Homicide Lawyers in Santa Fe Springs Aggressively Defending You With Experience

No one ever expects to be charged with homicide, but when it does happen, you need the best legal defense you can get. That’s where our team of experienced homicide lawyers comes in. We understand the difficulties of winning a case and will fight aggressively for you every step of the way.

Homicide is a serious charge that can come with severe penalties if convicted. That’s why it’s so important to have a lawyer who knows the law inside and out and has a proven track record of success in court. With our team on your side, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands.

We understand that this is an uncertain time for you and your family, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. We’ll keep you up-to-date on progress every step of the way and will always be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Confianza Legal is here for you. Contact us today at 562-991-6298 to schedule a free consultation with one of our homicide lawyers. Let us put our experience to work for you.

What Is the Legal Definition of Homicide in California?

Homicide is defined as the killing of another human being without lawful justification or excuse. In California, there are different types of homicide, each with its own set of penalties.

Murder

Murder is the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought means that the defendant intended to kill the victim or acted with reckless disregard for human life.

There are three types of murder in California: first-degree, second-degree, and capital murder. First-degree murder is premeditated murder, which means that the defendant planned and carried out the killing ahead of time. Second-degree murder is unplanned but still intentional murder. It can also be charged as a felony murder, which is a murder that occurred during the commission of another felony, such as robbery or arson. Capital murder is the most serious type of murder and can be punishable by death.

The penalties for murder depend on the type of murder and other factors, but they can range from 15 years to life in prison. Capital murder can carry the death penalty.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought. There are two types of manslaughter in California: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing that occurs in the heat of passion after the victim has committed a provocative act that would cause a reasonable person to become emotionally or mentally disturbed. Involuntary manslaughter is an unintentional killing that occurs as the result of recklessness or criminal negligence.

The penalties for manslaughter depend on the type of manslaughter and other factors, but they can range from 2 to 11 years in prison.

Vehicular Manslaughter

Vehicular manslaughter is a type of involuntary manslaughter that occurs when a defendant kills someone while driving recklessly or negligently. The penalties for vehicular manslaughter depend on the type of recklessness or negligence involved, but they can range from probation to 10 years in prison.

What Are Some Possible Defenses to Homicide Charges?

The possible defenses to homicide charges depend on the facts of the case, but some common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, and accidental killing.

Self-defense is a defense to murder and attempted murder charges. It can be used if the defendant reasonably believed that he or she or someone else was in imminent danger of being killed or suffering great bodily harm and that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent that from happening.

Defense of others is a defense to murder and attempted murder charges. It may apply if the defendant believed someone else was at imminent risk of being killed or suffering serious bodily harm and that the use of deadly force was required to prevent this.

Accidental killing is a defense to murder and manslaughter charges. It can be used if the defendant did not intend to kill the victim and the killing was an accident. A lawyer can help you determine if this or any other defense applies to your case.

What Happens in a Homicide Trial?

A homicide trial can be a lengthy and complicated process. If you are charged with homicide, it is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side to ensure that your rights are protected.

The first step in a homicide trial is the arraignment, where the charges against the defendant are read aloud in court, and the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will proceed to a trial.

The next step is pretrial motions, where the lawyers for both sides can make motions to dismiss the case or exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial.

After pretrial motions are resolved, the trial will begin. The prosecution will present its case first, followed by the defense. After both sides have presented their cases, the jury will deliberate and reach a verdict.

Homicide charges are commonly filed against individuals who have taken the life of another person. The penalties for murder vary depending on the nature of the crime and other circumstances, but they may range from probation to life in prison. Capital murder is punishable by death.

How Can a Homicide Attorney Help Me?

If you’re facing homicide charges, you should contact an experienced violent crimes attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can assist you in understanding the charges against you and the potential ramifications, as well as investigate the facts of your case and identify any viable defenses.

If you have been charged with homicide, you’ll need an attorney who is familiar with the legal process and can navigate it on your behalf while also advocating for the best possible result in your case. At trial, they may be your most valuable asset.

If you or someone you know has been charged with homicide, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney immediately. Confianza Legal offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your rights and options. Call us today at 562-991-6298.