Suspects charged in Tucson home invasion

April 10, 2014 (Press-News.org) Suspects charged in Tucson home invasion

Article provided by Law Office of Carlos A. Medina, PLLC
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Local individuals were recently arrested after a home invasion and shooting on West Kestrel Road in Tucson, Arizona. According to authorities, four of the suspects, armed with weapons, entered a local residence. In the invasion, the individuals purportedly demanded property from the home and harmed one of the residents.

Authorities indicate that a neighbor heard noises as the suspects fled the residence. The person came out of the adjacent home, and an argument ensued between the neighbor and one of the suspects. In the end, shots were fired and the suspect died from sustained injuries.

When local police arrived on scene, they found the resident of the entered home severely injured. Ultimately, this man passed away, too.

Though six search warrants were issued in the matter, four individuals were ultimately charged. One suspect faces drug possession charges, and the other individuals are accused of first-degree murder. Moreover, one suspect, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the incident, is being charged as an adult.

Generally, a suspected homicide does not necessarily equate to first-degree charges. However, Arizona law permits authorities to charge suspects with murder in the first degree if the act was executed during the commission of a felony.

Violent crimes

If you have been charged with a violent crime, it is a helpful to have an attorney by your side. The faster you retain legal assistance, the sooner a professional can work on alleviating any charges or potential consequences. Moreover, local authorities often push to secure incriminating statements from investigated subjects -- even when the suspects are innocent. Therefore, before speaking with investigators, meet with a lawyer, who can help protect your rights.

Charges for violent crimes can be successfully refuted or dismissed -- especially in cases wherein the suspect has a valid legal defense. For example, a defendant may have an alibi, which is confirmed by a witness. Moreover, the following defenses could weaken the prosecution's case:
-Self-defense
-Lack of intent
-Lack of intent to commit a crime
-Defense of a third party
-Mistaken identity

In the end, a guilty verdict could equate to hefty fines and a lengthy prison sentence. However, criminal charges do not automatically equate to guilt. A defendant must be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Every criminal matter is different, and every case can garner a unique result. To learn more about your case and available rights and options, speak with a criminal defense attorney about your matter.