Homicide Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
If you need a skilled homicide attorney, it is essential to know the difference between a criminal defense attorney and an experienced homicide lawyer.
Criminal defense attorneys can help with many criminal cases but may not have experience with homicides or other violent crimes. A skilled homicide lawyer has been practicing law for years and knows how to handle these cases better than anyone else.
Hiring an experienced murder defense attorney will give you peace of mind knowing that your case is handled by someone who understands the complexities of defending people accused of murder. This type of legal representation could make all the difference in the outcome of your case!
When considering hiring a homicide attorney, you should look for someone with the right experience and credentials. An experienced homicide lawyer will have dealt with similar cases and can use their knowledge to give you the support and guidance you need. It’s important to ensure they have a successful track record and that their practice meets the highest standards of ethical conduct.
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney is an experienced homicide law firm in Los Angeles. They have successfully handled cases ranging from manslaughter to first-degree murder and have successfully obtained acquittals for their clients. With experience in both federal and state courts, they are well-versed in the intricate details of homicide cases.
Having a qualified and experienced lawyer by your side when facing a serious criminal charge like homicide is critical. The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney can provide the representation you need to fight for your freedom and justice.
Hire An Experienced Homicide Lawyer in Los Angeles
Like other states, California law defines murder as a deliberate act that leads to the death of another human being. According to Penal Code 187, “Murder is the unlawful killing of another with malice aforethought.”
Criminal homicide charges can be the result of several elements. Generally, these elements include whether the act that caused the death was deliberate or unintended, whether it was premeditated killing, or was the result of careless or reckless behaviors on the part of another.
Although, in some circumstances, homicide is not considered a criminal act, such as in cases where the death penalty is enacted or a police officer kills a criminal or a suspect while carrying out their official duties to protect the community.
Murder will more than likely lead to a felony charge in California. Remember your Miranda Rights—to remain silent and to be represented by a skilled defense attorney. If law enforcement officers accuse you of killing another person, you will require a homicide attorney to combat the charges.
An experienced criminal law lawyer will offer advice and begin building a strong legal defense strategy as soon as you are charged. A Los Angeles murder attorney from The Law Office of Christopher Chaney will protect your rights as they represent your case.
Your criminal defense attorney will be able to explain the criminal justice system and the possible penalties associated with a homicide conviction. Your lawyer will also know how to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence and review other factors surrounding the case.
If you were arrested on a capital murder charge in Los Angeles County, contact the homicide attorney at The Law Office of Christopher Chaney for immediate assistance. We will review your case and provide you with sound legal advice and guidance throughout your case.
Additional Homicide Defense Attorney Practice Areas
A skilled and knowledgeable criminal Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer will also be experienced in multiple criminal defense practice areas of California criminal law, such as:
- Attempted murder
- Child abuse and child endangerment
- Child molestation and child pornography
- Assault and battery
- Criminal threats
- Domestic battery
- Domestic violence
- DUI
- Federal drug trafficking, drug possession, and other drug crimes
- Identity theft, mail fraud, and other federal crimes
- Indecent exposure, statutory rape, and other sex crimes
- Internet crimes
- Juvenile crimes
- Money laundering
- Resisting arrest
- Theft crimes
- Violating a restraining order
- White-collar crimes
Often, you’ll face more than one charge when you are charged with a serious crime. If you face homicide charges in Santa Monica, California, you should immediately hire a Los Angeles criminal defense law firm to prepare your case and provide legal representation.
Degrees of Felony Los Angeles Homicide Cases
In California, there are varying degrees of the charge of homicide. California Penal Code section 187 defines “murder” as the unlawful and unjustified killing of a human being or an unborn child with malice aforethought. Several types of murder vary from involuntary manslaughter to capital murder charges.
In many cases, with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney with considerable experience and resources, a capital murder case might be reduced to manslaughter or even dismissed due to their capable legal defenses. Based on the facts of the case, homicide is commonly charged as the following:
- First-degree murder is the unjustified, unlawful, and premeditated malicious killing of another person.
- Second-degree murder is a homicide that was not deliberate and occurred without being intentional.
- Involuntary manslaughter (also known as third-degree murder) is a criminally negligent act that results in death.
- Voluntary manslaughter (also known as third-degree murder) occurs when the unlawful killing happens without malice or premeditation, such as in the case of an accident or the passionate heat of the moment.
- Vehicular manslaughter occurs when someone is unlawfully killed by another person driving a vehicle recklessly or under the influence of a controlled substance.
Defenses for a homicide charge range from self-defense and accidental death to insanity or illegal search and seizure. A Los Angeles domestic violence attorney may also be able to argue that the death was due to exceptional circumstances, such as systemic abuse at the hands of the abuser.
The right defense attorneys may reduce your charges and obtain optimal case results like a dismissal.
Felony Murder Rule Explained
The felony murder rule is a legal principle that holds one person responsible for the death of another if they commit or attempt to commit any felony.
This means even if someone commits a non-violent crime, such as burglary, and unintentionally kills someone, they can be charged with first-degree murder. In some cases, this could mean life imprisonment without parole.
If you are unsure what crimes fall under California’s felony murder rule, it is best to consult an attorney before committing or attempting any crime. You may want to avoid breaking into houses altogether.
Call an experienced Los Angeles murder defense attorney for more information on how the new felony murder law will affect your future criminal actions!
Defenses Against Murder Charges in Los Angeles
When preparing a Los Angeles murder defense, an attorney may use a tactic indicating that it was an unfortunate result of being the recipient of assault and battery, sexual assault crimes, or other violent crimes.
To win a conviction against a possible murderer, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant specifically had the deliberate and premeditated criminal intent to kill another human being.
Some potential defenses in your homicide case include the following:
Accidental Killing
If you were not engaged in unlawful activity, had no criminal intent, and were using ordinary caution, your case may be reduced to manslaughter or dismissed as an unfortunate accident.
Exercise of Duty
California seeks to protect law enforcement officers and other individuals acting under the command of the police when the death results from the officer exercising their legal duty without using excessive force.
Insanity
If the person accused of the crime lacked the rational state of mind necessary for premeditated malice at the time of the crime.
Mistaken Identity
Perhaps law enforcement officers misidentified you as the killer, and you have an iron-clad alibi that makes it impossible to have committed the crime. Your charges may be dismissed due to mistaken identity.
Self-Defense or the Defense of Others
According to California Criminal Code section 3470, under their “Stand Your Ground” law, you are entitled to defend yourself or someone else. You can also pursue the attacker until the risk of death or extreme bodily injury passes if deemed reasonably necessary.
Contact a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney
California murder charges are serious criminal proceedings and can result in life sentences. If you face murder or manslaughter charges, a Los Angeles homicide attorney can provide legal guidance and help you build an effective defense strategy.
When facing homicide charges, you need a top-notch murder defense lawyer to protect your legal rights and ensure justice. With the right defense attorney, you may be able to reduce your charges or even get the case dismissed.
An experienced criminal attorney can also advise on plea bargain arrangements, which may help you avoid a long prison sentence and other serious consequences. Contact the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Los Angeles murder defense attorney. We will fight diligently for your rights and work hard to obtain the most favorable outcome in your case.
