Murder Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona
Crime and murder are on the rise in many of the nation’s cities, and Phoenix seems to be tracking the nationwide trend. In 2020, the city witnessed the highest homicide rate in 10 years, and in 2021, the statistics ran even higher, with 137 homicides through the first eight months of the year, according to the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA).
Pundits and analysts might disagree on the cause of the rise in crime and murders nationwide, but homicide in Arizona is treated very seriously. A first-degree murder conviction can result in a life sentence—or even a death sentence.
If you’re facing a murder charge in or around Phoenix, you should contact Faussette & Faussette PLLC. As criminal defense attorneys, we will listen to your story, investigate the charges, assess your options, and develop a customized defense strategy to seek the best available result for you.
We are proud to serve clients throughout the Valley and its surrounding cities and across the entire state of Arizona, including Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Goodyear.
Arizona Murder Statutes
In Arizona, murder is treated as either a first-degree or second-degree felony, the difference being that first-degree murder requires premeditation. The crime of manslaughter also involves the taking of another’s life.
First-degree murder can be charged if, under Arizona law, a person “[i]ntending or knowing that the person’s conduct will cause death, the person causes the death of another person, including an unborn child, with premeditation.”
Premeditation is defined as follows: "the defendant acts with either the intention or the knowledge that he will kill another human being, when such intention or knowledge precedes the killing by any length of time to permit reflection. Proof of actual reflection is not required, but an act is not done with premeditation if it is the instant effect of a sudden quarrel or heat of passion.”
The statute also lists the taking of a human life while committing a felony as first-degree murder. The felonies are numerous, but include kidnapping, drive-by shootings, dangerous drug offenses, burglary, robbery, child abuse, and unlawful flight from a law enforcement vehicle. Killing a law enforcement officer in the line of duty is also first-degree murder.
Why Choose Faussette & Faussette, PLLC?
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Client-Focused RepresentationEvery case begins with understanding your unique circumstances, allowing the firm to build personalized legal strategies that protect your interests.
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Honest & Transparent CommunicationClients receive clear guidance, straightforward answers, and regular updates so they can make informed decisions throughout their case.
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Aggressive When It Matters MostWhether negotiating a settlement or fighting in court, the firm stands up for clients' rights and pursues the best possible outcome.
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Experienced Legal AdvocacyWith nearly a decade of experience, Faussette & Faussette provides knowledgeable representation in criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters.
Penalties for Murder & Manslaughter
First-degree murder can result in life imprisonment with no possibility of parole, or even in a death sentence. Second-degree murder is more likely to result in a prison term of 10 to 25 years. A manslaughter conviction can range from 3 to 12.5 years in prison.
For both second-degree murder and manslaughter, fines and probation can also be possible penalties. For second offenses, penalties will increase.
Hear about our clients experience with us
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"Got my entire case diverted and won’t even show up on my record."Nick Faussette was incredibly competent and amazingly attentive from the very start.- Ross M.
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"Communicative, honest, pragmatic and highly competent attorneys."Assess your situation grounded in the law to create a comprehensive strategy to provide the best possible outcome.- CC
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"Her representation was thorough and well prepared."She is overjoyed, relieved and pleasantly surprised with the simplicity and swiftness.- James M.
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"They've done amazing and incredibly outstanding job."If I had a way for giving Jacob Faussette 100 stars, I could have done so, but since 5 is the highest, then he deserves all of them.- Satisfied Client
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"I would not hesitate to work with him."He did such an amazing job and really helped my family.- Ketsia A.
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"Jacob Faussette is the best lawyer ever"I would recommend anyone to have Jacob fight for your justice.- Julienne B.
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"I'm 100% satisfied!"Jacob was assigned my case by the public defender's office but worked my case as if I paid him $20,000.- Gary G.
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"I've been affiliated with the Faussette brothers for a while now."Jake and Nick will fight through a blizzard or sandstorm to make sure your case doesn't turn into ruins.- Joey B.
Possible Defenses
For first-degree murder, three possible defenses might include:
- The act was done in self-defense
- There was no premeditation or intention to kill
- Police obtained a coerced confession
For second-degree murder, the same defenses are available except that premeditation is not a prerequisite. The defense can argue there was no intention.
For manslaughter, you can argue that your actions were merely negligent and not reckless, thereby reducing the charge to negligent homicide, which carries a lighter prison term.
As with any criminal charge, the prosecution must prove you’re guilty of the crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Therefore, your defense can challenge all evidence and the testimony of witnesses, and can also examine police and prosecutorial tactics to see if your rights were violated.
Murder Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona
Don’t trust your fate to the hands of a public defender, no matter how well trained or well-intentioned they may be. Public defenders generally face huge caseloads and have little time to prepare a solid defense and will often opt for the first plea deal. You can do better. Here at Faussette & Faussette PLLC, we will listen to your story, get the facts straight, and represent you through every phase of the criminal charging process—preliminary hearings, during initial and preliminary pretrial conferences, and throughout any plea negotiations, settlement conferences, trials, or sentencing hearings. We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area. Call today to set up a consultation.
