Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter are some of the most serious offences you can be charged with.
Mounting a strong defence against such charges requires a firm of solicitors with the specialist knowledge and experience needed to give you the best possible chance of securing a favourable outcome.
Criminal Lawyer Hamilton has a large criminal defence team with decades of combined experience in defending clients accused of serious offences against the person. With the aid of experienced Barristers, we will mount a strong defence on your behalf.
Murder
Murder is defined in law as, when a person of sound mind unlawfully kills another person, with the intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm.
The crime of murder carries a mandatory life sentence, if convicted. This means that the presiding Judge has no discretion to offer a lesser sentence. Murder charges are always tried at a Crown Court in front of a Judge and Jury.
Attempted Murder
Attempted Murder is defined in law as, when a person has the intention to kill and has done something more than merely preparatory to commit the killing.
The attempt has to be serious enough that death could have resulted from it. The main difference between attempted murder and other serious offences against the person, such as grievous bodily harm, is the intent to kill.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a less serious offence than murder. Although the result is the same in that the person has died, the main difference is in the intent of the attacker.
Manslaughter is when a person kills another, but only intended to hurt them, or to exert some force on them. It can also be manslaughter if the attacker was negligent or reckless as to whether some harm would be caused to the victim. With murder, the intention has to be to kill the person or to commit serious harm.
Mounting a strong defence
We will ensure that every possible avenue is explored in mounting a strong defence against charges of murder, attempted murder or manslaughter.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, this may include the use of experts in fields such as DNA, forensics, ballistics, etc.
Legal aid may be available to fund a defence against murder, attempted murder or manslaughter.