Murder & Homicide Defense Attorney in Spokane

Defending Clients Against Washington’s Most Serious Criminal Charges

A murder or homicide charge is the most serious accusation the state can bring. Under Washington law, a conviction can carry life imprisonment, and the investigation that leads to charges often begins before a suspect even knows they’re a target. Phelps & Associates defends clients facing murder and homicide charges in Spokane and throughout Spokane County, with over 20 years of criminal defense experience and a trial record spanning hundreds of cases.

What sets our defense apart on these charges is Attorney Douglas Phelps’s background as a former Washington police officer. He knows how homicide investigations are built because he worked inside law enforcement before moving to the defense side. That perspective shapes how we examine evidence, challenge procedures, and build strategy from the first day of representation.

If you or someone you know is under investigation or has been charged with murder or homicide in the Spokane area, contact us now at (509) 620-0606 for a free case review. Same-day appointments are available.

How Our Law Enforcement Background Benefits Your Defense

Homicide cases are built on investigation: crime scene documentation, witness interviews, forensic evidence, and the decisions detectives make in the hours after a death is reported. Douglas Phelps understands that process from the inside. Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, he served as a Washington police officer, giving him firsthand knowledge of how investigators gather and preserve evidence, and where that process can go wrong.

That knowledge translates directly into defense work. We examine not just what evidence the prosecution holds, but how it was collected, whether procedures were followed, and whether constitutional requirements were met at every step. Our firm also handled a case that reached the United States Supreme Court from 1997 to 1998 and resulted in a change in the law, a level of appellate experience few Spokane defense teams can point to.

We use strong negotiation tactics and creative trial strategies, and our team-oriented approach means clients receive comprehensive support at every stage of their case, not just at trial. We prioritize direct communication so clients understand what’s happening and why.

Washington Homicide Charges: What the State Must Prove

Washington law distinguishes between several homicide offenses, each carrying different elements and different sentencing ranges. Understanding the charge against you matters because the prosecution’s burden, and the available defenses, differ by charge.

First Degree Murder

Under RCW 9A.32.030, first degree murder is a Class A felony requiring the prosecution to prove premeditated intent to cause death. Washington courts have held that premeditation must involve more than a moment in point of time. A first degree murder charge can also arise when a death occurs during the commission of certain serious felonies, including robbery, rape, burglary, arson, or kidnapping. A conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

Aggravated First Degree Murder

Aggravated first degree murder applies when specific factors are present: the victim was a law enforcement officer on duty, the killing was part of a murder-for-hire agreement, or the act was a drive-by shooting, among other circumstances. This charge carries a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Washington State has abolished the death penalty.

Second Degree Murder

Under RCW 9A.32.050, second degree murder is also a Class A felony. It covers intentional killings without premeditation, as well as deaths occurring during the commission of felonies not covered under the first degree statute. The absence of premeditation is the key distinction from first degree murder.

First & Second Degree Manslaughter

First degree manslaughter (RCW 9A.32.060) is a Class A felony covering reckless killing, with a standard sentencing range of roughly 78 to 102 months for a first offender and a fine of up to $50,000. Second degree manslaughter (RCW 9A.32.070) is a Class B felony covering deaths caused by criminal negligence, carrying up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. In some trials, a jury may be given the option to consider a manslaughter finding if the evidence supports recklessness rather than intent. A separate charge, homicide by abuse under RCW 9A.32.055, applies in cases involving extreme indifference to human life and a prior pattern or practice of assault or torture toward a vulnerable victim.

Start Your Defense Today

A charge is not a conviction. The state must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and that burden creates real opportunities for defense. The decisions made in the early days of a case can shape how it develops, which is why retaining counsel as early as possible matters.

Phelps & Associates offers free initial case reviews and same-day appointments for those facing murder or homicide charges in Spokane. Call us at (509) 620-0606 or reach out online to speak with our team.