Seattle Homicide Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been brought up on homicide charges, you could be facing severe consequences, including lifelong imprisonment. Even the least severe homicide convictions can leave you with extensive prison sentences, reputational damage, and a permanent criminal record that can make it challenging to live a normal life.

Serious charges deserve serious representation, which is why the Seattle criminal defense lawyers at Puget Law Group are here to offer the experienced advocacy you need to get your charges reduced or dropped. A Seattle homicide defense attorney from our team can investigate your case, gather valuable evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf.

Types of Homicide Charges Our Seattle Defense Attorneys Can Combat

There are several different homicide charges you might be facing. Each one varies in severity and comes with different consequences. At Puget Law Group, we’ve handled homicide cases since 2013. Throughout our careers, we’ve handled countless cases like yours and are confident we can mount a strong defense no matter how severe your charges are.

A skilled homicide defense attorney from Seattle, WA, can combat any of the following types of charges:

Murder

Murder charges are divided into first-degree murder and second-degree murder. Under RCW 9A.32.030, first-degree murder involves the intentional and premeditated killing of another person. According to RCW 9A.32.050, second-degree murder involves the intentional killing of another person but doesn’t require premeditation.

You may also be charged with first or second-degree murder, depending on the presence of premeditation, if you caused the death of an innocent person while committing a crime or fleeing from the scene of a crime. You may also be charged if someone else participating in the crime caused the death of another person who was not involved in the illegal action.

Our Seattle homicide defense attorneys can further explain the nuances of first and second-degree murder charges and build a strong defense against your charges, aiming to lessen the consequences you’re facing or have your charges completely dropped.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter charges are also divided into two different degrees. First-degree manslaughter involves recklessly, or while demonstrating a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others, causing the death of another person. It can also involve unlawfully and intentionally killing an unborn child by inflicting an injury upon their mother. 

Second-degree manslaughter involves causing the death of another person with criminal negligence. In this case, criminal negligence refers to the failure to realize the risk that the death of another person may occur. Criminal negligence also involves failing to uphold the same standard of care that a reasonable person would have upheld in a similar scenario.

A first or second-degree manslaughter conviction can lead to prison time and other severe penalties. If you’ve been charged with either offense, you’ll need a homicide defense lawyer from Seattle, WA, to explain your charges in greater detail and protect you from the worst outcomes.

Homicide by Abuse

Homicide by abuse involves acting in a manner that causes the death of a vulnerable person or child. This is a very serious charge that can lead to a lengthy prison sentence if a conviction is made. If you’ve been brought up on homicide by abuse-charges, our Seattle homicide defense lawyers are here to offer guidance and skilled representation. 

Vehicular Homicide

Vehicular homicide or homicide by watercraft involves causing the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle, boat, or other water vehicle. You could face this charge if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, acting recklessly, or disregarding the safety of others during the time of the incident. 

A vehicular homicide or homicide by watercraft conviction can result in a significant prison sentence, so it’s important to seek legal counsel if you’re facing these charges. Our team can explain your charges, investigate your case, and make a strong argument as to why your charges should be reduced or dropped.

Controlled Substances Homicide

According to RCW 69.50.415, you could face a controlled substances homicide charge if someone dies after consuming drugs that you gave or sold to them. These charges can also result in a considerable prison sentence if you’re convicted of them. To give yourself the best chance possible at avoiding life-altering consequences, reach out to our team today.

How Our Homicide Defense Attorneys from Seattle Can Help You

Our team understands how severely a homicide charge can disrupt your life. That’s why we’re willing to do everything we can to protect you from the charges against you. Of our team of 11 attorneys, nine are former DUI prosecutors. That means our firm has the in-depth legal knowledge and experience required to get you the best outcome possible.

Here’s what our seasoned legal team can do to defend you from serious homicide charges:

• Review the charges you’re facing
• Conduct a thorough investigation
• Collect witness testimony, physical evidence, DNA evidence, fingerprints, surveillance footage, phone records, computer and digital forensic evidence, and other forms of evidence that are relevant to your case. 
• Analyze evidence 
• Construct a strong defense against the charges you’re facing
• Negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors
• Represent you in court
• Offer clear guidance and updates throughout the entirety of your case

Our Past Case Results Speak for Themselves

When you’re looking to hire a legal team to defend you against homicide charges, you’ll want to work with a law firm that has obtained positive results for individuals in similar situations. Our homicide defense lawyers in Seattle have won impressive case results for clients facing serious charges, including homicide.

Once you’ve seen the stellar case results we’ve recovered and read our client testimonials, you’ll understand that we have what it takes to protect you from life-altering consequences. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Seattle Homicide Defense Lawyer

If you were arrested and charged with a form of homicide, you’ll want to take your case seriously. If convicted, you could face months, or even years, in prison. A conviction can also leave a permanent mark on your record that will make it hard for you to seek employment and live a normal life.

To avoid the damaging consequences of a homicide conviction, work with an experienced Seattle homicide defense attorney from Puget Law Group. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get the assistance you need to protect your livelihood and future.