Michael Fayard Can Defend You Against Homicide Charges

Don’t hesitate to contact attorney Fayard to defend against:

  • First-Degree Murder: Life in prison without parole.
  • Second-Degree Murder: Life in prison with the possibility of parole.
  • Manslaughter: Up to 20 years in prison.
  • Negligent Homicide: Up to one, five, or 10 years in prison.

Hawaii Homicide Charges

Hawaii has several laws that cover various circumstances leading to people’s deaths. The statutes look at the actions of the individual allegedly responsible for the killing. Were their actions intentional, in the heat of the moment, reckless, or negligent? The amount culpability dictates the level of the charge. For example, if you negligently caused another person’s death, you’ll face a less serious charge than if you’re accused of intentionally causing someone’s death.

When it comes to hiring a homicide lawyer, it doesn’t matter what level the misdemeanor or felony charge is. You should always hire a criminal defense lawyer. Contact Michael Fayard as soon as possible to investigate the circumstances, protect your rights, and defend you against a conviction.

Murder in the First Degree

You can be charged with first-degree murder if you intentionally or knowingly cause the death of:

  • One or more people in the same or separate incidents;
  • A law enforcement officer, judge, or prosecutor in connection with their official duties;
  • A person you knew to be a witness in a criminal prosecution;
  • A person by a hired killer;
  • A person while you were imprisoned;
  • A person who had a restraining order against you;
  • A person who was being protected by police officers who ordered you off the premises during a restraining order;
  • A person you knew to a witness in a family court proceeding; or
  • A person you restrained with the intent to hold them for ransom or use as a hostage or shield.

First-degree murder is the most serious form of homicide in Hawaii, and it’s a felony punishable by life imprisonment without parole. If you’re accused of intentionally killing another person, call a murder defense lawyer immediately.

Murder in the Second Degree

You can be charged with second-degree murder if you intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person in a way that isn’t covered by first-degree murder. If convicted of second-degree murder, you face life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Results

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Michael was co-counsel representing a maritime worker that was injured when a negligent employee struck him in the head with a bell hammer attached to a crane. Pre-trial offer was $0.00.

$1,200,000.00 Plaintiff’s Verdict

SR v. TS, et al. – I represented an elderly client that was the injured and was the victim of fraud and theft by thieves using a forged power of attorney and forged deed. Pre-trial offer was $2,500.00.

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What to do if you’re arrested for murder

When you’re initially accused of murder, you won’t know whether you’re being charged with murder in the first or second degree or another homicide offense. All you know is that the cops think you killed someone. You can’t expect the officers to treat you fairly or kindly. Instead, you have to do whatever you can to protect yourself. The best thing to do is call murder defense attorney Michael Fayard as soon as possible.

Don’t talk with any police officers. Comply with their orders throughout the arrest and booking process, but clearly state, “I am invoking my right to remain silent, and I want a lawyer.” Then, do not answer any questions or respond to comments. Your request for a lawyer must be clear. Don’t ask whether you need a lawyer or say you think you should get a lawyer. It must be unequivocal—You want a lawyer now.

Does Hawaii have the death penalty?

No, Hawaii doesn’t use the death penalty. Hawaii is unique in that it abolished the death penalty before it even became a U.S. state.

But, and there’s a big but, the federal government does use capital punishment. If you are indicted on federal homicide charges, you could face the death penalty.

Manslaughter

You can be charged with manslaughter if you recklessly cause the death of another person or intentionally cause another person to commit suicide.

It’s possible to have a murder case reduced to manslaughter with the help of an experienced murder lawyer. You could face a Class A felony instead of life in prison if your lawyer can prove you were going through extreme mental or emotional disturbances at the time of the death. These mitigating circumstances can include acting in the heat of passion. A Class A felony is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

Vehicular Homicide

Far too many deaths are caused in car accidents, which is why Hawaii has three levels of negligence homicide. You can be charged with a Class B felony for first-degree negligent homicide if you cause the death of:

  • Another person while driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs; or
  • A vulnerable user by driving a vehicle negligently.

You might face a Class C felony for second-degree negligent homicide if you cause the death of:

  • Another person by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner; or
  • A vulnerable use by the operation of a vehicle in a manner that constitutes simple negligence.

Additionally, you can be charged with a misdemeanor for third-degree negligent homicide if you cause another person’s death by driving a vehicle in a way that is simple negligence.

After a deadly crash, you should call defense attorney Michael Fayard right away. He understands how devastated you are. You never meant for anything like this to happen. First, you should know what you’re up against. A Class B felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and a Class C felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. Attorney Fayard will explain the potential punishments and your defense options. Then he’ll fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

 
He is relentless to ensure his clients are well taken care of.”

- Cliff T

Who is a vulnerable user?

In Hawaii, it includes several types of people, including pedestrians lawfully on the street, emergency workers, bicyclists, people on mopeds, and people in wheelchairs. In other words, people who have the right to be where they are on the road or the sidewalk but are particularly vulnerable to injury or death if hit by a vehicle.

What does simple negligence mean?

You can be found responsible for simple negligence if you ignored a risk you should have been aware of or you ignored a likely outcome of your actions. Objectively, you should have known how you were driving could hurt someone, but you failed to act any differently to reduce the risk of harm.

Defending Against Murder Charges

If you’ve been accused of murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide, call a homicide lawyer as soon as possible. Allegations and criminal charges don’t have to lead to a conviction. There are ways to prove you are innocent or that you should face lesser charges.

As a murder defense attorney, Michael Fayard might argue:

  • You acted in self-defense or defense of others, and your actions were a proportional response to the other individual’s conduct.
  • You are innocent, and the evidence shows you were not present at the time of the other person’s death.
  • There’s been a mistake of identity, and you have been confused with the real culprit.
  • The prosecutor lacks sufficient evidence to prove you committed the killing beyond a reasonable doubt.

These are just a few examples of potential defense strategies. You need to work with an experienced and successful attorney to craft an effective strategy in your case.

Let Michael Fayard Defend You

There’s no time to wait when someone’s accusing you of murder. You need to hire a homicide lawyer as soon as possible. You aren’t going to clear up a misunderstanding yourself. The police and prosecutors are often too interested in winning rather than getting to the truth. Hiring a tenacious attorney is your only chance to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Call Michael Fayard at 808-445-6708 or use the online form to schedule a free consultation. Tell attorney Fayard what’s going on. Have a candid discussion about your rights and options. You’ll see from the get-go that he’s an honest, hardworking attorney who wants to help.