Homicide Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

We Defend Those Accused of Every Type of Crime

Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney

Professional & Experienced Lawyer – Available 24/7

If you are facing charges for homicide or any other crime that resulted in the death of another person, it’s critical that you have strong representation from a Phoenix criminal defense attorney.

As a top Phoenix criminal defense lawyer, Belén understands the specialized issues surrounding the preparation and defense of a homicide charge in Arizona and has the courtroom experience and skill required to stand up against the state. Belén Olmedo Guerra is known for providing aggressive defense representation for her clients throughout Phoenix. She has successfully handled a number of high-profile cases.

Types of Homicide Cases We Handle

As a skilled Phoenix homicide defense attorney, Belén and her criminal defense team are prepared to defend you against all types of murder charges, including:

Felony Murder
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Murder
Voluntary Manslaughter
Involuntary Manslaughter
Negligent Homicide
Vehicular Manslaughter

Penalties for Homicide Charges in Arizona

First-Degree Murder

Under ARS §13-1105, first-degree murder is defined as “intending or knowing that the person’s conduct will cause death, the person causes the death of another person, including an unborn child, with premeditation or, as a result of causing the death of another person with premeditation, causes the death of an unborn child.” First-degree murder in Arizona is a Class 1 felony punishable by life imprisonment, natural life imprisonment, or the death penalty.

Second-Degree Murder

The definition of second-degree murder in Arizona can be found in ARS §13-1104. Second-degree murder is also a Class 1 felony in AZ, but is punishable by a presumptive term of 16 years, a maximum of 25 years, and a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Manslaughter

Under ARS §13-1103, manslaughter is considered a Class 2 dangerous felony. Class 2 dangerous felony charges may result in a prison sentence between 7 to 21 years for a first offense. It’s important to remember that with this criminal offense and all other homicide charges, historical priors or dangerous repetitive offenses will drastically increase the sentencing.

Negligent Homicide

The legal definition under ARS §13-1102 states that “a person commits negligent homicide if with criminal negligence the person causes the death of another person, including an unborn child.” Criminal negligence occurs when a person unknowingly does or fails to do something that puts others in substantial and unjustifiable danger. Negligent homicide is a Class 4 felony with penalties ranging from 1 to 3.75 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines for a first offense.

Defenses Against Homicide Charges in Arizona

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, several defenses may be available. This includes offering proof that someone else committed the crime, the killing was done in self defense, the murder was unintentional, the State’s evidence is insufficient to convict, or in the cases of felony murder, that the death was not caused by the commission of another crime. Furthermore, there may be mitigating circumstances such that the facts only support a lesser charge. The Phoenix criminal defense lawyers at Belén Law Firm have the skill required to bring these defenses to life in the courtroom, whether this be through withering cross examination of a Government witness or a compelling closing argument demonstrating the deficiencies in the State’s proof.

Why You Need a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Homicide Charges

At Belén Law Firm, a renowned criminal defense law firm in Phoenix, we are committed to providing aggressive and effective legal representation for individuals facing homicide charges and other criminal cases in Arizona. Our experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorneys have a deep understanding of Arizona’s criminal justice system, and we know how to navigate the complexities of defending against violent crimes. We understand the serious nature of these charges and the potential consequences our clients face. That’s why we work tirelessly to build a strong defense on their behalf, utilizing all available resources to protect their rights and secure the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one is facing a homicide charge, our dedicated legal team is here to provide the skilled representation you need.

With every case we take, we closely scrutinize every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to use against our clients. Armed with a thorough understanding of each case, our criminal attorneys drive the case towards the best possible outcome, whether that is convincing the state of Arizona to dismiss or reduce the charges against her clients or crafting a successful defense at trial. When the state seeks the death penalty and your life is on the line, Belén Olmedo Guerra has the skill and courage to stand between you and the state. She will leave no stone unturned to defend and protect your life.

Call The Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys at Belén Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation

If you are facing criminal charges for homicide in or around Phoenix, AZ, you NEED the aggressive representation of a criminal defense lawyer like Belén Olmedo Guerra. Contact a Phoenix murder defense attorney at Belén Law Firm today to discuss your homicide case. Our criminal law firm offers free case evaluations and is available 24/7. You can reach us at 602-715-0908 or by completing our online intake form.

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What Our Clients Say

"We first hired Belen and her highly esteemed team of expert litigators. For her integrity and professionalism, but during the course of our representation, we gained a degree of personal trust and reliance far exceeding our expectations. Belen demonstrated an amazing level of genuine care and compassion and an implicit desire to keep us informed and knowledgeable of each step in the process. She is a diligent and hard worker and leaves no stone unturned. Our representation was nothing short of brilliant, creative and successful! She is without a doubt the Lady I want in my corner. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone interested in winning their case with the least amount of headaches throughout the process."

"Belén is hands down the BEST defense attorney out there. She has the heart, compassion, determination, backbone and most of all, the desire to help her clients. Belén’s expertise and experience helped mitigate our case to receive a reduced sentence. She spent thousands of hours over the year and a half she represented our family to challenge the prosecution at every corner and on every angle. She went above what most attorneys do by hiring her own experts and investigators to ensure she went to battle fully loaded. Due to her dedication, determination and commitment, my family felt extremely satisfied and confident that she obtained the best outcome with a reduced sentence. Belén is a stand up human being who, not only represented our family, but became family. If you want the best defense attorney, Belen is your choice!"

"At a time where we felt helpless and, quite frankly traumatized, Belen stepped in and reassured us that we had options and assured us she would work her hardest for a satisfactory resolution. My teenage son needed defense against law enforcement and my family needed legal advice and support in the worst way. Despite being beaten black and blue by police officers that said he was resisting arrest, they also charged him with two felonies. We were all at a loss and Belen was able to keep us grounded as we went through the process explaining every step along the way. She worked extremely hard to expose the truth about the officer involved, and because of her hard work, the felonies were dropped. My son can go on with his life without having his record and character tarnished by these unjust accusations."

"Hire this one! I spoke to several firms before using Belen. Every other firm connected me to a sales person who refused to allow me to speak with an attorney. Belen was put on the phone when I called at 7pm on a Saturday. Belen cared about my son. He had a warrant for his arrest and did not know until he was pulled over and hauled off to jail. Belen went to the jail on Saturday, stood with my son in jail in front of the jailhouse court judge and told that judge how it was. My son walked out 2 hours later without paying for bail. The following week, she called the prosecutor and was able to get the plea reinstated from years prior that resulted in the case being fully dismissed. Also, her fees for everything were lower than the other attorneys who were trying to get me to pay over the phone. I highly recommend Belen!"