Penalties for crimes involving the loss of human life are among the most severe and lasting. Those convicted of murder face life in prison, costly fines, and other significant consequences that forever alter the course of their lives. With so much on the line, it’s essential that anyone facing murder charges in Los Angeles County contacts a highly qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A strong and effective defense strategy can make all the difference between a life behind bars and a bright and open future. If you or a loved one is facing a murder charge in Los Angeles County, reach out to the dedicated and highly trusted legal team at Wegman & Levin as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and discuss your options for defending yourself against this charge. The sooner you contact a criminal defense lawyer, the more time you will have to prepare a robust and effective legal defense strategy. This post will explore the potential penalties for murder convictions in California and some of the legal defense strategies defendants and their attorneys can use to increase their chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome.
Understanding Murder Charges in California
First, it’s helpful to understand the legal definition of murder under California law. Section 187 of the California Penal Code states, “Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” In other words, any loss of life that the defendant caused may trigger murder charges under California law if the defendant acted with malice. Murder charges usually fall into one of three categories: Capital murder, first-degree murder, or second-degree murder. Capital murder, the most serious of the three charges, typically involves more than one victim or the murder of a firefighter, elected official, police officer, or another form of public servant. It can also be based on other special circumstances, such as a killing committed during a kidnapping or lying in wait. First-degree murder charges usually apply to cases in which the defendant intended to take another person’s life and took time to plan this event. For cases where the defendant’s actions have resulted in the death of another but without provocation or proven intention of killing the person, prosecutors may bring a second-degree murder charge. Regardless of the exact murder charge you are facing, it’s critical that you seek legal representation right away to start preparing your legal defense strategy.
Murder Charges Can Lead to Serious, Life-Altering Consequences
Due to the serious nature of the underlying offense, California imposes strict and severe penalties for murder-related crimes. Depending on the specifics of your case, a second-degree murder conviction could lead to a prison sentence lasting between 15 years to life behind bars and steep fines, among other penalties. First-degree murder convictions can be punishable by a prison sentence of 25 years to life. What’s more, the consequences of a murder conviction can extend well beyond the terms of your sentence. Even after you have served decades in jail, you will likely face significant barriers to employment and housing opportunities upon your release. With so much at stake, it’s essential that you contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney who can advocate vocally on your behalf and defend your rights at every stage of the criminal justice process.
Legal Defenses to Murder Charges in Los Angeles County
If you are facing murder charges, it’s important to recognize that your future is not set in stone. Every defendant has the right to a fair trial, which includes the opportunity to defend themselves against these charges. Below are just a few of the tactics you and your criminal defense lawyer can use to push back against murder allegations in Los Angeles County.
Murder For Self-Defense
One of the most common legal defense strategies for murder charges is claiming that the incident was an act of self-defense. It’s natural to ask the question, “Can you go to jail for murder in self-defense?” Since defending yourself against an imminent and legitimate threat is legal—as long as the force you used in defense is proportional to the perceived threat—you may be able to claim self-defense in the face of a murder charge. You and your criminal defense attorney can make the case that you or others were in imminent danger, which prompted you to use deadly force to protect yourselves against a legitimate threat to your safety and well-being.
Mistaken Identity and Alibis as Murder Defenses
Another potential defense strategy against murder charges is establishing that you were the victim of mistaken identity. Eyewitnesses can be unreliable and make mistakes, so you and your attorney can make the case that you were misidentified and wrongly accused of murder. This strategy can be even more effective if you can provide an alibi that makes it factually impossible for you to have been near the scene of the crime at the time.
Proving Lack of Premeditation, Intent or Malice
The distinction between murder and other forms of homicide is that prosecutors must prove that the defendant had the intent to commit an act that leads to the death of another person. Without clear proof of premeditation or malicious intent to kill the victim, the charges may be reduced from murder to lesser charges like manslaughter. Although you may still face serious penalties, they will be much less restrictive and life-altering than those accompanying a murder conviction.
You Deserve a Fair Shot
Facing criminal charges of any kind can be an overwhelming and intimidating event, especially if this is your first offense. However, as isolated and scared as you may be at this time, you do not have to go through the next few days, weeks, or months alone. Contact a trusted and experienced Los Angeles County criminal defense lawyer right away to start preparing a solid defensive strategy that aims to keep your future as bright as possible. Now is not the time to let fate decide the outcome—call Wegman & Levin today to start laying the groundwork for a solid and effective legal defense.
Murder charges carry some of the most serious and lasting penalties, so it’s essential that those facing murder accusations retain legal representation as soon as possible to maximize their chances of obtaining a fair outcome. Call Wegman & Levin today at (818) 980-4000 to arrange a free consultation with Los Angeles County’s go-to criminal defense law firm.
