Phoenix Manslaughter Defense Attorney

Defending Against Manslaughter Charges in Arizona

Have you been accused of manslaughter? Next to murder, this is one of the most severe offenses of which to be accused. MayesTelles PLLC has handled thousands of cases, including manslaughter allegations. Our team of experienced trial lawyers and former prosecutors is here to build a strong defense on your behalf if you are facing manslaughter accusations.

By retaining our law firm, you gain the advantage of –

• Attorneys with nearly 200 years of experience
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers rated attorneys
• The insight of former prosecutors
• A firm that has handled thousands of cases

To learn how our Phoenix manslaughter defense lawyer at MayesTelles can help you, call us at (602) 428-7104. We are available 24/7 and provide free case evaluations.

What Is Manslaughter?

Manslaughter is a legal term used to describe the unlawful killing of another person without premeditation or intent to kill. It differs from murder in that manslaughter typically involves a lack of intent or premeditation to cause death.

The key aspects of manslaughter include:

• Absence of Intent: Unlike murder, where there is an intent to cause harm or death, manslaughter occurs in situations where the act leading to death was not premeditated or planned with the specific intent to kill.
• Circumstances of the Act: Manslaughter often occurs in situations where there might be recklessness, negligence, or the absence of malice, but the actions of the individual result in the death of another person.

Defense of ARS § 13-1103 Violations

The Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1103 describes manslaughter as "Recklessly causing the death of another person". Manslaughter is a class 2 felony.

There are five ways a person can be charged with manslaughter:

• Reckless actions that cause the death of another
• Second-degree murder arising out of a heated argument in which the victim provoked the accused
• Giving someone the means to commit suicide
• Second-degree murder committed under coercion
• Inflicting injury on a pregnant woman that leads to the death of the baby

What Happens After a Manslaughter Arrest?

After a manslaughter-related arrest in Phoenix, the accused is typically transported to a local detention center, such as the Maricopa County Jail, to await an initial court appearance. At this hearing, the judge will formally announce the charges, review potential bail or release options, and set future court dates—usually in the Maricopa County Superior Court. These early proceedings can be stressful for both the accused and their family, as local law enforcement and prosecutors often move swiftly to pursue charges. The importance of proper legal representation at this stage cannot be overstated, as any statements made to police or investigators may significantly affect your defense down the line.

Early intervention from a manslaughter criminal attorney in Phoenix, like those at MayesTelles PLLC, is vital. Our attorneys respond immediately upon contact to protect your rights, advise against unintended self-incrimination, communicate with detention personnel, and prepare for critical stages such as arraignment and pretrial conferences. We understand the specifics of Phoenix’s booking procedures and have experience handling cases before local judges and prosecutors. This hands-on knowledge allows us to preserve crucial evidence quickly, identify key defenses, and strategically challenge the accusations—often before charges are officially filed.

Manslaughter Penalties in Arizona

A.R.S. 13-702(D) lists out the prison sentences for Class 2 felonies, provided they are not deemed "dangerous offenses" and the offender lacks prior felony convictions.

• Felony: 3 years
• Mitigated: 4 years
• Minimum Presumptive: 5 years
• Maximum: 10 years
• Aggravated: 12.5 years

For those who have prior felony convictions or the manslaughter offense is deemed "dangerous," the prison sentence can extend beyond 12.5 years. Sentences can also include probation, fines, and surcharges.

Common Defenses for Manslaughter in Arizona

In Arizona, defenses for manslaughter can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. Defenses that could be used to counter manslaughter charges may include:

• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If the accused acted to protect themselves or others from imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm, it might be considered a valid defense against manslaughter charges.
• Accidental Death: If the death occurred unintentionally and was purely accidental, without any reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the accused, it might serve as a defense against manslaughter charges.
• Lack of Intent or Provocation: In cases of voluntary manslaughter, demonstrating that there was no intent to cause harm or that the accused was provoked and acted in the heat of passion might be a defense strategy.
• Mental Incapacity: If the accused had a mental health condition or impairment that affected their ability to understand the consequences of their actions, it might be used as a defense.
• Lack of Recklessness or Negligence: For involuntary manslaughter, showing that the accused did not engage in reckless behavior or criminal negligence that directly led to the death might be a defense.
• Alibi: Providing evidence that the accused was not present at the time of the incident or had no involvement in the actions leading to the death could serve as a defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Manslaughter & Second-Degree Murder?

The key difference between manslaughter and second-degree murder in Phoenix focuses on intent and the circumstances of the alleged crime. Manslaughter under Arizona law typically involves a lack of intent to kill and may result from recklessness, negligence, or adequate provocation—rather than a deliberate, willful act. Second-degree murder requires proof that the accused acted intentionally or knowingly, although without premeditation. Courts in Maricopa County carefully examine all aspects of the defendant’s mental state, the events, and any mitigating or aggravating factors. Since these differences can significantly affect how criminal charges are pursued or defended in Phoenix, it is essential to work with a qualified manslaughter criminal defense attorney in Phoenix who understands local prosecution strategies.

Can Manslaughter Charges in Phoenix Ever Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Under certain conditions, it is possible for manslaughter charges in Phoenix to be reduced or dismissed. Results depend heavily on the unique facts of your case and the strength of your defense. At MayesTelles PLLC, our team uses a proactive approach, including scrutinizing police reports, consulting with independent experts, challenging evidence, and effectively negotiating with Maricopa County prosecutors. Reductions are sometimes possible if circumstances support lesser charges, such as criminally negligent homicide, or if the prosecution’s case contains significant weaknesses. Dismissal may occur when constitutional rights have been violated or by successfully challenging critical evidence. Because Maricopa County courts apply Arizona criminal statutes rigorously, having an experienced manslaughter attorney in Phoenix is vital to pursuing case reduction or dismissal wherever possible.

Contact Our Manslaughter Defense Lawyer in Phoenix Today

At MayesTelles, our Phoenix manslaughter defense attorneys understand the urgent nature of manslaughter accusations and stand dedicated to safeguarding the rights and advocating vigorously for those facing manslaughter charges. With a deep understanding of Arizona's legal system and a commitment to personalized and strategic defense representation, our team works tirelessly to navigate the complexities of each case.

We prioritize our clients' well-being, employing our expertise to build robust defense strategies tailored to achieve the best possible outcomes. Trust MayesTelles to provide comprehensive legal support, ensuring every client receives fair treatment and a staunch defense throughout their legal proceedings.

Call (602) 428-7104 to discuss your legal options for defense with our Phoenix manslaughter attorneys!