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Hiker Killed in Washington State

Washington Murder and Manslaughter Charges

Washington Homicide Charges

On August 20, 2022, Aron Christensen and his puppy were found deceased on a hiking trail in Lewis County. Two hikers in the area heard growling followed by a gunshot, and then found Aron Christensen’s body. Washington Homicide Charges are being investigated in connection with this tragic incident. Christensen’s family allege that the police had not given them the cause of death until a week after the body was received by the sheriff’s office. The reports found that the doctor performing Christensen’s autopsy reportedly was pressured into ruling the cause of death as a heart attack and not a gunshot wound. Additionally, two veterinarians conducting the dog’s autopsy each came up with different reasons for the dog’s cause of death, one being stabbed to death, and the other being a gunshot wound. The way that this situation was handled was unprofessional at best, and one can only hope the rest of the investigation will bring justice.

Homicide is a grave offense that strikes at the heart of our society, and we expect other officials to treat it as such. As an established criminal law firm, The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer believes that everyone has a right to an experienced attorney and the right to due process. Our attorneys will fight to protect your rights in any situation. The carelessness of officials such as the Lewis County Sheriff’s office carries distrust in law enforcement and their commitment to the rights and protection of citizens.

Defining Homicide

Homicide refers to the act of unlawfully causing the death of another person. In Washington, as in most jurisdictions, homicide is categorized into various degrees based on the intent, circumstances, and severity of the act. The two main types of homicide are Murder and Manslaughter which mainly differ on whether or not the intent to cause the death of an individual was present. If Christensen was killed with premeditation or got into a heated argument with another person prompting the gun shot, then it would constitute a murder charge. However, if he was killed due to an accidental firing of the gun it would most likely result in a manslaughter charge.

Homicide Charges in Washington

Murder in the 1st Degree: Murder in the First Degree is the most severe form of homicide, is characterized by premeditation, deliberation, and intent to cause the death of another person. It can carry fines up to $50,000.00 and life in prison as a Class A Felony in the state of Washington.

Murder in the 2nd Degree: Murder in the Second Degree involves killing another person with the intent to cause death, but without premeditation. This charge is a Class A Felony with the same potential penalties as Murder in the First Degree.

Manslaughter in the 1st Degree: If one causes the death of another individual due to reckless behavior then it would be charged as Manslaughter in the First Degree. This offense is a Class A Felony with similar penalties as mentioned above.

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree: Manslaughter in the Second Degree is committed when one causes the death of another individual due to some form of negligence. This is categorized as a Class B Felony and can carry up to 10 years in prison and $20,000.00 in fines.

How We Can Help You

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding homicide in the state of Washington is vital for anyone involved in or affected by such cases. Circumstances involved where the law enforcement agency such as the Lewis County Sheriff’s office not being able to conduct a proper autopsy where conflicting information is involved only leads to further complicate cases such as these. In such scenarios, it is important to have a skilled attorney at your side in order to protect your rights and freedom as there may be more missteps taken by officials that can lead to improper procedure and unintended consequences. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer works as a team of skilled attorneys that are passionate about their clients’ rights and work diligently to defend them to protect those rights. We are here to help you.

Call the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer today at (360) 334-6277 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Don’t hesitate to protect your rights and freedom.

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What To Do If You Are Charged With a Homicide Related Crime

Understanding Homicide Crimes in Washington - Defense Attorney

Homicide Defense Attorney in Washington

Some of the most heinous and devastating crimes involve homicide and they are a threat to the safety and well-being of individuals and society as a whole. The consequences of homicide related crimes are far reaching, affecting not only the victim and their loved ones, but the community at large. For defense firms, understanding the complexities of crimes related to homicide cases is critical to ensuring that their clients are protected. If you are facing homicide-related charges in Washington, it is essential to have a skilled Homicide Defense Attorney in Washington on your side. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has experience handling these kinds of cases and will put in the time to diligently work on such a complex case.

Oftentimes, it is the job of a defense attorney to take in the totality of the circumstances, piecing together a number of facts to diligently build a strong case for their client. Cases such as these tend to be incredibly elaborate due to investigatory bias being brought in by detectives, a failure to consider other suspects and other factors, and an enormous amount of information in general.

Hiring a lawyer as soon as you learn that you are being investigated, arrested, or charged with a homicide-related crime is one of the most important decisions you can take to protect yourself. Understanding your rights such as your right to remain silent and receive representation is critical to ensuring that you receive a procedurally fair case process.

Having an attorney that is skilled and knowledgeable about your constitutional rights as well as knowing the state’s statutes and regulations will greatly enhance your chances for a more favorable outcome. While homicide related crimes are commonly occurring, it carries extremely serious penalties. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has experience handling these kinds of cases and will put in the time to diligently work on such a complex case.

What is Homicide?

Homicide is defined as the act of killing another human being by the way of murder, abuse, and or manslaughter as stated in the Revised Code of Washington. Due to the seriousness of these crimes most of these charges are classified as Class A felonies, carrying serious life altering-penalties.

Murder in the 1st Degree: Murder in the First Degree is the most egregious form of murder, defined as a premeditated intent to cause death to another person. Often referred to as a crime of passion which can be charged along with other crimes such as arson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping or rape. It is important to note that since this is considered one of the most serious crimes it will typically be prosecuted with the most prejudice. Murder in the First Degree is considered a Class A Felony which carries penalties that range up to life in prison and $50,000.00 in fines.

Murder in the 2nd Degree: Murder in the Second Degree is categorized as intentionally killing another person without premeditation or through the reckless disregard for others. Murder in the Second Degree is a Class A Felony which comes with penalties that range up to life in prison and $50,000.00 in fines.

Homicide by Abuse: Homicide by Abuse is defined as Displaying a pattern of abuse such as assault or torture toward a developmentally disabled, dependent adult, or child under the age of 16 which results in the death of that person. Homicide by Abuse is classified as a Class A Felony which may carry penalties that range up to life in prison and $50,000.00 in fines.

Manslaughter in the 1st Degree: Manslaughter in the First Degree is classified as a reckless disregard for the safety of others which results in the death of another person. Intentionally killing or inflicting injury upon a pregnant mother which results in the death of their unborn child may also fall under this category. Manslaughter in the First Degree is a Class A Felony, punishable by up to $50,000.00 in fines and a sentence up to life in prison.

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree: Manslaughter in the Second Degree is considered as causing the death of another person due to negligence. This is considered a Class B Felony, carrying up to 10 years and prison and up to $20,000.00 in fines.

What can we do for you as Homicide Defense Attorney in Washington?

Being charged with any of these crimes can be an incredibly strenuous and taxing circumstance to find yourself in. It is of the utmost importance that you do not talk to any law enforcement or officials without representation such as a lawyer as they will take what you say and use it against you in a court of law. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer has incredibly experienced and skilled attorneys that will lead and advise you through these trying times.

Protect your freedom and future by giving the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer a call at (360)-371-6813 today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.