Murder & Manslaughter Defence Lawyer in Newmarket

Semyonov Law provides criminal defence for those individuals facing allegations of murder and manslaughter 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

Mr. Semyonov is a criminal defence lawyer with decades 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. 

If you or someone you know has been charged with a murder or manslaughter case, you are invited to contact us to arrange for an initial client interview. We will sit down with you to discuss your case and give you a preliminary assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Using a range of tactics, I investigate if there was any underlying motive for the accusation that delegitimizes its credibility. For instance, it may be found that the complainant laid false murder charges to gain a favourable outcome for another case; divorce settlement, child custody, etc. In addition to providing you with superior advocacy and a tenacious representation, we are fluent in six different languages.

Getting charged with murder and manslaughter is one of the most serious offences in Canada. Since murder charges will be either first degree or second degree, it is imperative that you enlist the help of an experienced criminal defence lawyer who can prepare favourable circumstances for your situation.

We have the legal knowledge to steer you in the right direction during your court proceedings, give you peace of mind by addressing your concerns quickly and accurately, and improve the chances of your success in court. The law of understanding murder and manslaughter charges in Ontario is increasingly complex and intricate, and every small detail matters when building your case. 

Semyonov possesses the legal knowledge and expertise to help strengthen your case and navigate you through the complex legal system, preparing you effectively for the prosecutor’s questioning. Our legal counsel has a wealth of knowledge and experience in criminal defence law. We’ll work to deliver the best results for your case and represent you at any time.

Regardless of whether you’re guilty or not, never assume the system will work itself out in your favour.

Here’s why legal counsel is essential:

✅ Protect Your Rights: Police may violate your Charter rights during search, arrest, or questioning. A lawyer ensures this doesn’t go unchallenged.

✅ Avoid Self-Incrimination: Even casual conversations with police or others can be used against you. A lawyer guides you on what to say—and what not to.

✅ Challenge Weak Evidence: Just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean the case is airtight. An experienced lawyer knows how to spot inconsistencies and flawed investigations.

✅ Negotiate When Necessary: In some cases, legal counsel can negotiate reduced charges or plea agreements that lessen the long-term impact.

✅ Trial Strategy: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer prepares legal arguments, cross-examines witnesses, and works to raise reasonable doubt.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, both murder and manslaughter involve the unlawful death of another person, but the key difference lies in intent.

First-Degree Murder

Defined as planned and deliberate. It also includes killings that occur during specific crimes such as kidnapping, sexual assault, or terrorism.
Sentence: Life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Second-Degree Murder

This includes intentional killings that are not premeditated.
Sentence: Life imprisonment, with parole eligibility after 10–25 years.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is when a person causes death unintentionally, often through a criminal act or negligence (e.g. during a fight or impaired driving).
Sentence: No minimum, but can range up to life in prison. If a firearm is used, a minimum sentence of 4 years applies.

Your consultation may vary from the description here, each case is different and your lawyer may want to discuss different topics with you. This consultation is not to replace hiring a lawyer, it is only to provide some clarity as to the charges and options and is not a legal advice. A free consultation is your first meeting with a criminal lawyer and typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It’s an opportunity for both parties to determine if they’re the right fit, and for you to receive initial legal insight — at no cost.

Here’s what a free consultation generally includes:

• Preliminary legal opinion: Based on what you share, the lawyer will explain what the charges mean and the possible penalties.

• Assessment of risk: They’ll give you a realistic overview of the severity of your situation and what’s at stake.

• Discussion of defence strategies: Even in serious cases, there may be viable defences such as mistaken identity, self-defence, lack of intent, or Charter rights violations.

• Explanation of the legal process: This includes what to expect at bail hearings, preliminary inquiries, and trial.

• Clarification of your rights: You’ll learn what to say (and not say), how to interact with law enforcement, and how to protect yourself legally.

This consultation is confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege, even if you don’t retain the lawyer afterward.