Homicide Lawyer in Seattle

Murders today are a top law enforcement concern, but a homicide case is not always a murder case. Murder laws are extremely narrow and precise. Sometimes a criminal homicide is voluntary or involuntary manslaughter or negligent homicide, not murder. Experienced Seattle homicide attorney Kevin Trombold defends Seattle-area clients facing homicide charges that can include murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, attempted murder, negligent homicide, and murder-for-hire. Murders are the most serious crimes dealt with by Washington state’s criminal justice system. Although every homicide defense is unique and no particular result can ever be suggested or promised, when your future is genuinely on the line, you must be defended by a lawyer who has experience at obtaining the verdict you need.

HOMICIDE LAWS

Homicide is defined as “the killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or omission of another, death occurring at any time, and is either (1) murder, (2) homicide by abuse, (3) manslaughter, (4) excusable homicide, or (5) justifiable homicide.”

First degree murder is charged when a person:

  • Has a premeditated intent to kill another person and then follows through with causing the death of this person; or
  • Engages in conduct which poses a grave risk to another person’s life and the person dies as a result of this conduct; or
  • Attempts to commit or commits robbery, rape, burglary, arson, or kidnapping and causes the death of another person while doing so.

This crime is a class A felony, which is punishable by life in prison.

Aggravated first degree murder, which is the most serious of all homicide charges, occurs when a person commits murder in the first degree, but with extenuating circumstances. The charge will be aggravated first degree murder if the victim was:

  • A law enforcement officer or firefighter who was performing his or her duties during the time of the crime
  • Employed as a news reporter and the crime was committed to hinder an investigation
  • Someone who had a restraining or court order against the accused
  • A judge, juror, former juror, attorney, probation or parole officer

This is a short list of situations that could warrant an aggravated first degree murder charge. There are dozens of other situations that could lead to you being charged with aggravated first degree murder. Someone found guilty of aggravated first degree murder could be sentenced to life in prison or even death.

Murder in the second degree is charged when a person:

  • Has intent to cause the death of another person and does cause the death, but with no premeditation to do so; or
  • Attempts to commit or commits a felony crime that is not part of murder in the first degree charges that causes the death of another person.

Second degree murder is also a class A felony in Washington state.

Homicide by abuse occurs when someone acts with an indifference to human life and causes the death of a child or person under the age of sixteen, a developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult. The accused must have also engaged in a pattern of assault or torture towards the child or dependent adult. This crime is also a class A felony and may result in a prison sentence.

Manslaughter in the first degree is caused when a person recklessly causes death to someone else or unlawfully or intentionally kills an unborn child by causing harm on the child’s mother. This crime is also a class A felony.

Manslaughter in the second degree is caused when a person acts with criminal negligence and causes the death of another person as a result. This crime is a class B felony, which is less serious than other homicide charges, but still should not be taken lightly.

Vehicular homicide is defined as a death caused by a motor vehicle. The driver may be convicted of vehicular homicide if he or she causes a death because he or she is driving recklessly, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving without regard to the safety of others. This crime is charged as a class A felony, and the punishment may vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances.

If you have received a murder charge, manslaughter, or homicide by abuse, don’t wait to contact one of our experienced Seattle homicide attorneys at the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold. The sooner that you contact the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, the sooner you can have a team of knowledgeable attorneys defending your rights and always on your side to fight for your case.

AGGRESSIVE, FORMIDABLE DEFENSE

By far, the majority of homicides are not murders in Washington state. If you are accused of taking someone’s life, it may have happened accidentally, or you may have been acting to defend yourself and/or others. Around the greater Seattle area, if you are charged with committing any homicide, experienced Seattle homicide attorney Kevin Trombold will review the particulars of your case and develop an aggressive, formidable homicide defense on your behalf. Attorney Kevin Trombold has for Seattle-area clients for more than twenty years. He is thoroughly familiar with the homicide law and the laws on murder in this state. His reputation and record speak for themselves.

Seattle Homicide Attorney

EMAIL OR CALL TODAY

A homicide charge is perhaps the most severe criminal charge you can face. In fact, a homicide charge can ruin your life if you don’t get the proper help promptly from the correct criminal defense attorney. Kevin Trombold and his legal staff work all work swiftly and aggressively so they can investigate each client case in-depth. If you are charged with homicide around the Seattle area, call the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold at by calling 206-590-7667 promptly for a consultation.