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Murder

Here at Harwood Solicitors we have expertise in dealing with a significant number of murder and attempted murder cases. Murder the most serious of all the criminal offences and if convicted, carries a mandatory life sentence. There are however, cases which initially appear to be ? murder? and end up as attempted murder or manslaughter.

Murder Charges

Murder is the most serious form of homicide and, in simple terms, takes place when an individual takes another person?s life. There are however, more complexities to murder cases as there must be proof that there was intent to cause death/serious injury or at least awareness that the actions taken by the offender would result in death of the victim.

Murder charges must be heard in the Crown Court due to the severity of the offence. If you or someone you know has been charged with murder it is imperative that you contact a murder offences solicitor like Harwood Solicitors for defence.

Attempted Murder Charges

To be convicted of attempted murder there must be evidence that the defendant had intention to kill the victim. Sending death threats for instance, would not be considered attempted murder, but rather an attempt to harm someone so much so that death was likely to occur (by stabbing, shooting etc.) would be more likely to considered attempted murder.

In attempted murder cases, the jury will assess whether the attack on the victim was so severe that murder was intended. The nature of any weapon used will also be taken into consideration, guns and knives for instance would be more likely to attract an attempted murder charge as the weapons are likely to inflict death if used.

If there is no proof of intent to commit murder, this charge could be reduced to a offence of Causing Grievous Bodily Harm offence which attracts a less severe sentence.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter occurs when the victim was killed but the defendant intended to only exert some force on them but not intend to kill them. This is considered to be a much less serious offence than murder due to the fact that there was no intention for the victim to die. Being negligent (by failing to prevent a death) or reckless (by causing an accident) which results in the death of a victim would also be a manslaughter case.

Here at Harwood Solicitors we have a wealth of experience in handling murder cases sensitively and confidentially. We can provide you with legal advice and defence to get the best possible results for your circumstances. Simply use our online form or give us a call on 01254 505090 for confidential, expert advice.

How can we help?

Please get in touch so we can understand what you need and work out the best way to approach your situation. Alternatively, feel free to explore our website further.
0800 205 5556 / info@harwoodsolicitors.co.uk.