The law can be confusing. Homicide shouldn’t be. In answer to this post’s titular question: homicide is the intentional act of killing another person. There are many nuances to the criminal offence of homicide though, and in many ways what seems like an intentional one can become manslaughter.
If you are somebody who has been arrested for murder (or a loved one of yours has) then this post has you covered. In it, you will find out what you can do to protect yourself and prevent yourself from going to prison for life, as life imprisonment is a common punishment for murder.
Hiring An Attorney
The first thing you need to do in the event of a homicide charge being levied against you is to hire an attorney. According to one homicide attorney in Phoenix, AZ, legal help is essential. Without a lawyer’s help you will not be able to ensure that you get the defence that you need. A charge as serious homicide should never be dealt with independently. A lawyer will be able to give you the care and attention that you need and fastidiously research every detail of your case to ensure a proper defence can be formed. Even if you think there is not a lot of evidence against you or your loved one or you just think that you’ll be able to fend for yourself, the risk is not worth taking. The most likely sentence for homicide is life in prison, sometimes without parole.
When you are looking for an attorney too high you need to make sure that you conduct extensive online research and always read prospective attorneys’ review pages. But a few pages give you clear insight into what it is like working with a professional. Bear in mind some law firms do not have any reviews online and that can actually be a good sign. An absence of reviews sometimes suggests that an attorney simply has never done anything that has annoyed clients enough to leave negative reviews. When you are reading refuse, make sure that you prioritise reading off-site ones. On-site reviews as a general rule tend to be exaggerated or straight-up manufactured.
Saying Nothing
After an arrest for homicide, the police will do everything they can to coerce you into giving them a statement or admission of guilt. You need to make sure that under no circumstances that you do this. Even if the police violently interrogate you and manipulate you, you must hold fast and stand firm and say nothing. While it is entirely possible to have a case or charge of homicide thrown out in court due to police coercion, It is rare for this to happen. You must say absolutely nothing until your attorney arrives, at which time you can talk to them.
If the police do try to pressure you into giving them a confession that you must tell them that he wants a lawyer. In interrogation rooms across the country, there are cameras. It is very unlikely that you will be taken into an interrogation room without one. If you persistently asked for a lawyer, there is absolutely nothing the police can do to coerce you into giving them a statement. Every single time they ask you a question you must ask them for a lawyer. If they refuse to get you on then you must say nothing. You can actually bring charges against police if they refuse to give you legal aid as it is one of your legal rights
Having Patience
Home aside cases are not easily resolved. Sometimes, they can take years. You need to make sure that you have patience and that you’re calm throughout. While it is very hard to relax when you know the charge of murder is hanging over your head, you need to do your best to. Understand that even if you were responsible for causing the death of another person, if it was an accident and it was not premeditated, it is very likely you won’t end up going to prison for the rest of your life. There are many other charges like manslaughter which can sometimes be laid out against people as alternatives to homicide.
If all you are under arrest or during the period while you wait for your trial you experienced stress or anxiety, do not hesitate to get in touch with a mental health professional. A mental health professional will be able to give you the care you need to overcome your problems.
Criminal law is complex. Homicide isn’t. If a person is intentionally killed by another person, then it is homicide. If you have been arrested and charged with it then you need to act immediately. The longer you delay seeking professional help, the worse things could get.
Interesting Related Article: “Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Employment Lawyer“