Seattle Murder Defense Lawyer

Defend Against Violent Crime Charges in King County, WA

Murder, undoubtedly the most infamous of all criminal charges, is simply one category under the umbrella term of homicide. Attorney Matthew Hale understands that facing a murder charge can be a scary time in your life. Our experienced attorneys are here to help.

Murder Charges in Washington State

Murder typically connotes the premeditated or intentional killing of one person by the direct actions of another person. However, there are specific categories of murder charges that are important to delineate.

First-Degree Murder in WA

According to the Washington statutes, a person is found to be convicted of first-degree murder when he or she is found to have:

• Acted with premeditated intent to cause the death of another person
• Been in the act of committing first or second-degree robbery, rape, burglary, arson, or kidnapping and in the course of doing so, he or she causes the death of a person other than the participants, he or she can be convicted of first-degree murder
• Been manifesting an extreme indifference to human life and thus creates a grave risk of death that results in the death of another person

First-degree murder is a class A felony that results in a life sentence.

Second-Degree Murder in Seattle

A class A felony as well, a second-degree murder occurs when a person acts with intent, but not premeditation, to cause the death of another person. Additionally, if the defendant was found to have been in the act of committing any felony besides those described in first-degree murder, and while doing so causes the death of a person other than the participants, he or she can be convicted of second-degree murder.

Aggravated First-Degree Murder

If the defendant is found to have committed first-degree murder and a particular aggravating circumstance exists, he or she will be convicted of aggravated first-degree murder.

One of the many types of an aggravating circumstance is if the victim is an “on duty”:

• Law enforcement officer
• Fire-fighter
• Corrections officer
• Judge
• Juror
• Witness
• Court attorney
• Probation officer
• Parole officer
• Newspaper reporter and the murder was committed to hinder investigative research

Elements of Murder Charges in Washington State

For a conviction of murder in Washington, the prosecution must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt. A Seattle murder attorney will carefully analyze these elements to determine where weaknesses exist in the case and build an effective defense.

• Intent and Premeditation: In cases of first-degree murder, prosecutors must prove that the defendant planned the murder ahead of time, as opposed to acting on impulse or in the heat of the moment. In second-degree murder cases, the prosecution must prove that the defendant acted with malice or an extreme disregard for human life.
• Causation: The prosecution must establish a direct connection between the defendant’s actions and the victim’s death. If the defendant’s actions were not the proximate cause of the death, or if someone else intervened to cause the death, it could provide a basis for the defense to argue that the defendant should not be held criminally liable.
• State of Mind: The prosecution must prove that the defendant had the requisite state of mind at the time of the killing. If the defendant acted in self-defense or did not have the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, it may reduce or eliminate criminal liability.

Penalties for Murder in Washington State

Washington state law imposes severe penalties for murder convictions. The penalties depend on whether the crime was classified as first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter.

• First-Degree Murder: Conviction for first-degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, or in some cases, the death penalty, depending on the circumstances of the crime.
• Second-Degree Murder: A conviction for second-degree murder can result in a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 18 years, with the possibility of parole after serving a portion of the sentence.

Common Defenses to Murder Charges in Washington State

Defenses to murder charges in Washington State can include self-defense, where the defendant used deadly force to protect themselves from imminent harm, and lack of intent or premeditation, which may reduce charges to manslaughter.

Other defenses include proving the killing was accidental, mistaken identity, or establishing an alibi with evidence like receipts or surveillance footage. Additionally, an insanity defense may be raised if the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand their actions. If police violated constitutional rights during the investigation, the evidence obtained may be excluded, weakening the prosecution’s case.

Contact a Trusted Seattle Murder Defense Lawyer

If you or loved one is facing murder charges in Seattle, Washington, it is in your best interests to call a skilled Seattle murder defense attorney at Hale Law Enterprises for a free consultation immediately. Procuring professional legal advice during this complex and sensitive time is vital in navigating the intricacies of criminal law from the beginning of the process to the end.

Call Hale Law Enterprises at (206) 207-4776 for assistance from an experienced attorney who is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf! Free consultations available.