Murder & Homicide
Murder & Homicide
Murder is generally considered the most serious crime that a person can be charged with. Those that are accused of murder will face a more determined prosecution in which every resource the prosecution can muster is used against the accused. This frequently means a team of police investigators, forensic specialists, and detectives will work on just one case. The stakes are high in any murder trial, as the consequence for a murder conviction may include the death penalty.
There are several different degrees of murder charges:
This crime is charged when the prosecution believes that the accused premeditates to kill someone, and then kills that person or any third person. This normally means that the accused planned the crime, and then facilitated the plan and in the process killed the intended target, or anyone else. Additionally this crime is charged when the accused kills someone in the commission of, or flight from, another serious crime, such as robbery, rape, burglary, arson, or kidnapping.
This is a Class A Felony, and those convicted face imprisonment of up to a lifetime, and a fine of up to $50.000.00. This is a serious violent offense, meaning it is a "strike offense" under Washington's three strikes law. If this crime is charged as aggravated murder, the death penalty is a possible sentence.
This crime is charged when the prosecution believes that the accused acted without premeditation to kill someone, and then kills that person or a third person. This normally means that the accused did not plan the crime, and acted on the spur of the moment to kill an intended person, or anyone else. Additionally this crime is charged when the accused kills someone in the commission of, or flight from, any felony crime.
This is a Class A Felony, and those convicted face imprisonment of up to a lifetime, and a fine of up to $50.000.00. This is a serious violent offense, meaning it is a "strike offense" under Washington's three strikes law.
Choosing A Lawyer
If you or a loved one are potentially facing a murder trial, the most important thing you can do is secure the services of a competent attorney who handles murder cases, and is able to assist you in your defense. These cases are extremely high stakes, and for that reason you need an attorney with their own team of paralegals, investigators, expert witnesses, and associate attorneys in order to give you a fighting chance against the vast resources of the State of Washington in state cases, or against the United States in federal murder cases. Our attorneys have a track record of successfully defending those charged with murder and the death penalty. We also employee a skilled team of paralegals and investigators who can focus on your case, probe the strengths and weaknesses of the government's case, as well as look for exculpatory evidence that could result in your exoneration.
You should exercise care when choosing the attorney to represent you in a murder case, and only consider law firms that have the resources necessary to pursue a vigorous defense to serious charges like murder and homicide.
Our experience with Murder & Homicide Defense is your advantage
When you are facing these serious criminal charges we can help. Call us at (253) 867-2675 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our criminal defense attorneys are standing by to help.