Murder Defense Lawyer in Auburn

Murder is one of the most serious offenses there are, and it can cost you everything in your life. Washington applies the full weight of the law to prosecuting and punishing this offense, which means a sound defense is critical to fighting the charges against you. An experienced and highly skilled murder defense lawyer in Auburn can provide representation and effectively fight for you during your case.

Puget Law Group’s Auburn homicide charges lawyers can step in and talk to law enforcement and prosecutors so you don’t hurt your case outcome. With nine former prosecutors on our team and 150 years of combined experience, we’re able to aggressively fight for you and strike quickly so that early action can minimize the impact on your life and maximize results.

How to Protect Yourself When You Are Accused of Committing Murder in Auburn

Protecting yourself after allegations of murder starts from the moment you’re arrested. First, follow directions from law enforcement if you’re arrested so you do not face additional charges or penalties. However, you have the right to remain silent and hire a murder defense attorney in Auburn to represent you during conversations with police, prosecutors, and judges.

While your initial instinct may be to defend yourself after an arrest, the less you say, the better. Your words can be used against you and damage your chances of a favorable outcome in your case. Once you have retained a lawyer, they can communicate for you, as well as investigate the incident, analyze forensics, and review the prosecution’s case in order to build a strong case to get results.

During your case, you also have the right to hear your charges and present your defense. The Constitution ensures you have the right to due process and a fair and speedy trial. Your lawyer ensures that these rights aren’t violated so you can be heard and treated fairly. They not only advocate for you, but they also help protect you.

How Murder is Defined in Auburn, Washington

According to RCW 9A.32.030, murder is considered the act of killing another person with intention and premeditation. It also includes killing another person while committing another type of felony offense. While this is charged as murder in the first degree, second-degree murder includes intentionally killing another person without premeditation (RCW 9A.32.050). This is more likely to occur “in the moment.”

Additionally, the terms murder and manslaughter may sound similar, but they are very different. Murder involves the intentional or premeditated act of killing another individual. Manslaughter, on the other hand, is unintentional and is generally the result of gross negligence or recklessness. It’s important to understand the distinction. While both charges are serious, manslaughter is considered a lesser charge.

Murder can also be charged as a federal offense if it occurs on federal land, involves a federal official, or involves a federal offense. If you have received federal murder charges, it’s critical to hire a federal murder defense lawyer in Auburn because the penalties for federal crimes are much harsher than state-level murder charges.

Penalties for Murder Charges and the Potential for a Plea Deal

If you are convicted of murder in Auburn, you could be facing the highest-level felony charges there are in the state. As a Class A felony, you could receive a life sentence in prison, as well as up to $50,000 in fines. Our team can help fight these penalties by negotiating reduced charges or sentencing terms. They can also present mitigating factors to reduce sentencing, if applicable.

Another option for reducing the penalties you could face in an Auburn murder case is to take a plea deal. A plea deal can help reduce your charges or sentence in exchange for submitting a guilty plea. Lawyers generally negotiate the terms of these agreements, and a resolution can help you avoid lengthy litigation and having to go to court for a full trial.

It is important to be aware, though, that not all plea deals may be in your best interests. This is why your lawyer should oversee, review, and negotiate these types of deals on your behalf. There may be times when you may have a better chance at a successful outcome by not taking the deal and going to court. Your lawyer can provide counsel based on your unique situation and what is in your best interests.

An Auburn Murder Defense Attorney Develops a Strong and Tailored Defense Strategy

Part of preparing for a criminal trial is developing a strong defense strategy to fight the charges against you. The attorney handling your case challenges the allegations against you, protects your rights, and uses critical defenses that are designed to get your charges or sentence reduced, or even get your entire case dismissed or acquitted. Some common defenses that your lawyer may use may include:

• Lack of premeditation or intent to commit murder
• Acting in self-defense or defending others
• You were the subject of mistaken identity
• You have an alibi for the time of the murder
• Procedural or chain of custody errors

These defenses can undermine the prosecution’s case against you. Prosecutors must provide significant evidence to show guilt beyond a reasonable doubt before a conviction can be levied. As such, Puget Law Group works to introduce doubt into the case, making it harder to put you at the scene of the murder and convict you of this crime. We customize our approach so we can accomplish this effectively.

Meet With the Team at Puget Law Group Today

If you are facing allegations of murder, reach out to Puget Law Group right away. A murder defense attorney in Auburn from our team is ready to provide counsel and safeguard your rights.

We fight back so you don’t suffer the full weight of the law and can protect your future as much as possible. Schedule a free consultation today with our attorneys to learn how to proceed with your case and defense strategy.