Affordable Murder Defence Lawyers in Ottawa

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, goes the saying. We often become involved in criminal law matters before charges are even laid. We are experienced at guiding a client, delicately and discreetly, through police investigations. In countless cases, we have been successful in ensuring that criminal charges are never even laid.

Our long-standing relationship with police agencies and senior investigators allow us to explore avenues of resolution that may not be otherwise available. We review investigative material, counsel and advise our clients and negotiate with police authorities and Crown Attorneys – all at the investigative stage.

Many people simply cannot afford to bear the stigma that comes along with a formal criminal charge – be it for personal, professional or reputational reasons. We can intercede at the earliest possible stage and determine whether criminal charges can be avoided.

What is homicide?

Homicide refers to the act of causing the death of another person, either directly or indirectly. Under Canadian law, Criminal Code Section 229, homicide encompasses a range of offences, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, and infanticide.

The law in Canada acknowledges that not all homicides are committed with the same intent or level of culpability. To reflect this, homicide is divided into distinct categories based on the accused’s degree of responsibility in the death:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Manslaughter
• Infanticide

Homicide is one of the most severe charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, with penalties varying depending on the classification of the offence. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when building a defence, as the alleged level of intent plays a significant role in determining the potential legal consequences.

What is 1st degree Murder?

First-degree murder is the most serious homicide offence under Canadian law. It refers to a killing that is both planned and deliberate. A murder is considered planned if it was premeditated or thought out before being carried out. It is deliberate when the actions taken were intentional and purposeful, with the clear goal of ending another person’s life.

Importantly, the plan to commit the murder does not need to be complex or detailed, nor does the deliberation need to occur over a long period of time. Any amount of forethought or preparation, combined with an intentional act to carry out the killing, can qualify as first-degree murder.

In Canada, certain circumstances automatically elevate a murder to first-degree regardless of planning or deliberation. These include:

• Killing a police officer, corrections officer, or another individual performing a public duty.
• Committing murder during another specified criminal act, such as sexual assault, kidnapping, or hijacking.
• Contract killings, where the act is carried out for payment or reward.

If a plan to kill is unsuccessful, the charge may instead be attempted murder. First-degree murder convictions carry the most severe penalties, including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for at least 25 years.

What is 2nd degree Murder?

Second-degree murder includes all intentional killings that do not meet the criteria for first-degree murder, such as those committed without planning or deliberation. It often involves acts of violence where the intent to kill arises in the heat of the moment or during unforeseen circumstances.

A conviction for second-degree murder results in a mandatory life sentence, with parole eligibility set between 10 and 25 years, depending on the case specifics. Given the severe consequences, having experienced legal representation is crucial. Affordable Defence in Ottawa is committed to protecting your rights and building a strong defence tailored to your unique situation.

Contact Affordable Defence Today

Call us at 613-223-4089 in Ottawa or contact us online to book a FREE consultation. Our Ottawa lawyers handle murder & homicide cases with discretion and tenacity for the sake of our clients’ protection.