For example, if the police’s investigation was of poor quality, then you want to attack the evidence as the unreliable byproduct of a shoddy police investigation. Also, the investigation may not have been complete. The police may have failed to look into other evidence or suspects. Maybe the police failed to have certain important pieces of evidence tested.
Additionally, when there is scientific forensic evidence regarding such things as DNA, firearms, fingerprints, or crime scene reconstruction, you may want to hire an independent expert. This independent expert can review the evidence and give their own opinions to argue against the prosecution’s expert opinions.
If you have evidence or a witness who can testify that you were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed, then you should raise an alibi defense. An alibi defense shows that you were not present at the time and place the crime was committed. Therefore, you could not have been the person to have committed the crime. A skilled Phoenix homicide attorney can help you build a strong defense based on this evidence.
A third-party culpability defense is like an alibi defense because, for both defenses, you are arguing that you specifically did not commit the crime. But for a third-party culpability defense, you are arguing that there is evidence to connect someone else (a third party) to the crime.
For an alibi defense, a jury must find you not guilty if there is reasonable doubt that you were present at the time and place the crime was committed. For a third-party culpability defense, a jury must find you not guilty if there is reasonable doubt that you committed the crime because the crime may have been committed by a third party.
SIDE NOTE: Depending on the evidence, you could argue both alibi and third-party culpability defenses.
These types of defenses are called “justification” defenses. You should argue a justification defense when you did cause the death of another person, but you were justified in doing so. The most common types of justification defenses are self-defense, defense of a third person, or crime prevention (for only specific crime listed in A.R.S. § 13-411(A)). If you argue that you were justified, then the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did not act with justification.
SIDE NOTE: Self-defense cases tend to be some of the most defensible murder cases.
A person is guilty except insane if, at the time of the crime, a person suffered from a mental disorder that caused the person to not know the criminal act was wrong. It does not include disorders that result from voluntary intoxication or withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, character defects, psychosexual disorders, or impulse control disorders.
SIDE NOTE: This type of defense tends to be more difficult to prove because many people suffer from a mental health disorder or substance abuse issue, but they still know right from wrong.
Guilty except insane is an example of an “affirmative defense” under Arizona law. This means that the defendant has the burden to prove that the defendant is guilty except insane. For example, in other types of case, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act with justification or that the crime was not committed by someone else. But with the affirmative defense of insanity, the prosecutor does not have to prove that the defendant was not insane.
Furthermore, most affirmative defenses only require that the defendant prove the affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence. An insanity defense, however, must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. Clear and convincing evidence is a higher standard of proof than preponderance of the evidence (but lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt).
Proof by a preponderance of the evidence means that a fact is more probably true than not true. Clear and convincing evidence means that a fact is highly probable.
| Term | Legal Definition (Arizona) | Key Elements | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | The killing of one human being by another, whether lawful or unlawful (A.R.S. §13-1101). |
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| Manslaughter | The unlawful killing of another person without premeditation (A.R.S. §13-1103). |
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The stakes are big when you are charged with homicide, regardless of the classification. You need to be sure that your murder lawyers in Phoenix have the experience, skills, and knowledge about the law to provide you with the best possible defense.
Arizona law gives each type of homicide classification its own definition and elements. But how the facts fit the law can be very particular. That is why it is important to have an experienced homicide defense attorney to ensure that the prosecution is not abusing its power in bringing a specific homicide charge against you.
At Feldman Royle Ahl, our criminal defense attorneys have represented clients charged with various homicide offenses throughout Arizona. We have obtained acquittals and not guilty verdicts based on various types of strategies and defenses. Our experience in defending homicide cases is substantial, and our track record is well-known in the legal community. If you or a loved is facing a homicide charge, contact us to learn how our firm can help you. The initial consultation is free and confidential.
At Feldman Royle Ahl, we understand that a homicide charge is one of the most serious accusations anyone can face. Your freedom, reputation, and future are all on the line. That’s why we go beyond basic defense — bringing unmatched experience, insight, and a relentless commitment to protecting your rights.
At Feldman Royle Ahl, we defend more than your case. We fight for your life, your future, and your peace of mind.
Arizona law recognizes four criminal homicide classifications. First degree murder under A.R.S. § 13-1105 is the most serious and is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment. Second degree murder under A.R.S. § 13-1104 is a Class 1 felony carrying 10 to 25 years in prison. Manslaughter under A.R.S. § 13-1103 is a Class 2 felony carrying 3 to 12.5 years for a non-dangerous first offense or 7 to 21 years when charged as a dangerous offense. Negligent homicide under A.R.S. § 13-1102 is a Class 4 felony carrying 1 to 3.75 years and is the least serious homicide classification under Arizona law.
The key distinction is premeditation. First degree murder requires proof that the killing was intentional and premeditated - that you consciously decided to kill before acting. First degree murder can also be charged under the felony murder rule when a death occurs during the commission of a qualifying dangerous felony even without intent to kill. Second degree murder is intentional but not premeditated, or results from reckless conduct demonstrating extreme indifference to human life. Contesting whether premeditation existed is often the central defense issue in cases where a death was unquestionably caused by the defendant.
A dangerous offense under A.R.S. § 13-105 applies when a crime involves the discharge, use, or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or the intentional or knowing infliction of serious physical injury. When a homicide charge carries the dangerous offense designation, probation is eliminated entirely and mandatory prison applies regardless of criminal history. For manslaughter designated as dangerous, the mandatory sentencing range increases to 7 to 21 years for a first offense. Even for negligent homicide, a dangerous offense designation forces a mandatory prison sentence that would otherwise not apply.
Yes. Homicide charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the strength of the government's evidence and the quality of the defense strategy. Common avenues include challenging the sufficiency or reliability of the evidence, asserting self-defense or defense of another person under A.R.S. § 13-411, demonstrating third-party culpability, attacking forensic evidence through independent expert analysis, suppressing evidence obtained through unlawful searches, and contesting whether the conduct rises to the level of the charged classification. Prosecutors do not voluntarily reduce homicide charges without significant defense pressure, which is why aggressive early representation is critical.
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present under any circumstances. Homicide investigations move quickly and law enforcement is specifically trained to gather admissible statements during conversations that appear informal or friendly. Anything you say will be evaluated for use against you. Contact Feldman Royle Ahl immediately at (602) 899-8000. Early legal representation allows your attorney to monitor the investigation, prevent self-incrimination, secure and preserve favorable evidence before it is lost, and engage with prosecutors before a formal charging decision is made - which is often when the most important strategic decisions can be made.
