John Erickson is a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto with nearly 20 years of experience defending individuals facing homicide charges including murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death as well as other violent offences such as aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and assault causing bodily harm in Toronto, the GTA, and throughout southern Ontario. The high importance that he place on client care and his firm’s combination of affordability and experience makes Erickson Law a prudent choice for those seeking a lawyer for murder charges, manslaughter charges, and other violent offences in Toronto, the GTA, and southern Ontario.
Call (416) 363-3612 or write to info@ericksonlaw.ca to book your free consultation today.
Erickson Law provides criminal defence in Toronto for those facing allegations of violent offences including:
∙ First degree murder
∙ Second degree murder
∙ Manslaughter
∙ Criminal negligence causing death
∙ Homicide
∙ Attempted murder
∙ Aggravated assault
∙ Assault with a weapon
∙ Assault causing bodily harm
Understanding Murder and Manslaughter Charges in Canada
Of all violent offences, murder is the most serious crime in Canada. If convicted, the accused will face mandatory life imprisonment.
Murder charges are either first or second degree. First degree murders are ones that are committed with planning and deliberation. Murder is also first degree if the victim is a police officer or jail guard or if it occurs during the course of a kidnapping, sexual assault, hostage-taking, or hijacking. All other murders are second degree.
A conviction for murder will result in a mandatory life sentence with variable parole eligibility. First degree murderers will not be eligible to apply for parole for 25 years, while second degree murderers must wait at least 10 years or more depending on the sentencing judge’s ruling.
Manslaughter charges are different, but similarly serious. Manslaughter refers to a homicide where the accused commits an unlawful act which causes the deceased‘s death without intending to actually kill him or her. This often occurs during self-defence scenarios where there was an unreasonable escalation of force, or as a result of negligent driving or the illegal possession of firearms.
The seriousness of these charges demands special protocol both for the investigation and bail process. Police investigations are typically conducted by special teams who deal exclusively with murder and other violent offences. The investigation itself is often much more invasive, and the interrogation process is particularly stringent, with any and all replies given to police liable to be used against you in court. For this reason, the first thing you should do upon being arrested for a violent offence is to contact a murder or manslaughter lawyer in Toronto; qualified legal representation can ensure Charter compliance during your investigation, and help you circumvent cases of false confessions. The bail procedure for individuals involved with murder or manslaughter cases is also different, requiring the legal expertise of a seasoned criminal defence lawyer in Toronto to navigate successfully.
Why choose Erickson law when seeking a murder or manslaughter lawyer in Toronto?
Experience at all levels of the Canadian legal system. With nearly two decades of experience under his belt, John Erickson has seen everything that the Canadian legal system has to offer. A popular choice for those seeking a murder or manslaughter lawyer in Toronto, John Erickson has produced results at all levels, constructing sophisticated defences for individuals, institutions, and corporations across Canada.
Tailored representation with proven results. Our “Testimonials” provide first-hand client accounts evidencing the professionalism and positive results they experienced when hiring Erickson Law as their representation. John Erickson will custom-build an effective and aggressive defence to combat false allegations and mitigate the severity of any charges you are facing.
Quality and affordability. It can be difficult to find a murder or manslaughter lawyer in Toronto whose affordability does not come at the cost of quality, but the Erickson Law offices strike a perfect balance. John Erickson is a senior criminal lawyer with the resources and expertise to accommodate any criminal case, but operates according to a block billing structure that guarantees cost-efficiency. Additionally, all first-time consultations are free of charge, giving you the opportunity to build confidence in your choice of murder or manslaughter lawyer in Toronto.
An unparalleled commitment to client care. Our legal team cares about you. Aside from capable courtroom performances, our mission is to ensure that all clients receive expert legal advice in a manner that minimizes their stress. We are happy to answer all questions, and will handle your case with uncompromising dedication and discretion.
If you have been charged with murder or require a manslaughter lawyer in Toronto, then you need John Erickson on your side. Call (416) 363-3612 to schedule your free consultation, or use our online contact form.
