Murder

The Criminal Code defines murder as deliberately causing the death of another person. This charge includes causing harm that is known, or ought to be known, to have the potential to cause death. In some cases, intending to cause harm that could result in death is enough to be convicted of murder.

First Degree Murder is the planned and deliberate action causing death to another person. All convictions carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. Murder also meets the First Degree charge when it takes places with other criminal offences such as sexual assault, confinement or assault with a weapon.

Second Degree Murder is any act of murder which does not meet the First Degree charge. This means the act was still done with the intent to cause death, or actions which ought to have been known would result in death. Second Degree Murder convictions carry the mandatory sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.

Manslaughter is a homicide which does not meet the First Degree or Second Degree Murder definitions. There is no minimum sentence for Manslaughter. The maximum sentence is life in prison.

Being charged with murder does not have to be a murder conviction. No matter the circumstances, the presumption of innocence is an essential principle in Canadian Law and all accused persons have the right to an attorney and the right to a timely bail hearing.

If you or a loved one have been questioned or charged with murder, contact Steve Norton at Norton Law to discuss your case, your rights, and your future.