Murder & Manslaughter

Murder is the most serious crime that can be brought against in a Canadian court. If you or someone you love are facing murder or manslaughter charges, the road ahead can be scary.. But, with a highly skilled, competent, and experienced criminal defence lawyer, you can navigate these charges for the best results possible. 

At Karrass Law, our team of criminal lawyers has a proven track record defending murder and manslaughter charges in Ontario, and we can help you, too. For a non-judgemental, skilled, and determined approach to your defence, contact one of the best criminal defence lawyers in the region, Robert Karrass. 

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How is Murder Classified in the Ontario Criminal Code?

When it comes to murder or homicide charges in Ontario, culpability is measured by intent. The penalties will vary based on the degree of murder in which the defendant is accused. There are two different classifications of murder and two different classifications of homicide based on responsibility and intent.

• First-Degree Murder: To be considered first-degree murder, the incident must require a level of intention and planning, thereby resulting in death. 
• Second-Degree Murder: On the other hand, second-degree murder is still an intentional homicide, but here, the cases don't fit the requirements for first-degree murder, meaning there is no planning in advance. 
• Unlawful Act Manslaughter: To be considered manslaughter, the act resulting in death was not undergone with an intent to kill. Unlawful act manslaughter refers to death as the result of another illegal act, such as armed robbery or vehicular manslaughter, due to driving under the influence (DUI).
• Criminal Negligence Manslaughter:  Criminal negligence causing death refers to a behaviour which deviates from the standard, in that a reasonable person in a particular situation would foresee death or bodily harm as a result of this unusual behaviour.

Your initial charges will fall into one of these classifications depending on the prosecution/the Crown's case and the factors outlined above. Depending on the specifics of your case, your skilled criminal defence lawyer might be able to reclassify your case into a different category. This reclassification can potentially lessen the severity of the penalties you face. 

For more insight into the potential penalties and to start building an effective defence, contact the Karrass Law team and book your consultation.

How Our Team of Criminal Lawyers Can Make a Difference

Due to the gravity of murder and manslaughter charges, it’s vital that you seek competent representation from a criminal lawyer in Toronto or Ontario with a proven track record. Your lawyer will represent you through all stages of the case, advocating for your best interests and significantly impacting your final outcome. 

• Expert Legal Knowledge: Our lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of murder and manslaughter laws as they pertain to the Ontario criminal codes, making our team exceptionally qualified to navigate their complexities. We also remain up-to-date on current legal events and new rulings/precedents that can affect your case. 
• Courtroom Experience: If your case goes to trial, you should feel confident in your lawyer’s ability to confidently and articulately argue before a judge and jury. Our team has experience with murder charges and trials, giving us a deep understanding of the expectations and tendencies of both judges and juries. 
• Negotiation Skills: In many cases, the result of a criminal case can come down to the negotiation of plea bargains. If you’re presented with a plea deal, Robert Karrass and our team will take the time to understand the specifics of the offer and ensure that your interest is represented. 
• Non-Judgemental Perspective: It’s essential that you work with a criminal defence lawyer that you know is not inclined to judge you or the charge brought against you. At Karrass Law, we understand the complexities of murder cases. We will fully devote ourselves to providing you with the highest level of representation, regardless of the details of your case.
• Time and Resource Management: Effective defence is more than simply arguing the facts of the case. Our legal team is dedicated to smart time and resource management to ensure that legal paperwork, deadlines, and court dates are handled efficiently and professionally.

Start Your Defence with Our Skilled Criminal Lawyers at Karrass Law

The legal process for defending murder or manslaughter charges can seem like a long journey. But, with the support of our team of skilled and experienced criminal defence lawyers, you can be confident that you will receive the best representation possible to generate the best outcome without judgment. 

From the initial consultation to the final verdict, our criminal lawyers will be dedicated to formulating, maintaining, and presenting a robust defence. Our skilled criminal lawyers will begin building a defence with a tailored strategy.

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