Project Description
Murder
Murder and manslaughter are extremely serious criminal charges. As they carry severe penalties, including the potential for long periods of imprisonment, it’s absolutely vital that you seek legal help as soon as possible. These charges may severely impact your life for years even if you are ultimately acquitted, and good legal help can help to mitigate those effects.
Our experienced criminal defence lawyers are dedicated and passionate about helping our clients. We’ll listen without judgement and relentlessly pursue every avenue to protect your freedom. If a plea deal is recommended, we will negotiate with the prosecution to secure the best possible offer and offer expert legal advice to help you decide what to do.
We can help you by:
- Providing you with expert advice on the nature of your charge or charges, possible penalties and any potential defences.
- Supporting you through any interactions with the police or other authorities so that your rights are preserved.
- Keeping you up to date with what your next steps are and what you need to do.
- Developing a strategy that gives you the best possible chance at acquittal or the minimum possible penalty.
- Helping you develop your defence strategy and working with you and any witnesses that support your defence.
- Managing the process of your trial from the initial criminal court hearing to the final verdict.
Murder and Manslaughter
It’s worth understanding the difference between murder and manslaughter. Manslaughter is still serious but it is a lesser charge than murder. If you do not have a complete defence to the charge (like if the prosecution can prove that your action caused the death of another person) it may be your best outcome.
Murder is the planned and premeditated unlawful killing of another person. Manslaughter is an unintentional action which caused the death of another person, either in the heat of the moment (‘voluntary manslaughter’) or via pure accident (‘involuntary manslaughter’). The fundamental difference between the two is whether you intended to kill someone or not. To decide what your intention was, the Supreme Court will look at both written and oral evidence from a range of experts and lay witnesses.
For murder charges, the penalty is a term of imprisonment with the maximum penalty being a life sentence. Manslaughter offences carry a maximum penalty of twenty five years imprisonment. First time offenders are more likely to serve ten years or less. There are other factors that affect the penalty that you may receive, including whether you have any previous convictions or associated charges. To understand your situation more clearly, speak to one of our good criminal lawyers. We’ll be able to give you a clear picture of what you’re facing and what the stakes are.
Of course, you may have an absolute defence and want to plead not guilty to any charge. We’ll give you our expert advice on what possible defences you may have and the strength of those defences. If we need to investigate your case further, our experienced team will gather evidence to support your defence and ensure that you are prepared at trial.
A murder or manslaughter trial is a long and drawn out process with many different procedural steps. It is important that you have legal representation right from the start of the process, because what you say and do in your interactions with the police and prior to the hearing can affect your chances of acquittal. Good legal representation can also mean the difference between being held on remand or out on bail prior to the hearing. As it can take years for a murder trial to be held, a successful bail application can help you minimise the effect of the charges on your life in the meantime.
“I would just like to thank you for your hard work and understanding during a very stressful time for myself.I cannot thank you enough for the work and advice you provided.My assault and stalking and intimidation charges were heard by the Magistrate at Liverpool Court yesterday, Tuesday 16th. I pleaded guilty to the assault with the stalking being dropped prior by way of representations made by you. The Magistrate seen through the bullshit supplied by the Police facts sheet and I am happy to say no conviction was recorded. He stated it was “a molehill turned into a mountain by police”.John I would just like to say your professionalism on both of my criminal and family law matters was outstanding. I would go so far as to say its the best service I have ever had. Keep up the good work!!!”
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John went above and beyond to extend additional help with my case. Johns experience is second to none, His professionalism and sound advice was just what was needed. I would highly recommend his services to anyone with pressing family law matters. His warm personality made me feel like part of the family, as I could easily dissus any finer details with my case and he would take into consideration. If I have any cases in future he will be my first choice. Thanks again John your service is Highly appreciated. God bless you. 5 stars.”