Murder and Manslaughter Lawyers in Surrey
If you’ve been charged with murder, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of the best murder lawyers available to help you navigate the legal process. At Basra Law Group, our expert legal team has years of experience and a proven record of success in high-profile criminal defence cases. We understand the seriousness of these charges and are committed to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Whether you have been formally charged or are under investigation, our experienced lawyers can provide expert guidance and advice. It’s important to contact us as soon as possible to avoid inadvertently providing the police or crown counsel with evidence that could be used against you. Such evidence could be used as grounds for charges or conviction.
Canada has three different categories of charges related to the death of another person: murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence causing death. Below, we’ll describe these charges and help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact Basra Law Group’s Surrey murder lawyers for information specific to your case.
What Is Murder?
The Criminal Code of Canada defines murder as the unjustified and intentional killing of another human being. It outlines several scenarios in which an offender can be charged with murder, including when they:
- Intend to cause the death of the other person.
- Intend to cause bodily harm that they know is likely to cause death, and are reckless as to whether death is caused or not.
- Intend to cause death or bodily harm that they know is likely to result in the death of one person, but end up killing someone else.
- Commit an offence and do something they know or ought to know may cause death.
What Is Manslaughter?
The Criminal Code considers manslaughter a type of homicide that is committed without the intention to cause death, even if there was the intention to cause bodily harm. This means that while the offender did not intend to kill the victim, their actions still resulted in the victim’s death.
There are a variety of ways that manslaughter can be committed. In some instances, murder charges can be reduced to manslaughter. This can happen if the killing occurred in the “heat of passion” due to sudden provocation or if the offender’s mental faculties were impaired at the time of the offence due to alcohol or other substances.
Types and Categories of Murder
Murder charges in Canada are divided into three distinct categories: first degree murder, second degree murder and manslaughter.
First Degree Murder
This type of murder is classified as premeditated and deliberate killing. It involves purposeful and intentional plans to kill someone.
First-degree murders can take place alone or with other crimes, including kidnapping, sexual assault, hostage taking, or killing a peace officer. A conviction of first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole for 25 years.
It’s important to note that someone can face consecutive life sentences if convicted of multiple crimes.
Second Degree Murder
Second-degree murder involves killing with intent but without premeditation, unlike first-degree murder. Usually, all murder cases that do not fall into the category of first-degree are considered second-degree murder.
A conviction of second-degree murder also carries a mandatory life sentence, but parole may be considered after 10 years of time served.
Manslaughter Classifications
A manslaughter conviction is a lesser offence, but it can still fall under first or second-degree murder. Types of manslaughter convictions include:
- Manslaughter by criminal negligence: when a person departs from the average reasonable behaviour to commit an offence causing bodily harm or death
- Unlawful act of manslaughter: when the defendant unintentionally causes someone’s death while committing an illegal act
Manslaughter convictions carry a maximum life sentence in prison, with a minimum sentence of four years if the offence was committed with a firearm. Other penalties are left to the discretion of the judge in the trial case.
Your Criminal Lawyers in Surrey
If you are facing criminal charges such as murder or manslaughter, it’s crucial to have the best legal representation possible to avoid life imprisonment. At Basra Law Group, a top Surrey criminal law firm, we offer the best murder lawyers with extensive trial experience to protect your rights and achieve a favourable outcome. Our dedicated legal team has years of trial experience and will fight to protect your rights. We’re well-versed in the British Columbia justice system and are ready to help you navigate your criminal case.
Don’t risk your future with just any murder lawyer. Contact us today to set up an appointment and receive the best representation.
Call us at 604-560-0016 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.