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26 Nov 2021

Homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another. If you have been arrested or called in for questioning over a homicide accusation, then it is vital that you contact us here at ABV Solicitors. We can delegate a specialist criminal solicitor immediately to assist you from the outset, working throughout the process to help achieve the best possible outcome for your case. A homicide offence can result in life imprisonment, therefore it is important that you have legal advice and assistance throughout the process to prevent any further implications or complications which may have detrimental effect on your case.

What does a criminal solicitor do?

Here at ABV Solicitors we understand that whether you have been falsely accused of a crime, or you inadvertently committed a crime, this is an extremely traumatic and difficult situation to find yourself in. Our criminal solicitor will be able to advise exactly how to conduct yourself throughout the process, deal with all the formalities and paperwork on your behalf and be present for all interviews and questioning by the authorities. They will collect evidence to help build up a strong defence and speak to witnesses where possible, and finally represent you in court with the best knowledge and expertise that they have to offer.

Difference between murder and manslaughter

Homicide itself can be defined as either murder or manslaughter. Each of these charges is dealt with differently, therefore it is extremely important to determine what form of homicide you are being charged with, to help put together a defence accordingly. Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with the intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. To be charged for murder it must be proven that the fatality occurred because there was an intention to kill or cause GBH. This is more difficult to prove then manslaughter, therefore it is important that your criminal solicitor is involved from the very beginning to put together a case to show that in actual fact the fatality occurred as a result of manslaughter and not murder. Manslaughter is considered to be a lesser degree of crime than murder, because the mental element of intention is absent. It is still considered an unlawful killing of a human being, however the difference is that the intention to kill cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Manslaughter can be either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs as a result of loss of control or diminished responsibility. If you are accused of murder, our criminal solicitor will help put together a case to prove loss of control or diminished responsibility, so that your charge will fall under voluntary manslaughter. You may have been under threat of serious violence or being seriously wronged or you may have fallen victim to a combination of both. Whichever situation you may have found yourself in, contact us immediately, our specialised solicitors here at ABV Solicitors are here to provide expert advice, as well as be a friendly face and the voice of reason throughout the process.