When you’re facing negligent homicide charges in Arizona, your future and your freedom are on the line. These cases often stem from accidents, but the legal system treats them as serious felonies with the risk of long prison sentences.
If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been charged with negligent homicide, you need a criminal defense attorney who moves quickly, digs deep, and fights smart. Hector Diaz is that attorney.
At Diaz Law, PLLC, Hector Diaz brings a wealth of experience from big-firm criminal litigation to high-profile, high-pressure defense cases.
Known for limiting media exposure and striking early, Hector has built a reputation as a powerhouse in Arizona criminal defense, particularly in serious cases where every moment counts.
Negligent homicide (ARS § 13-1102) occurs when someone causes the death of another person through criminal negligence—defined as failing to recognize or respond appropriately to a substantial and unjustifiable risk.
This is more than just an accident; it implies that a reasonable person in the same situation would have recognized the danger and acted differently.
Negligent homicide is different from manslaughter or murder in that it doesn't require intent to harm. However, the law still considers this lack of care or awareness so extreme that it warrants felony-level consequences.
Negligent homicide charges commonly arise from situations such as:
● Fatal car accidents, particularly involving texting, speeding, or running red lights
● Accidental firearm discharges, especially when safety protocols are ignored
● Workplace safety violations, where failure to follow regulations results in death
● Caregiver neglect, including nursing home neglect or child supervision lapses
● Driving under the influence, resulting in death, even if the impairment was slight
These cases usually stem from emotional conflicts and lead to extensive investigations by law enforcement. Prosecutors may be under public pressure to pursue aggressive charges, even when the facts are nuanced.
If you're facing this charge, it’s essential to understand that the court will examine the specific behaviors and choices you made leading up to the incident. That’s why you need Hector Diaz in your corner. He provides an unmatched level of attention to detail so your story can be heard and your rights protected.
Negligent homicide is classified as a Class 4 felony under Arizona law. While this is one of the lower felony classifications, the consequences can still be devastating and may escalate even further if prosecutors push for maximum sentencing or if aggravating factors are involved.If convicted, you could face:
● 1 to 3.75 years in prison for a first-time offense
● Up to 8 years if aggravating circumstances are proven (such as multiple victims or prior convictions)
● Enhanced penalties if the victim was a child under 15, under Arizona’s Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC) statute
But the legal penalties are just the beginning. A conviction for negligent homicide often creates ripple effects that impact nearly every area of your life:
● Loss of professional licenses — affecting careers in education, healthcare, law, and more
● Immigration consequences — including deportation or inadmissibility for non-U.S. citizens
● Permanent loss of firearm rights under federal and state law
● A felony record, which can affect housing, employment, and community standing for life
It’s also important to note that Arizona has mandatory minimum sentencing laws for felony convictions. That means judges have limited discretion in sentencing once you're convicted, making pre-indictment advocacy and negotiation even more critical.
Every case is different, but one thing remains true – you need to be strategic from the very moment you know you may be under investigation. Cases of this nature are not straightforward, and one wrong move can cost you years of your life.
Hector Diaz knows this, and he takes every defensive action with strategy and understanding of the gravity. His experience, notoriety, and contacts in the legal industry make him the top choice for your negligent homicide case in Arizona.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, the lawyer you choose can make all the difference. Hector Diaz offers more than just criminal defense. He delivers real results with crucial connections in the Arizona legal space.Hector has a reputation for a reason, and it’s why Phoenix News12 and high-profile clients trust him with their lives.
Here’s what sets him apart:
● Former Big-Firm Litigator: Hector brings white collar strategy to street crime defense.
● Proactive Pre-Indictment Investigations: He can present exculpatory evidence before charges are filed.
● Connections That Count: Relationships with prosecutors, judges, and media help him navigate complex cases quietly.
● No Stone Unturned: From breathalyzer calibration to officer bodycam footage, Hector examines every piece of evidence.
● Media Management: Known as “The Fixer,” Hector protects your public image and career while fighting your charges.
● Bilingual Representation: Fluent in English and Spanish, Hector makes sure you receive clear communication every step of the way.
Choosing Hector Diaz means gaining a partner who treats your case like it’s the most important one he’s ever handled – because to you, it is.
● Class 4 Felony: Up to 3.75 years in prison (first offense), longer for subsequent offenses
● License Revocation: Minimum one year
● Fines and Fees: Court and administrative expenses can total thousands of dollars
● Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device
● Probation, Alcohol Education, and Community Service
If you have priors or additional charges—like child endangerment, reckless driving, or drug possession—the consequences multiply.
That’s why early action is crucial.
You can often shape aggravated DUI charges before they are indicted if you use the right strategy. Hector Diaz isn’t just your defense attorney - he’s your legal advisor and a resource for guidance during this unpredictable time.
He investigates diligently, identifies pressure points, uses forensic defense experts and presents compelling evidence to prosecutors that may lead them to drop or reduce the charges.
If you’ve been arrested or you know you’re under investigation for an aggravated DUI in Scottsdale, call immediately. Waiting can turn your case into something far harder to beat.
When your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line, you need more than just any defense attorney. You need someone who understands the gravity of what you're facing and knows how to fight back strategically.
Clients turn to Hector Diaz not only for his legal skill but for his calm, calculated approach in high-stakes situations.
Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges, Hector’s ability to move quickly and influence outcomes before a case ever sees a courtroom sets him apart from the other attorney choices in Scottsdale.
Hector crafts a defense designed to prevent damage before it’s done using his insider understanding of prosecutorial decision-making and a deep network within Arizona’s legal community.
With Diaz Law fighting for you, you can expect:
● Pre-indictment strategies that can stop charges before they start, in some cases
● Decades of experience with serious felonies
● Connections with prosecutors and insider knowledge of how they operate
● Discreet handling of high-profile and media-sensitive cases
● Bilingual representation in English and Spanish
● Direct access to Hector Diaz—not a junior associate
Choosing Hector Diaz means having a high-profile strategist in your corner who values privacy, precision, and relentless advocacy. No matter how complicated your situation may seem, he’ll find the pressure points and fight to get you back to stability.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Diaz Law team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
If you or a loved one is facing negligent homicide charges in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, or Gilbert, don’t wait. Hector Diaz offers free consultations and will begin protecting your rights from the moment you hire him.
Call Diaz Law, PLLC now for a confidential case review. Let’s mold this case before it becomes a rock.
