Frequently Asked Questions About Homicide
Homicide refers to taking someone’s life. This can be either direct or indirect depending on the situation. Specific terms are used to describe homicide based on the underlying circumstances. This includes first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, and infanticide.
The different degrees of homicide are split based on guilt. Each situation is unique, and it’s essential to go through these details in a court of law. The justice system requires a comprehensive assessment of charges such as these due to their severity.
This includes first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter.
Let’s assume a murder was not planned or deliberate but is still categorized as first-degree murder. It can be treated as first-degree murder due to the death’s circumstances. This can occur, and it tends to happen when a police officer is murdered as long as the individual was aware the other person was a police officer at the time of the murder.
Another way murder can be listed as first-degree murder is when it occurs during a deliberate crime. It includes sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping, hijacking, terrorism, hostage-taking, or forcible confinement. It can also be the primary charge if the crime was completed on behalf of a criminal organization.
This refers to any homicide that is not listed as a first or second-degree murder. If the murder was not committed with the intention to harm the other person, then this is seen as manslaughter in the legal system. There are two subcategories of manslaughter – manslaughter by criminal negligence and unlawful act of manslaughter.
When a person is not responsible enough and is aware that their actions might put others’ lives in danger, then the offense is considered negligence, causing death in Canadian society. This kind of behavior can be identified anywhere: public gatherings and private such as workspace.
An excellent example of this would be a parent leaving their child in a vehicle during a hot summer’s day. Depending on their actions during the moment, this is seen as criminal negligence. The only time this would be seen as a reasonable action would be if it were to complete another positive act (i.e., saving another individual in distress at the same time).
There are many variables that are considered in a court of law with the help of a legal professional.
In Canada, there are subcategories for a reason, as this can help pinpoint the correct sentence for the type of action that was committed by a convicted individual.
Starting with someone guilty of first-degree murder, they will receive a life sentence in prison. The same goes for those guilty of second-degree murder. Parole comes after 25 years with a life sentence. If a person has been guilty of second-degree murder, the life sentence is going to go with parole after ten years.
It is important to note that some judges can decide not to offer parole depending on the nature of the crime or can increase the years up to 25 years.
If an individual is guilty of manslaughter, they can receive a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. However, most cases are going to have relatively lighter sentences, such as four years in prison. While other cases will have the judge decide what the suitable penalty is for that specific case.
To find out more about what Fedorowicz Law has to offer, take the time to reach out to Richard, the best murder lawyer Toronto has to deliver. This is an all-in-one solution for those who want to do things the right way and want comprehensive legal advice.
This type of murder refers to the most severe subcategory of homicide. It’s when an individual murders another person with planning and purpose. The murder is well planned whether it has to do with timing, specific items, and how the murder will be carried out. If there is a deliberate action behind the homicide and it was done with significant pre-planning, it falls under first-degree murder.
It necessarily does not mean that the planning has to be comprehensive. It can be subtle planning, as that is enough for it to be termed first-degree murder in Canadian law.
On the same note, if an individual plans a murder and isn’t successful, this will be charged as an attempt to murder in Canadian law.
This type of murder refers to anything that is not seen to be deliberate. This second category is designed to help account for the difference between deliberation and instant action. Second-degree murder tends to include those types of murders all in one class.
This refers to any situation where the individual was completing an illegal act and then ended up murdering someone during the process. This can be seen as an intentional act that led to unintentional consequences leading to the other person’s death. This is classified as an unlawful act of manslaughter.
When it’s time to defend a murder charge, it’s possible to use provocation as away. This includes showing it was a “heat of the moment” situation that led to murder. This is when an individual loses self-control due to the surrounding circumstances, and they never had the intent to murder.
Another defense that can be used is an altered state of mind at the time of the person’s actions. This can include being drunk or taking drugs. This can help reduce the charge from first or second-degree murder to manslaughter.