Being accused of taking the life of another person is the most serious charge there is. Homicide cases are high profile and complex. They require a great deal of time, legal strategy, and expert opinion. Not every attorney is qualified to represent a case of such serious magnitude. The attorneys at The Law Office of Patrick Benca have the experience and qualifications necessary to represent you in the most serious of matters. If you are charged or under investigation for an Arkansas homicide, it is of the utmost importance that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Call our office today for a free consultation.
Attorneys protecting the rights of individuals accused of capital murder charges in Arkansas
Arkansas is a state that allows capital punishment. This means that if you are charged and convicted of first-degree murder, you may be punished with death. Capital murder charges may be brought if you are accused of:
- Causing the death of another while engaging in another violent crime, such as robbery, rape, or kidnapping, and your actions show “an extreme indifference to human life.”
- Causing the death of another person while committing arson
- Purposefully ending the life of another as a result of a premeditated plan
- Causing the death of another by discharging a firearm from a vehicle
- Causing the death of a child under the age of 14, while showing extreme indifference to human life
- Hiring a person to kill another, or killing another person in exchange for something of value
The state of Arkansas requires special procedures in cases in which the prosecution seeks the death penalty. In these situations, the prosecution and defense are allowed to present additional evidence regarding aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and are given the opportunity to present arguments regarding appropriate sentences. Capital cases are handled in two phases. The first is to determine if the Defendant is guilty. If the Defendant is convicted then a second portion of the trial is held to determine whether or not the Defendant will be executed. Not all attorneys have the experience and qualifications to handle such matters. Patrick Benca is deemed a “death penalty qualified lawyer” by the state of Arkansas and is capable of handling the most complex of cases. If you are accused of capital murder then your life is at stake. Call our Little Rock office immediately.
Arkansas attorneys representing defendants in manslaughter and second degree murder cases
Not all homicide cases are charged in the first degree. In fact, capital murder charges are fairly rare. There are, however, other circumstances in which a person may be accused of ending a life involuntarily. Crimes of passion, automobile accidents resulting in death, unreasonable acts of self-defense, gun accidents, and physical altercations may result in charges of manslaughter or murder in the second degree. Manslaughter convictions may result in being sentenced to three to ten years in prison, while second-degree murder charges may lead to a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Whenever you are accused of being responsible for the death of another, it is important to contact our criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. Call our office today at 501-353-0024.