Murder and Manslaughter Criminal Defence Solicitors

Our Murder Defence Lawyers and Manslaughter Solicitors are highly experienced and skilled in defending these crimes.

If found guilty of these offences, the consequences  can be extremely severe. Because they can attract a sentence of life imprisonment, it is crucial that you act quickly and obtain legal advice and representation from the best criminal defence solicitors.

Clifford Johnston and Co has dealt with many types of murder cases. Some murder cases end up as manslaughter, other cases are charged as manslaughter.

Clifford Johnston & Co. has been practising in this area of law for over 35 years, and we are extremely skilled in representing clients who are facing allegations of murder and/or manslaughter. We are proud of our excellent reputation. People choose us because of our outstanding levels of client care – so you can be confident that we will represent you with professionalism and care. The considerable expertise of our specialist Murder Defence Lawyers in serious criminal offences has seen us shortlisted as finalists for Crime Team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards on many occasions.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

Murder and manslaughter charges are brought when a person is accused of killing or causing the death of another person. The difference between the two charges primarily relates to whether the prosecution can prove that the death was caused deliberately and with intent to either kill or cause really serious harm.

Because a murder conviction invariably attracts a much higher penalty than a manslaughter conviction, the distinction between the two charges is important to understand, and crucial to how Murder Defence Lawyers approach a criminal defence case.

Murder

Murder is committed where an offender:

1. is of ‘sound mind and discretion’;
2. unlawfully kills another person;
3. and did so with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Being accused of murder is very serious, and can lead to a sentence of imprisonment. By employing the help of Murder Defence Lawyers, you can ensure that you have the best support to reach a favourable outcome.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is committed in one of three ways:

• Unlawful act manslaughter – the prosecution must prove that you intentionally did an unlawful and dangerous act which resulted in death. This category generally involves cases where the offender assaults another person, that person dies, but they had not intended to kill or to cause really serious bodily harm.
• Gross negligence manslaughter – this occurs where the death arises out of a grossly negligent act or omission by the alleged offender.
• When a person intends to kill, and does in fact kill, but has a partial defence such as ‘loss of control’, and/or diminished responsibility.

What happens if you are arrested or charged with murder or manslaughter?

Our Murder Defence Lawyers have dealt with wide ranging murder and manslaughter cases, from deaths caused by a single punch or a push down the stairs, to premeditated executions and gang related killings. We also have significant experience of representing clients accused of gross negligence manslaughter.

Joint enterprise is another complex area of law where a person is said to have been part of a group activity where his actions may have simply encouraged others to commit the act of murder. The prosecution would have to prove that, even though he may not have committed the deadly act (for example a stabbing or shooting), they shared the same intention of killing or causing really serious harm to the deceased.

Conspiracy to murder is similar in that the accused may not have been the one who committed the act of murder, i.e. the person who ‘pulled the trigger’, but they may have played some part in the crime.  Common examples include the getaway driver or the person who supplied the firearm knowing its intended use.

In each case, we analyse all the available evidence, the background, and potential flaws in the prosecution case. We are highly skilled at handling the types of evidence commonly relied upon in murder cases, such as DNA evidence, forensics, telephone evidence including cell site analysis, gunshot residue, ANPR evidence, and witness testimony. We work with recognised experts in all of the above fields so we can check and challenge the veracity of the prosecution evidence.

Allegations of murder are often reduced to manslaughter charges when the prosecution cannot prove that the person intended to kill or cause really serious harm.

If you are arrested for manslaughter, attempted murder, or murder, you will be interviewed by the police. It is vital that you seek legal representation by Murder Defence Lawyers or Manslaughter Solicitors before you agree to be interviewed.  This is to ensure that your legal rights are protected and to make sure that you do not inadvertently do or say anything that might jeopardise your case. Following the interview at the police station, you will either be released or charged with an offence.  A charge of murder almost always leads to the accused being remanded in custody until the conclusion of the case.

The criminal defence team at Clifford Johnston & Co. can offer you quality legal representation and outstanding client care.  If you are facing an allegation of murder and/or manslaughter, please contact us as soon as possible.

How is a charge of murder or manslaughter defended?

Each case is different and fact specific. The defences available to you may depend on a variety of factors. In murder cases, the prosecution must prove that a person has died and that you either intended to kill them or cause them really serious bodily harm.

Where a person accepts being responsible for an unlawful killing, but they deny any intention to kill or cause really serious bodily harm, it may be possible to demonstrate that they lacked the requisite intention to be convicted of murder,  In addition, if a person was suffering from a severe mental illness at the time of the killing, it may be possible to secure a not guilty verdict for murder.

Defendants may also rely on self-defence. This provides a full defence. If self-defence is raised, the prosecution must prove that you were not acting to defend yourself (or another or property), or that the force used was excessive. We have experience of persuading juries that the actions of a person responsible for killing another was proportionate and a reasonable way in defending himself .

How Clifford Johnston & Co. can help

If you have been arrested or charged with murder and/or manslaughter, Clifford Johnston & Co. are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our criminal defence team has extensive experience of defending cases of murder and manslaughter, and with that comes a comprehensive understanding of the whole process from initial arrest through to the conclusion of the case.

If you find yourself facing one of these charges, seek urgent legal advice as soon as possible. When involved from the outset, we can ensure that you receive effective representation immediately, helping you to fully understand the charges against you and provide tactical advice.

Our skills in building robust defence cases are well known.  We will work tenaciously on your behalf, ensuring that we identify any relevant witnesses that support your case, including alibi’s, in addition to effectively cross-examining prosecution witnesses and obtaining the most persuasive evidence to support your case.

We will always be relentless in our aim of securing the best outcome possible for you, whether that results in the charges being dropped because of insufficient evidence and/or fighting for an acquittal at trial. In cases where the evidence is compelling and overwhelming, we will offer clear and honest guidance whilst seeking the fairest and least punitive outcome.

Clifford Johnston & Co. is rated Excellent (Category 1) by the Peer Review Team of the Legal Aid Agency, has been shortlisted for Crime Team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards, and are widely recognised for their expertise and ability to run successful defences. If you need urgent advice, representation or wish to speak to us concerning any charges relating to murder or manslaughter, contact us immediately. We offer a free and confidential initial consultation, and we can offer the advice and guidance that you need.

Funding legal support for murder cases

We believe that everyone should have access to excellent legal support, regardless of their financial situation. At Clifford Johnston & Co., we extend our expertise to all clients, whether they choose publicly funded or privately funded legal defence. Our commitment to equal access to justice is unwavering.

If legal expenses are a concern, you may qualify for legal aid, and our experienced team is here to assist you in determining eligibility and guiding you through the application process, ensuring you receive the necessary support.

Contact a Murder and Manslaughter Criminal Defence Lawyer today

We are proud to offer expert legal services nationally which is affordable and cost-effective.

By choosing to work with us, you will have an exceptional criminal law firm fighting your corner.

Our Murder and Manslaughter Defence Solicitors have an exceptional level of expertise and are an integral department within our team of Criminal Solicitors in Manchester

Talk to Clifford Johnston & Co. today.