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Murder Manslaughter

Duncan Lewis Violent Crime Solicitors – Murder/Manslaughter

 

Criminal charges involving violent crimes such as manslaughter or murder are homicides which are prosecuted under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 – and carry a possible whole life sentence.

 

Because of the nature of the crimes and possible heavy penalties, allegations involving murder or manslaughter require robust criminal defence.

 

Manslaughter/involuntary manslaughter

 

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) defines manslaughter as:

  • killing with the intent for murder but where a partial defence applies –namely loss of control, diminished responsibility or killing pursuant to a suicide pact.
  • conduct that was grossly negligent given the risk of death, and did kill, is manslaughter (“gross negligence manslaughter”); and
  • conduct taking the form of an unlawful act involving a danger of some harm, that resulted in death (“unlawful and dangerous act manslaughter”).

The first definition is known as voluntary manslaughter – and the second and third definitions are known as involuntary manslaughter.

 

There are also other types of manslaughter, such as corporate manslaughter.

Murder

 

The CPS defines murder as a crime committed where the offender:

  • is of sound mind and discretion (i.e. sane);
  • unlawfully kills (i.e. not self-defence or other justified killing);
  • any reasonable creature (human being);
  • in being (born alive and breathing through its own lungs
  • under the Queen's Peace;
  • with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Prosecution of a murder charge may rely on the time of death following injuries inflicted on an individual – for example, if injuries were inflicted and the victim died more than three years following injury.

 

Murder and manslaughter cases can be extremely complex – and it is vital to seek expert legal advice if there is a possibility of being charged with murder or manslaughter, including manslaughter charges brought as a result of causing death by dangerous driving.

 

Defence of murder/manslaughter charges will rely on intent, motive, forensic evidence and witness statements, as well thorough preparation of evidence.

 

Duncan Lewis violent crime solicitors regularly represent clients facing murder or manslaughter charges and can advise at any stage of a charge – including before arrest or if there is a possibility a client may face interview under caution.

 

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers advise clients facing murder or manslaughter charges to uphold their right to remain silent until a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor arrives at the police station for interview under caution.

 

Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitors are all highly experienced – our expert crime lawyers can advise clients facing violent crime allegations on a wide range of offences involving murder or manslaughter, including:

  • Assisted suicide
  • Contract killings
  • Domestic violence
  • Drugs offences (supplying, dealing)
  • Firearms offences
  • Gang crime
  • Gun crime/knife crime
  • Historical murder cases
  • Infanticide
  • Racially aggravated murder/manslaughter
  • Rape and sexually motivated murder/manslaughter
  • Robbery with violence
  • Terrorism offences
  • Torture
  • War crimes/genocide.

Duncan Lewis violent crime solicitors offer prompt and effective criminal defence services – regardless of the nature of the crime, we work for the best possible outcome for our clients.

 

Duncan Lewis can also advise on murder/manslaughter cases involving:

  • Armed Forces accused of murder/manslaughter
  • Medical staff accused of murder/manslaughter
  • Police officers accused or murder/manslaughter
  • Victims of domestic violence accused of murder/manslaughter.

Our criminal law experts also advise on murder and manslaughter involving youth offenders, suspects with mental health conditions, and those arrested for murder/manslaughter who were acting in self defence.

 

Duncan Lewis violent crime solicitors also have expertise in defending murder and manslaughter charges involving joint enterprise or conspiracy.

 

Duncan Lewis Violent Crime Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

 

The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.

 

Duncan Lewis violent crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases involving murder or manslaughter charges.

 

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious matters such as murder and rape.

 

Duncan Lewis Violent Crime Solicitors – When to contact us

 

Clients do not have to wait until they have been arrested to contact Duncan Lewis about any criminal charges – our team can advise from the initial stages of a police inquiry or if it is likely a client may be arrested to face a criminal charge involving murder or manslaughter.

 

Duncan Lewis violent crime lawyers can also advise on Civil Liberties matters such as wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and prisoners’ rights in custody – as well as advising on appeals against conviction or sentencing for violent crimes such as murder or manslaughter.

 

All Duncan Lewis violent crime solicitors are highly trained and highly experienced – and are dedicated to offering the best criminal defence services to our clients at police stations, courts and prisons.

 

Duncan Lewis Violent Crime Solicitors – How to contact us

 

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast and in all major cities across England and Wales.

 

A member of the Duncan Lewis criminal defence team can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to offer expert legal advice on all criminal charges and for police interview under caution.

 

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing charges relating to violent crimes such as murder and manslaughter – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice on criminal charges.

 

For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

 

Duncan Lewis Violent Crime Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Murder/Manslaughter

 

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services –Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.

 

Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.

 

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis violent crime solicitors offer competitively-priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

 

In some criminal cases, after the event insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

 

Call Duncan Lewis Violent Crime Solicitors to discuss murder or manslaughter charges on 020 7923 4020.


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