Anchorage Murder Defense Lawyers

It is widely held that the most serious crime that can be committed in the United States is murder.

As a murder charge falls under the umbrella of homicide, it is important to note the difference between other forms of homicide, like manslaughter.

Murder is divided into 1^st degree murder and 2^nd degree murder. First degree murder is the more severe form of murder, typically carrying harsher sentences and penalties. Second degree murder typically carries a lesser sentence, while still carrying grave consequences for an offender.

If you have been charged with murder, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. We can thoroughly explain your charge, the penalties you face and the obstacles that might be present in your case.

What is First Degree Murder?

First degree murder is committed in one of the following ways:

• If you’ve exhibited an intent to cause death or you have caused someone else to commit suicide by coercing that person or instructing that person while they are under duress
• If you knowingly act against a child under the age of 16 years old in a criminally negligent manner, either by inflicting serious injury against the child in two separate acts or by causing the death of a child.
• If you commit or attempt to commit criminal mischief in the first degree and the individual that has died, dies as a result of your action or in the course of your action
• If you commit an act of terror or use threats of terror in the first degree, and the person who is at the receiving end of such threats, dies as a result of your act.

What is Second Degree Murder?

Second degree murder occurs when one of the following take place:

• The person alleged to have committed second degree murder had an intent to cause serious physical injury to another person or the person knew that his or her conduct would cause death or serious physical injury to another person
• The person knowingly engaged in an activity that resulted in the death of another person whereas you demonstrated an extreme indifference to the value of human life, in the death of the victim
• The person knowingly engaged in an activity that resulted in the death of another person where no value to human life was afforded
• The person’s actions resulted in criminal negligence causing the death of a child under the age of 16 years old and the person had previously been convicted of a crime involving a child under 16.
• If a person, acting alone or with another person, commits arson in the first degree, kidnapping, sexual assault in the first degree, sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, robbery in any degree, or misconduct involving a controlled substance, and that person causes the death of another person directly involved in the action.

Whether you’ve been charged with first-degree murder or second-degree murder, it’s important to understand the severity, penalties, and sentences for all charges. The Anchorage murder defense attorneys at the Law Office of Dattan Scott Dattan have decades of experience handling even the most complex cases. We understand your frustration, and will provide personal service and aggressive defense in your case from start to finish.

Alaska Manslaughter Defense Attorney

Many times, a murder or manslaughter case involves factors such as alcohol or drug use, an existing adversarial relationship with the victim or self-defense. No matter the unique circumstances, you are facing some of the most devastating consequences possible if you are convicted.

Manslaughter differs from murder in the sense that the former was committed without malice or premeditation. Whether the manslaughter was voluntary – homicide in the heat of passion – or involuntary – homicide as a result of a car accident, for example – you need a dedicated defense attorney on your side. You face serious ramifications in any of these cases.

Contact Our Office To Speak To A Murder Defense Lawyer

A murder charge is a very serious offence. The sooner you get in touch with one of our murder defense attorneys, the faster we can prepare your case and defense. Call (907) 276-8008 or email our Anchorage law office for a confidential consultation with our knowledgeable Anchorage criminal defense lawyers. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.