Murder & Manslaughter Solicitors
The most serious criminal offences are murder and manslaughter.
If convicted of these crimes, you could spend the best years of your life, or even the rest of your days, in a high-security prison.
It is crucial to have an experienced, skilled, and well-connected Murder/Manslaughter Solicitor on your side. We are that law firm. As one of the most highly recommended Crime Solicitors in the Midlands, you can be confident that we will support you and your family during this challenging time.
We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm that uses best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective criminal defence services. Our years of experience in criminal law mean we have built relationships with some of the UK’s best Barristers and King’s Counsel. Our clients also benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses who can provide the Court with the facts needed to support a not guilty plea or mitigate the sentence handed down by a Judge.
Advising and Representing People Accused of Criminal Offences
We are highly recommended as expert criminal defence solicitors for those accused of serious crimes. We provide 24/7 police station representation, meaning we will be by your side, protecting your interests from the start. Understanding the correct procedures the police must follow when making an arrest, we will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your detention and seek to get the charges dropped if proper processes were not followed.
Our criminal law team has in-depth experience defending serious charges such as murder and manslaughter. We work with the country’s top expert witnesses, focusing on providing you with trustworthy advice and representation. We know that your reputation, freedom, and family’s financial security are at stake, so we never give up until every appeal has been exhausted. Below are some common questions clients ask us regarding murder and manslaughter.
Common Questions About Murder and Manslaughter
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Murder is a common law offence. To be found guilty of murder, you must:
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Without lawful excuse, commit an act that is the main cause of someone’s death.
- Intend to cause death or extremely serious bodily harm.
The classic definition of murder was provided by Sir Edward Coke in the 17th century:
“Murder is when a man of sound memory, and of the age of discretion, unlawfully killeth within any county of the realm any reasonable creature in rerum natura under the King’s peace, with malice aforethought, either expressed by the party or implied by law, so as the party wounded, or hurt, etc., die of the wound or hurt.”
(1797) 3 Institutes of the Laws of England, 47
Three partial defences can reduce a murder charge to manslaughter:
- Diminished responsibility
- Loss of control
- Killing as part of a suicide pact
Manslaughter can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when one of the above defences reduces a murder charge. Involuntary manslaughter happens when an unlawful killing occurs without the intention to cause grievous bodily harm or end the victim’s life, typically due to recklessness or gross negligence.
What are the penalties for murder and manslaughter?
The sentence for murder and voluntary manslaughter is life imprisonment, with the sentencing judge setting a minimum term for eligibility for parole. If convicted of murder or voluntary manslaughter, we will present a strong argument to the judge to secure a lower minimum term.
A judge sentencing for involuntary manslaughter must consult the Sentencing Council Manslaughter Guidelines, focusing on culpability factors (high, medium, and lower).
Starting Points for the highest culpability are:
- Gross negligence manslaughter – 12 years in prison
- Loss of Control – 14 years in prison
- Unlawful Act Manslaughter – 18 years in prison
- Diminished responsibility – 24 years in prison
The Prosecution will push for the highest culpability and maximum sentence possible. Our role is to present evidence of mitigating factors to reduce the overall sentence.
Will I go to prison for a mercy killing?
Mercy killing or assisted suicide (ending the life of a loved one suffering from pain) often attracts considerable media attention. There is no special plea or defence for mercy killing; the charge is murder, carrying a life sentence. However, there may be a defence of diminished responsibility, and the sentencing judge has flexibility when setting the minimum term.
Our Criminal Defence Solicitors show great compassion in these cases, understanding the courage it took to help your loved one. We will work tirelessly to provide the best defence and secure the lowest minimum sentence if convicted.
Why Choose Us?
Regardless of the charges against you, you are entitled to a criminal defence. We do not judge our clients; our sole objective is to defend you against the Prosecution’s allegations. By instructing us to defend you, your chances of acquittal or a reduced sentence are greatly improved. The most important factor is to contact us as soon as you become aware of the criminal allegations.
Cocks Lloyd Solicitors provides exceptional Murder & Manslaughter Solicitors and Criminal Law services to clients. People choose and recommend us not just in Nuneaton, Tamworth, Atherstone, Hinckley and Leicester, but across Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, and the whole of the UK, because we get results.
To receive expert advice and representation regarding Murder & Manslaughter Solicitors and Criminal Law, please contact us using the form below, call us on (0247) 6641642, email via the Request a Callback form on this contact page.