MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER

Arkansas Homicide Defense Attorneys

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First, absolutely do not speak to anyone without an attorney present, or without first consulting with an attorney. Use your right to remain silent. Murder and manslaughter are the most serious charges possible, and might result in a life sentence or the death penalty. If you have been arrested, charged or know you will be charged with murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide, please call attorneys at the King & Forrest Law Group right now. You need to protect your rights.

Murder and Capital Murder Defense Attorney

There is no charge as serious as murder. Whether it is charged as a first-degree or capital felony, you may face life in prison or even the death penalty in some circumstances. Your entire life is at risk, and your only option is to work with an attorney who will stop at nothing to secure your freedom.

At King & Forrest, we are fighters. We don’t look for the easy way out, encouraging clients to accept plea bargains. The only way our clients plead guilty is if they want to. Even with a murder case, where other attorneys may push a plea bargain for a lesser sentence, our approach is focused on a not guilty verdict. We prepare for battle, putting our heart and soul into it. We are your last line of defense, and we take this role very seriously. We will not let them take your life away from you without a fight.

Manslaughter Defense

In the face of manslaughter or any criminal charges, it is important to remember that you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Prosecuting Attorney has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The odds may seem stacked against you, but you have undeniable rights clearly established in the U.S. Constitution and refined by case law through the decades.

It is your attorney’s job to protect your rights and get an unfounded case dismissed or build that shadow of a doubt in the judge and jury’s minds to secure a not guilty verdict. 

What is Homicide in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Code sets out 5 categories of Homicide all of which carry serious penalies if convicted:

• Capital murder — Capital murder is premeditated murder, a murder committed during the commission of a violent felony, or a murder committed under certain aggravating circumstances. This crime is punishable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

• First-degree murder — First-degree murder is killing another person during a nonviolent felony or causing the death of one person while attempting to kill another person. This crime carries a penalty of 10 to 40 years in prison or life imprisonment.

• Second-degree murder — Second-degree murder is unintentionally causing the death of another under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life. A person convicted of second-degree murder faces six to 30 years in prison.

• Manslaughter — Manslaughter carries a penalty of three to 10 years’ imprisonment and is defined as killing another person in one of three situations:

  • Killing another while under extreme emotional distress

  • Recklessly causing the death of another

  • Negligently causing the death of another while committing a felony

• Negligent homicide. A person can be guilty of negligent homicide if he or she negligently causes the death of another person. A person acts negligently if he or she fails to act in a reasonable manner to protect others from foreseeable risks of harm. Negligent homicide is punishable by up to one year in prison.

 

Do Not Wait to Seek Legal Counsel

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself if to consult with an attorney. Even if you are simply “wanted for questioning” in regard to a homicide investigation, let alone arrested for or charged with murder, exercising your right to remain silent and seeking legal counsel are the two immediate steps you can take to positively influence your case and future. Call us now at 501-918-0798.