practice area
Murder Lawyers Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
If you were arrested and charged with murder in the Greater Toronto Area, contact a GTA criminal defence lawyer immediately.
Defending You Against the Murder Charge in the GTA
There is no criminal charge more serious and severe than homicide offences in Canada. Murder charges, including first-degree and second-degree murder, carry the most serious penalties, including imprisonment for life.
People facing murder charges in the Greater Toronto Area should consider hiring a criminal lawyer as soon as possible to prepare a defence strategy. If allegations of murder have been raised against you, speak with a GTA murder lawyer at Lawyers From The Six.
Our criminal lawyers are dedicated to defending the rights, freedom, and reputation of clients facing murder charges. We have the required resources to help clients obtain a bail hearing and get them out of jail when possible.
What is murder?
Section 229 of the Criminal Code of Canada classifies murder as “culpable homicide.” Murder is the intentional killing of another human being. To be convicted of murder in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Crown must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.
For this reason, a knowledgeable and experienced criminal lawyer can prepare a strong defence to challenge the evidence against the defendant. Some of the most common defences to murder charges in Canada are:
- Self-defence
- Insanity
- Provocation
Types of murder charges
There are various types of murder charges. Generally, murder charges are broken down into main types:
- First-degree murder is any murder that was planned and deliberate. In other words, if the defendant conceived to kill another person and their act was purposeful and intentional, the offence will be charged as first-degree murder.
- Second-degree murder is an intentional killing that was not planned before it was carried out and doesn’t meet the definition of first-degree murder
First-degree murder includes four types of homicide:
- Planned and deliberate murder
- Murder of an on-duty police officer
- Murder committed while carrying out other specified crimes such as sexual offences and kidnapping
- Murder committed by a defendant who was previously convicted of first- or second-degree murder
Any other type of homicide is typically charged as second-degree murder.
What are the penalties for murder charges?
Penalties vary depending on whether you are convicted of first- or second-degree murder in Canada:
- First-degree murder. You can be sentenced to life in jail with the eligibility for parole after serving 25 years.
- Second-degree murder. While you may also face life imprisonment when convicted of second-degree murder, you can have the chance of parole after 10 years. However, in some cases, a person convicted of second-degree murders may have to serve 25 years before applying for parole.
Our GTA murder defence lawyers at Lawyers From The Six understand the serious nature of homicide charges in Canada’s criminal justice system. We are familiar with the characteristics of all types of murder charges under the Criminal Code and know how to provide a successful defence to protect your rights and freedom.
WE OFFER FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATIONS
Looking to work with the GTA's Top Lawyers?
Contact us today to find out how we can help bring you the justice you deserve!
