type of charges
- The attorney’s experience and reputation
- The trial skill of the lawyer
- Whether your case is expected to go to trial
- The attorney’s reputation in the courtroom
What types of homicide exist in Arizona?
The forms of homicide that exist in Arizona statutes include:
- Negligent homicide. This is causing someone’s death by criminal negligence.
- Manslaughter. This includes recklessly causing the death of another person and other such offenses.
- Second-degree murder. Intending to cause someone’s death without premeditation, causing death by showing extreme indifference, and similar offenses can lead to these charges.
- First-degree murder. These charges can apply when the suspect intended to cause the death of another person with premeditation, caused the death of another during the commission of a dangerous felony, or committed other crimes like these.
Will I got to jail or prison if found guilty of homicide?
The criminal penalties are severe if you are found guilty of homicide. You will likely face incarceration, which is why you need to beat the charges outright or have them reduced to a lesser charge to minimize the period of your sentence.
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Howard Dworman, J.D., Criminal Defense Attorney
Howard Dworman J.D. is an award-winning Phoenix, Arizona criminal defense lawyer. He has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and has a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating. He aggressively defends people charged with DUI, misdemeanors, and felony offenses.
Howard can help you if you were arrested or charged with criminal assault in the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear, Prescott, and Florence and in Maricopa County, Yavapai County, and Pinal County.
Good people make mistakes. At Dworman Law, we work hard to ensure that one bad night does not destroy your future.