Murder

The act of taking the life of another human being is universally regarded as morally reprehensible, and as such, murder convictions carry severe penalties, such as a mandatory life sentence in England and Wales. The courts must handle cases involving loss of life with care to ensure that both the victim's family and the defendant receive justice and a fair trial, respectively.

Being accused of murder is a serious matter, with the possibility of a life sentence hanging over the accused. It is, therefore, crucial to work with experienced solicitors who specialize in homicide law. These lawyers will ensure that the defendant is protected against injustice and explore all available options, including pursuing a reduced charge, sentence, or acquittal.

At Grays Defence Solicitors, we have successfully defended many clients facing murder and manslaughter charges, including complex and high-profile cases. Our meticulous approach and attention to detail have led to numerous acquittals and reduced charges. We provide an overview of homicide law, murder and manslaughter defences, and our approach to handling homicide cases, although seeking legal advice from a professional experienced in this field is crucial if you are being investigated or prosecuted for murder.

Homicide comprises offenses that involve killing another person, with murder and manslaughter being the two main types. Manslaughter is considered less serious than murder, and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment, although the judge has discretion to pass a lower sentence where appropriate. Thus, the defence team will build a case for manslaughter where possible, to avoid the mandatory life sentence. If a charge is lowered to manslaughter, the defence team will identify and assert any mitigating factors that should be considered during sentencing.

Murder requires an action that kills another person, such as shooting or stabbing, as well as the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. Involuntary manslaughter occurs when the accused carries out the act of murder but lacks the intention to kill, causing death through gross negligence or recklessness. Where both the act and intention of murder are present, the charge may still be lowered to manslaughter when a partial defence is applicable, known as voluntary manslaughter.

Defences for murder are classified as complete or partial. A complete defence acquits the accused of the crime of murder, with self-defence being an example. Partial defences mitigate the defendant's level of blame, lowering the charge to manslaughter and permitting the judge discretion in sentencing. The three main partial defences are loss of control, diminished responsibility, and suicide pact. Gray’s defence solicitors have years of experience dealing with homicide cases.

Whether a complete or partial defence is available depends on the circumstances of the case. It is beneficial to seek advice from experienced serious crime solicitors, as they will be skilled at identifying when a defence can be raised. Seeking legal advice early on can prevent prolonging the situation, and in some cases, court proceedings may not even be initiated if a complete defence is highly likely to succeed.

If you or your loved ones are under investigation and you require assistance at any stage of the proceedings, please feel free to get in touch with our friendly staff. We can be contacted on 01274 085199 or by email. We are solicitors covering cases on a national level so no matter where you are please do not hesitate to contact us.