Homicides and Attempted Homicides (Murder)

 

R. v. G.A. (Superior Court of Justice - JURY) - Newmarket
Charges: Murder (First Degree)
Allegations: A botched home invasion robbery resulted in a man being shot and killed while being forcibly confined, thus elevating the culpability one of first degree murder.  Two of his alleged perpetrators testified against him and implicated G.A. as the shooter.  The ultimate issue was one of identification.  Evidence was elicited of a third party suspect as well as other exculpatory evidence pointing towards another individual as the actual shooter. 
Result: Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY on first-degree murder after a three week trial.  Mr. A left the Courthouse a free man after serving 2.5 years for a crime it was found he did not commit.  

 

R. v. W.P. (Superior Court of Justice - JURY) - Toronto
Charges: Murder (Second Degree)
Allegations: The deceased was released from jail earlier in the day and was present when a drug dealer arrived to sell the occupants of the residence crack cocaine. A struggle ensued over drugs and money.  It was alleged that the accused pulled a gun and shot the deceased in the head at close range.  The accused testified, contrary to the Crown witnesses, that the deceased actually had the gun.  The accused attempted to disarm the deceased when the gun accidentally went off and killed him.  
Result: Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY on second degree murder and manslaughter.  Mr. W.P. walked out of the prisoner's box to return to his family waiting in the courtroom.

 

R. v. S.G. (Superior Court of Justice - JURY) - Link to media on this case can be found HERE - Whitby
Charges: Attempted Murder, Possession of Weapon for a Purpose Dangerous to the Public Peace, Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Allegations: The accused stabbed the complainant three times in the chest with a large knife.  The complainant lost massive amounts of blood and underwent emergency surgery where doctors luckily saved his life.  See the link above for specific details leading up to this stabbing.
Result: Jury Verdict of NOT GUILTY on all counts

 

There are few things more frightening for a human to experience than to be charged with a homicide offence.  A conviction for a homicide, also known as "murder", will result in the most serious criminal sanctions available under the Canadian Criminal Code. 

First degree murder carries a minimum sentence of life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.  Even after that 25 year period is served, there is still no guarantee that you will be granted parole.  Second degree murder carries the same penalty (life imprisonment) and with no eligibility for parole for 10 years.  Manslaughter is more complicated insofar as sentences go but needless to say the sanctions are serious and life changing.

Having a criminal lawyer who has experience, and ideally a proven and successful track record, is essential.  Lawyers have all ranges of experience and know-how, it is critical that you find one competent because your life it literally on the line.

Sean Robichaud accepts Legal Aid retainers for charges of this nature.  Call today for a free consultation.  He will also be happy to discuss these issues with friends or family members who need answers on how to get bail, what to do from here, and how to approach these allegations.