Manslaughter and murder are types of homicides defined in the Criminal Code of Canada. They are considered to be the most severe of criminal offences. The most severe criminal charges requires experienced Winnipeg defence lawyer, Jeffrey J. Gindin, Q.C.
Mr. Gindin examines every single piece of evidence, and other factors surrounding manslaughter and murder offences to build a strategic defence to the charges. Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer on your side during this difficult, scary, and stressful period of time in your life is vital if you want the best possible outcomes to your charges.
According to the Criminal Code of Canada, homicide is defined as follows:
- 222 (1) A person commits homicide when, directly or indirectly, by any means, he causes the death of a human being.
- 222 (2) Homicide is culpable or not culpable.
- 222 (3) Homicide that is not culpable is not an offence.
- 222 (4) Culpable homicide is murder or manslaughter or infanticide.
- 222 (5) A person commits culpable homicide when he causes the death of a human being,
- (a) Be means of an unlawful act;
- (b) By criminal negligence;
- (c) By causing that human being, by threats or fear of violence or deception, to do anything that causes his death; or
- (d) By willfully frightening that human being, in the case of a child or sick person.
The Criminal Code also contains specific language in regards to whether homicide is considered murder or manslaughter. When a murder is premediated and the person knowingly and intentionally plans to attempt to kill or kills another, or if the murder was committed against a law enforcement officer, it is considered first degree murder.
Second degree murder is murder that is intentional, although not premeditated. Whereas manslaughter is defined as an unlawful act that contributes to the death of the victim.
In addition when homicide is committed in commission of other offences, the accused could be charged with additional criminal offences. To illustrate, a person assaults another person with a weapon, and during the assault kills them, either intentionally or unintentionally.
The police, Crown lawyers, and other law enforcement agencies take murder and manslaughter offences very seriously. Their objective is to bring the responsible party or parties to justice. If the police have notified you you are a “person of interest” or suspect a in a homicide investigation or you are arrested, you need to speak to Jeffrey J. Gindin, Q.C. right away.
The police can use intimidating tactics during interviews which can be very stressful. Having Mr. Gindin advise you prior to interviews will ensure your rights are not violated.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with murder or manslaughter, or you are a suspect, contact Jeffrey J. Gindin, Q.C. directly for a free consultation and case evaluation now.