California Murder Defense Attorneys
If you have been arrested for homicide or murder in California, you are facing extremely serious criminal charges, even if you have been falsely accused. You should contact a Long Beach murder defense lawyer at the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low, IV immediately to discuss your case with one of our experienced California criminal defense lawyers and begin having your legal rights protected. Our law firm has experience successfully defending clients who have been accused of all types of serious crimes, including murder, homicide, and manslaughter. We have a thorough understanding of criminal law, and the issues that are involved in successfully representing a client during such a difficult ordeal.
California Penal Code Section 187 (a) defines murder as "the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought." There are different types and varying levels of homicide, which include:
- First-degree murder - Unlawful killing that was premeditated and deliberate.
- Second-degree murder - Intentional murder that was not premeditated; or a death caused by another person's dangerous behavior or negligence.
- Criminal homicide - Homicide which was performed intentionally, such as murder or voluntary manslaughter.
- Excusable homicide - Homicide that results from an accident, in which the defendant is excused because he or she did not break the law or intend to harm the deceased.
- Justifiable homicide - Non-criminal homicide in which proof is necessary to show that the homicide was not a criminal act.
- Manslaughter - The killing of a person without premeditation or malice.
You have a lot at stake, including your reputation, future, and freedom if you have been charged with murder. A homicide conviction may carry with it a lengthy prison term, life sentence, or death penalty depending upon the circumstances.
In some states, the following crimes may result in a death penalty upon conviction:
- First degree murder
- Destructive murder (by using a destructive device)
- Aiding in a first degree murder (without committing the murder)
- Murder of a police officer
- Murder of a judge
If you are facing homicide charges in California, you should contact the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low, IV to ensure that your case is represented in an aggressive and professional manner. It is vital that you hire an experienced South Bay homicide defense lawyer who has the knowledge and background necessary to have your case dismissed or to get shortest sentence possible.
