A lawyer for an American woman facing charges over the 2006 shooting death of her husband in central Newfoundland says his client is innocent.

The RCMP earlier this week charged Mary Beth Harshbarger, a resident of Pennsylvania, with criminal negligence causing death and careless use of a firearm.

She shot her husband, Mark Harshbarger, in September 2006 near Buchans Junction. She has maintained since then that she mistook her husband for a bear.

Lawyer Paul Ackourey said Mary Beth Harshbarger is glad that she has not been charged with anything suggesting that what happened was willful or intentional, such as a murder charge.

"To that extent, I think she was relieved," Ackourey told CBC News.

"She was certainly well aware that there was an ongoing investigation, and I don't think she was surprised that there were charges filed."

Ackourey said he and his client have not decided whether she will voluntarily return to Newfoundland to face the charges, or will wait to be extradited.

Ackourey said he believes there was pressure to charge his client with something, because of the media attention that the case has drawn since 2006, and because of pressure from some members of the Harshbarger family.

"She is grieving the loss of her husband. She has children to raise without him. It's been a terrible emotional burden," Ackourey said.

"Then, to be charged criminally on this — I can't even imagine the emotional impact that that would have."

Ackourey said he believes his client does not have anything to worry about because, he said, the truth supports her.