You can face a murder charge for any intentional killing. Second degree murder, while not as severe as murder first degree, is a serious charge and a second degree murder penalty is very severe. Other charges that can be filed if you are involved in a wrongful death include murder first degree, manslaughter and negligent homicide.
Second degree murder charges are filed when the death is intentional but not premeditated. This means that you knew someone could die from your actions. A couple of examples would be a murder committed in the heat of passion or if someone died as the result of an unplanned fight. If the prosecution cannot prove that you thought out the murder in advance, you'll be charged with second degree murder.
Second degree murder charges are also used in cases where someone is killed in an avoidable accident where negligence is involved. Second degree murder charges are used quite a bit for DUI accidents where someone was killed and the driver had a high blood alcohol concentration.
If you are convicted of second degree murder, you will face a mandatory prison sentence of 10 years. Depending on the circumstances, the court can raise that up to as much as 22 years. Beside the prison time that a court can give you as a second degree murder penalty, you will face the remainder of your life with the social stigma of being a convicted murderer.
If you have been charged with second degree murder in the state of Arizona, the stakes could not be any higher, and you need a criminal defense lawyer with the experience and the team of experts to effectively defend you.
At The Law Office of William L. Morris, we offer a FREE initial consultation for second degree murder charges. We also have convenient financing available to make it easier for you to get effective representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer and not just a public defender.
If you charged with second degree murder, call 480-630-3840 day or night.
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-- Adam B, Phoenix
We got Adam's DUI case dismissed and he only received a minor traffic violation.