Tacoma Homicide Defense Lawyer

Facing criminal homicide charges can be an intimidating experience when you know the possible repercussions that a guilty verdict could have on your life.

When your future freedoms completely depend on the outcome of your case, you need a Tacoma homicide defense lawyer by your side. Do not try and handle your case on your own or rely on just any criminal defense lawyer.

When so much is at stake, you need the best. Get help from the only criminal defense firm in the Pacific Northwest that has nine former prosecutors and over 150 years of combined experience. Contact Puget Law Group today to have a Tacoma criminal defense lawyer start preparing the best strategic defense for your case.

Washington Criminal Homicide Charges

Homicide is defined in Washington State Law Chapter 9A.32 RCW as the killing of one person by another’s action or inaction, with the death occurring instantly or at a later time. Homicide, as a term, encompasses a variety of scenarios that are not specifically tied to the premeditated, calculated murder that often comes to mind. In our state, there are five recognized types of homicide:

• Murder: When someone causes another person’s death with no legal justification, it is called murder, and these verdicts are punished most severely under RCW 9A.32.040. Classifications of first-, second-, and third-degree murder depend on the severity of the crime, including premeditation, intent, and whether it was a part of another criminal action.
• Manslaughter: When someone’s criminal negligence causes another person’s death, like in the case of a drunk driver killing a pedestrian, it is considered manslaughter. Criminal negligence occurs when a person knowingly takes a substantial, dangerous risk that any reasonable person would not consider.
• Homicide by Abuse: When someone shows significant indifference to human life and causes the death of a vulnerable person, this is called homicide by abuse. Vulnerable persons in this category include children under the age of 16, developmentally disabled persons, and the elderly.
• Excusable Homicide: When someone causes the death of another person but acts within the law, it is called excusable homicide. Examples of these cases include car crashes where the driver was following the law, workplace accidents, and unanticipated accidents not caused by negligence.
• Justifiable Homicide: When someone causes the death of another person as a result of protecting themself, others, or their property, it may be considered justifiable homicide under RCW 9A.16.050.
• Knowing the types of homicides and how they are penalized under Washington State law can greatly help you understand the weight of the situation you are in. Your Tacoma homicide defense attorney can help you understand your case better and prepare the best defense against the evidence brought against you. Pleading excusable or justifiable homicide will likely result in civil penalties, which could greatly reduce the impact a guilty verdict would have on your life. 

Possible Penalties for Homicide in Washington State

Washington State categorizes homicides into these five types to help recognize the level of intent and premeditation that occurred. The penalties for each will vary significantly, and within murder and manslaughter charges, there are degrees as well. Verdicts and sentencing are based on the Washington State adult sentencing guidelines.

Aggravated murder in the first degree is the most severe verdict and comes with a sentence of mandatory life imprisonment without any possibility of parole.

Murder in the first and second degree typically receives up to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after a set number of years determined by the court. Manslaughter in the first and second degree can also receive a sentencing of up to life with parole after a set number of years.

In October 2018, the Supreme Court of Washington abolished capital punishment, finding that it failed to serve a legitimate purpose and converted any current sentences to life imprisonment. In Washington State currently, the most severe penalty is life imprisonment without parole.

Your homicide defense lawyer in Tacoma will be able to fully outline the potential penalties you face and will work with your case’s unique circumstances to bring about the best possible outcome for you.

Possible Defenses Against Homicide Charges in Washington

It is up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. With Puget Law Group’s experience and our track record of successful case results, we know all the ways to call into question the prosecution’s evidence and case. Your homicide defense attorney in Tacoma will attempt to prove your innocence or at least mitigate the severity of the sentencing you will receive. 

Some possible defenses against homicide charges in Washington State include pleading self-defense or the defense of others. This would land you with civil charges of justifiable homicide, which is a far better outcome than any criminal guilty verdict.

Another defense could be insanity, stating that you were unable to distinguish right from wrong during the time of the death.

It may also be possible that your Tacoma homicide defense attorney might be able to call into question the evidence. This can be done by questioning how the evidence was obtained or directly questioning whether the evidence can prove what they are trying to use to lead to your conviction.

Your lawyer may be able to use these or other defenses to either convince a jury that you are not able to be convicted without a reasonable doubt of the death or to bring a lesser sentence against you.

Speak with a Knowledgeable Homicide Defense Attorney in Tacoma, WA

With all the areas we serve, from our offices in Tacoma, Seattle, Kent, Bellevue, Olympia, and Port Orchard, Puget Law Group is the premier criminal law firm in the Pacific Northwest. We are committed to treating each of our clients as if they are our only ones with unmatched service and support. We will listen to your story with compassion and respect and fight for your innocence.

A homicide defense lawyer in Tacoma, WA, will be able to represent you in court and will work to build the best possible defense of your case. Do not delay. Contact us today to get started.