Serious defence for murder, manslaughter and other homicide matters in Whitehorse and throughout Yukon.
Early Decisions Can Shape the Case
A homicide investigation can move quickly and involve significant police resources from the beginning. If someone has been arrested, charged, or advised that they are under investigation in relation to a homicide, getting legal representation early can be critical to protecting their position.
We assist clients and families at the earliest stages of murder, manslaughter and other homicide matters. Early involvement allows us to assess what is happening, explain the immediate legal issues, and begin preparing a defence while the investigation is still developing.
The Stakes Demand Thorough Preparation
Murder and manslaughter are among the most serious offences under the Criminal Code. Manslaughter can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while murder carries a mandatory life sentence. First-degree murder carries 25 years of parole ineligibility, while second-degree murder can result in a period between 10 and 25 years. With consequences this significant, the defence needs to be built around a careful review of the evidence, the legal issues, and the circumstances of the case.
Homicide prosecutions can involve procedures and evidence that rarely arise in more routine criminal matters. Depending on the file, the defence may require pre-trial applications and assistance from forensic pathologists, toxicologists, psychologists or psychiatrists, accident reconstruction specialists, firearms experts, or other professionals. Every lawyer on our team has acted as counsel in a homicide matter, giving clients in Whitehorse and Yukon access to substantial experience in this area.
Strategy Matters at Every Stage
Important decisions often arise long before a homicide case reaches trial. The defence may need to address warrants, seized property, expert evidence, pre-trial applications, whether the case should proceed before a judge or jury, whether the accused should testify, which witnesses should be called, and which defences should be advanced.
We work through those decisions with our clients and their families, explaining the implications of each option and making recommendations based on the evidence, the law, and our experience with serious criminal litigation.
Jensen Law has represented clients in numerous homicide cases, including matters that resulted in full or partial acquittals after trial. In others, negotiated resolutions materially improved the outcome for the client. Whatever the circumstances, our focus is on preparing thoroughly, challenging the evidence where appropriate, and pursuing the strongest result available.
