When it comes to criminal offenses in Washington state, murder carries the most severe and lasting penalties for those convicted of these crimes. Depending on the specifics of the defendant’s case, a murder conviction could carry penalties like decades in jail (or even life imprisonment), costly fines, and other significant consequences that will alter the course of their lives. If you or a loved one is facing murder charges in the Vancouver or Camas area, it’s essential that you contact a highly qualified and experienced criminal murder charges attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Together, you can explore potential legal defense strategies that can improve your chances of obtaining the most fair and favorable outcome possible given the specific circumstances of your case. Let’s take a look at some of the potential defensive strategies for murder charges in Southwest Washington, such as self-defense, and how these strategies may work for you or your loved one.
The Action Was One of Self-Defense
One of the most common defensive strategies for murder or homicide charges is claiming self-defense. This means that you acted to protect yourself or another from imminent harm. In other words, you had real reasons to believe that you or someone else was in imminent danger, so you acted with proportional force against the attacker. For example, you can show that you were threatened with a deadly weapon and you used lethal force against the attacker to defend yourself or another person. In order to support your claim of self-defense, you and your murder charges lawyer will need to present evidence showing that your actions were necessary and reasonable in light of the threat you were facing at the time.
Mistaken Identity of Perpetrator
Washington state murder laws aim to prosecute defendants who likely committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. However, if you know that you were not present at the scene or that you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, you and your Vancouver criminal defense attorney can use these claims to combat the charges against you. With significant advancements in the field of forensic science, you may be able to question witnesses and establish that the evidence against you is not sufficient enough to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Another legal defense strategy for murder charges is proving that the loss of life was accidental. In other words, you lacked the criminal mindset or intent to take the person’s life; instead, the death was accidental or beyond your control. In some cases, this argument can lead to reduced charges, such as manslaughter or murder in the second degree, which carry less severe punishments than first-degree murder.
Get Started With a Trusted Vancouver Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Facing criminal charges of any kind can be stressful, intimidating, and overwhelming, especially if the charges are severe and threaten to alter the course of your life. However, before you picture the worst case scenario, it’s important to enlist the help of an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney who can assess the details of your case to identify the most strategic path forward. Now is not the time to leave your future up to chance—get started with Vancouver’s go-to criminal defense law firm today.
With over 30 years of legal experience, attorney Vern McCray is one of the most respected trial attorneys in Southwest Washington state. If you are facing criminal charges in the Vancouver or Camas area, call The Vern McCray Law Firm, PLLC, right away at (360) 834-6262 to speak with a highly qualified and trusted criminal defense attorney who will work hard to uphold your rights at every turn.
