Murder or manslaughter charges carry severe consequences. Daniel Schellenberg offers expert, dedicated defence across Auckland and throughout New Zealand, protecting your rights and future.

Murder & Manslaughter Defence in Auckland

Expert Legal Defence for Serious Criminal Charges

When you are facing allegations of murder or manslaughter, every decision matters. These are among the most serious charges in New Zealand, with consequences that can affect your freedom, family and future from the moment Police become involved. Early, strategic legal defence is essential.

Daniel Schellenberg Barrister provides dedicated representation for people facing homicide allegations in Auckland and across New Zealand. As an experienced homicide lawyer, Daniel takes control of the defence from the outset, examines the prosecution's case closely and protects your rights throughout the criminal process. Contact Daniel promptly before speaking with the police or making decisions about your case.

Understanding Homicide Charges in New Zealand

The difference between murder and manslaughter depends on the legal elements the prosecution can prove. 

Murder

A murder charge in New Zealand alleges culpable homicide that meets the statutory definition of murder. This can include an intention to cause death, or an intention to cause bodily injury known to be likely to cause death alongside recklessness about the result. A murder sentence generally carries life imprisonment unless that sentence would be manifestly unjust.
 

Manslaughter

A manslaughter charge in NZ involves culpable homicide where the elements required for murder are not established. It can arise from an unlawful act, criminal negligence or another breach of legal duty. The murder vs manslaughter distinction is critical because it affects the prosecution case, available defences and sentencing. A manslaughter sentence in NZ can include life imprisonment, but the court assesses the facts, level of responsibility and personal circumstances. Related allegations, including infanticide, involve their own legal tests.

Infanticide and Other Specific Homicide Charges

New Zealand law recognises additional categories of homicide under specific circumstances, including infanticide and other specialised charges that may apply depending on case details.



Each murder, manslaughter, and homicide case presents unique circumstances, evidence challenges, and potential defence strategies. The complexity of these cases demands legal representation with specific experience in homicide charge defence.

How Daniel Schellenberg Builds a Strong Defence

Homicide charges require close attention to every part of the investigation. A skilled homicide defence lawyer provides rigorous preparation and representation through each stage of the case.

• Comprehensive case analysis: Daniel examines forensic evidence, witness accounts, Police methods, medical and pathology reports, phone data and the alleged timeline. He identifies inconsistencies, gaps and evidential issues that may affect the prosecution case.

• Focused defence strategy: Daniel develops a defence around the facts and legal issues in the case. This can involve self-defence or defence of another person, accident, lack of the required intent, causation, identification or mental impairment issues requiring specialist evidence.

• Expert evidence: Forensic specialists, pathologists, psychiatrists and other experts can be central to a homicide case. Daniel works with the right experts to test the evidence and present a clear defence position.

• Courtroom representation: Daniel represents clients at bail hearings, pre-trial proceedings, jury trials, sentencing and appeals. He prepares each stage carefully and provides clear direction through a complex process.

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Why Choose Daniel Schellenberg

When you are facing a serious allegation like a murder charge, the lawyer you choose must be prepared to deal with the evidence, the legal issues and the pressure of a high-stakes prosecution. Daniel Schellenberg Barrister provides experienced, determined representation for clients confronting homicide charges.

• Serious criminal defence experience: Daniel has extensive experience in serious criminal matters and understands the detail required in complex murder and manslaughter cases.

• Direct, strategic representation: Daniel works closely with each client, explains the prosecution case clearly and develops a defence strategy that reflects the circumstances of the case.

• Careful evidence review: From forensic results and pathology reports to witness testimony and police procedures, Daniel examines every part of the case before it reaches court.

• Support throughout the process: Daniel provides strong representation from the first Police contact through to trial, sentencing or appeal.

• Respectful, non-judgmental representation: Daniel understands that serious allegations place enormous pressure on clients and their families. 

• Complete confidentiality and discretion: Clients can discuss sensitive details in private, knowing their case will be managed with professionalism and care.