Home » Criminal Offence »
Most Sought After Lawyers for Murder and Manslaughter Cases QLD
Under Chapter 28 of the Criminal Code 1889 (QLD), the crimes of manslaughter, murder and attempted murder are considered the most serious crimes that a person can commit.
If you are facing charges relating to the death of a person, it is important to engage an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Murder is defined as the wilful killing of another person either intentionally or with reckless indifference.
Reckless indifference covers situations in which, for example, grievous bodily harm was inflicted and the victim subsequently dies.
Murder convictions result in an automatic sentence of life in prison. Under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (QLD) a person convicted of murder may also be sentenced to an ‘indefinite sentence’ which means they will be held in prison until such time as a court releases them.
Related charges include:
- Accessory after the fact (which can also result in life imprisonment)
- Conspiracy to commit murder (which can result in a 14-year term of imprisonment).
Manslaughter offences relate to the unlawful killing of a person, however they differ from murder in that they do not involve intent. Manslaughter charges are laid when a person unlawfully kills another in circumstances that do not constitute murder. Manslaughter may be the appropriate charge in a case where death occurred following provocation.
The penalty for manslaughter is also life in prison however, unlike with murder convictions, the Court does have the capacity to apply discretion based on the circumstances of the crime.
Smith Criminal Law: Criminal Law Specialists
At Smith Criminal Law our experienced team understand the complexities of Queensland Law. For charges such as murder and manslaughter, it is imperative that you have an experienced criminal lawyer handling your case.
If you are being questioned in relation to a murder or manslaughter case, you have the right to remain silent, and the right to a lawyer for advice and representation.