Murder / Manslaughter Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Murder is one of the most serious crimes that a person can commit. The penalties for murder in the state of California include life imprisonment and the death penalty. If you or a loved one has been charged with murder or manslaughter, the criminal defense attorneys at Jingozian Law Firm can help. We are committed to protecting defendants’ rights and helping suspects obtain the legal counsel that they deserve. A Los Angeles criminal law attorney serving Orange County, Riverside County, and beyond can provide aggressive representation and educated opinions on how best to defend your case. To schedule a free consultation, contact a criminal defense attorney from Jingozian Law Firm today. Our client testimonials illustrate how we can help you and your family.

Murder / Manslaughter

Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malicious intent or afterthought. The murder of an individual is a deliberate act. In the state of California, murder charges are differentiated depending on the severity of the crime and the intentions of the perpetrator. If you or a loved one has been charged with murder, a Los Angeles criminal law attorney from our firm – serving Orange and Riverside County – can help.

First Degree Murder

First Degree Murder is defined as a murder that is premeditated or one that was rationally conceived and planned before being acted out. In California, a person can be charged with First Degree Murder or First Degree Murder under Special Circumstances. A charge of First Degree Murder can result in life imprisonment with the possibility of parole, given good behavior. However, even convicts who are eventually paroled on life sentences will likely spend decades in custody. A conviction on a charge of First Degree Murder with Special Circumstances can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Murder suspects should seek the legal counsel of a qualified criminal law attorney, as the penalties for a conviction are life-changing.

Second Degree Murder

A charge of Second Degree Murder applies to any murder case without pre-meditation. This may include crimes of passion or any murder in which the perpetrator did not give rational thought to the outcome of the act, such as a killing that occurs in a robbery. Though a charge of Second Degree Murder is less severe than a charge of First Degree Murder, it is still a stern charge that can carry significant and long-term penalties. If you or a loved one has been charged with murder, you should contact a Los Angeles criminal law attorney from Jingozian Law Firm as soon as possible. We can review your case free of charge and prepare a customized defense strategy.

Attempted Murder

A person can be charged with Attempted Murder if he or she prepared for and committed the intentional act of trying to inflict fatal bodily harm on another individual. Though the charge is less severe than a murder charge, it can still result in grave penalties. In the United States, it must be proven that an individual intended to kill for an attempted murder conviction. An intention to cause bodily harm, such as in an assault and battery, is not enough to convict on an attempted murder charge. At Jingozian Law Firm, we have the experience and knowledge to help fight to protect your legal rights. We can work to get your charges dismissed or your sentence reduced.

Manslaughter

In the United States, a charge of manslaughter is applied to cases where the unlawful killing of another human being is considered to be less severe than murder. Like murder charges, manslaughter charges are usually further broken down depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime.

Voluntary Manslaughter

If a suspect shows intent or willingness to kill, but circumstances diminish the individual’s liability, a Voluntary Manslaughter charge may be filed. Though it can be difficult to determine exactly what differentiates between a Second Degree of Murder and a Voluntary Manslaughter charge, some possible circumstances that could lead to a manslaughter charge include:

• Provocation – If a person is provoked by the actions of another individual, and it can be agreed that a reasonable person could lose control of his or her state of mind and kill as a result of such provocation, then the suspect may be charged with the lesser charge of Voluntary Manslaughter, and not murder.

• Crime of Passion – Also known as a Heat of Passion crime, this type of crime could result in a Manslaughter charge, but depending on the circumstances, may also be grounds for a Second Degree of the Murder charge. A crime of passion is similar to a crime caused by provocation (indeed, some jurisdictions make no differentiation), in that the crime is caused by the direct actions of another individual, without forethought. This may include cases in which the suspect kills after seeing his or her spouse committing adultery or witnesses an attack on a family member.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Also known as Criminally Negligent Homicide, an Involuntary Manslaughter charge is brought against an individual who is believed to be directly responsible for the death of an individual even though he or she had no intention to cause bodily harm. In many cases, an Involuntary Manslaughter charge is brought against a suspect when he or she has killed another individual as a result of violating traffic laws or driving a motor vehicle while drunk or under the influence of other mind-altering substances. Even though there was no intent to kill, there existed a disregard for the safety of other individuals. If you or a loved one has been charged with murder or manslaughter, a Los Angeles criminal law attorney from Jingozian Law Firm can help your legal rights be protected.