Everett Homicide Defense Lawyer

If you are facing homicide charges, you need to connect with an experienced

Everett criminal defense lawyer from Puget Law Group, right away. Our team includes nine former prosecutors–we know how the other side works–and has over 150 years of combined experience in criminal law. 

When you partner with an Everett homicide defense lawyer from our firm, you form a partnership with an entire team committed to providing you with the best defense.

When to Secure Representation

Homicide charges are extremely serious, and you should not fight them on your own or with substandard representation. You need to secure exceptional representation quickly. You have the right not to discuss your charges or alleged criminal acts with law enforcement without an attorney present, and it is critical that you exercise that right.

Some accused offenders ask, “Why should I hire a criminal defense lawyer if I’m not guilty?” Without a defense attorney, you are putting your future and freedom in the hands of a prosecutor whose job is to prove your guilt. Though prosecutors and judges want to uphold justice, mistakes happen, and in this case, a mistake could cost you your freedom.

Unfortunately, it is just too easy for arrestees to say the wrong thing. You may be protesting the charges and think you are offering proof of your innocence, but your words can be misinterpreted, taken out of context, or otherwise used against you.

With representation from an experienced homicide defense lawyer in Everett, WA, you have someone who knows the law, knows your rights, and knows how the system works, speaking for and protecting you.

Types of Homicide Charges

In RCW 9A.21.010, the Washington State Legislature defines homicide as “the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or omission of another, death occurring at any time, and is either (1) murder, (2) homicide by abuse, (3) manslaughter, (4) excusable homicide, or (5) justifiable homicide.”

Homicide is a broader term that covers several types of killing. Criminal charges only apply to unlawful killings, which include murder, homicide by abuse, or manslaughter.

First or Second-Degree Murder

According to RCW 9A.32.030, charges for murder in the first degree apply when a person kills another person:

•  With “premeditated intent”
• In the circumstances showing the offender’s “extreme indifference to human life”
• While in the process of committing robbery, rape, burglary, arson, or kidnapping, of specific degrees and with some exceptions

Second-degree murder charges apply if the offender acts without premeditation or in the process of committing a felony other than the ones included in first-degree murder charges. All murder charges bring severe penalties. Do not wait to connect with a homicide defense attorney in Everett, WA.

Homicide by Abuse

A person may face charges of homicide by abuse under RCW 9A.32.055 for causing the death of:

• Child or person younger than 16
• Person with developmental disabilities
• Dependent adult 

Homicide by abuse can also apply if a person shows an “extreme indifference to human life” or if they have “previously engaged” in patterns of assault or torture of the victim. 

First and Second-Degree Manslaughter

Law enforcement may issue charges of first-degree manslaughter under RCW 9A.32.060 when a person:

• “Recklessly causes” another person’s death
• Purposefully and unlawfully kills an “unborn quick child” by injuring the mother

Second-degree charges, RCW 9A.32.070, apply when an alleged offender kills another person because of criminal negligence.

Legal Penalties for Homicide Convictions

All criminal homicide charges come with class A felony classifications, except for manslaughter in the second degree, which is a class B felony. For first-degree murder convictions, defendants are assigned a life sentence to a state prison. Other possible penalties for Class A and Class B felonies are established in RCW9A.20.021:

• Class A: a life sentence in state prison, a fine of $50,000, or both
• Class B: a ten-year term in state prison, a fine of $20,000, or both

Penalties can vary depending on aggravating or mitigating factors associated with the crime. Aggravating factors make the crime worse, and prosecutors argue these factors to increase penalties.

Mitigating factors work in the defendant’s favor, and an experienced defense attorney will use them in an attempt to lower penalties.

Additional Costs of Conviction

The legal penalties of a conviction are severe on their own, but they are not the only ones. A conviction separates you from your family–you miss out on their support, and they lose yours. Loved ones are often “collateral damage” from a homicide conviction.

Though convictions for class B felonies do not come with a life term, they still cause a long period of separation. While incarcerated, you may sustain injuries from violent inmates or suffer from psychological distress. Once released, it can be difficult to re-establish relationships, find employment, or even secure housing. 

How an Everett Homicide Defense Attorney Can Help

Your attorney understands the seriousness of homicide charges and what is at stake. However, our client testimonials show Puget Law Group is up to meeting the challenges presented by even the most daunting cases. We operate on four tenets, and one of them is “there are no unwinnable cases.”

We know every case we take is unique, and just about every case has problem areas for the other side. As former prosecutors, we are in a position to recognize the holes in the prosecution’s case and will use them to your advantage. You can count on us:

• For exceptional knowledge of the law and its application to your case
• To explore every possible source of evidence to support your innocence and/or disprove the prosecution’s accusations
• To design a powerful legal defense 
• For loyal support and advocacy throughout the process
• To negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges reduced if they cannot be dismissed altogether 
• For honest and consistent communication and sound legal guidance

We Are Here to Protect Your Freedom and Future

Puget Law Group is the experienced firm you need to mount your defense against homicide charges. Reach out today for a free case consultation. 

Your freedom and your future are important–protect them by partnering with a homicide defense lawyer in Everett, WA and the rest of our dedicated team.