Best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, understand that criminal allegations can negatively impact your life. You can lose the trust of friends, family, and other individuals in your social network. Furthermore, the accused faces a career halt. The penalties are a lot more severe if the legal system convicts you of the crime.
Murder is a homicidal crime that involves an individual unlawfully executing the victim. Penal Code 187 enlists the details of the crime. Furthermore, it says that killing involves forethought and intention. In a murder trial, the prosecution must prove the accused murdered the victim with intention. The malicious intent provoked the accused to act without regard for human life.
What are the different types of murders in Poway, CA?
The best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, will defend their clients against all charges. Initially, the prosecution will decide whether to charge the accused with first-degree or second-degree murder:
First-degree murder
According to the law, the first degree involves premeditation. The accused intended to kill the person. In other words, they had planned for a specific outcome. Under state laws, the prosecution will charge the individual with first-degree murder in the following circumstances:
- Initially, the accused killed the victim using explosives. They used firearms, bombs, poison, and other weapons to end their life.
- Secondly, the accused tortured the victim before killing them. The torture was emotionally, psychologically, and physically draining.
- The individual performs other crimes in addition to killing. For example, the first-degree murder included kidnapping, rape, robbery, and theft.
If the victim survives three years and a day, the state laws will not charge the accused with manslaughter. However, the prosecution must work extra hard to prove that the murder is first-degree.
Second-degree murder
Similar to the first offense, second-degree murder also involves intent. However, the crime does not involve premeditation or planning. The prosecution must prove the complete disregard for human life. Furthermore, the accused meant to harm the body of the victim. Unfortunately, the act resulted in death.
The intent to cause harm
If the accused intended to harm the victim but not kill them, then it is a second-degree murder. For example, the victim and accused fought. Subsequently, the person on the stand knew that the only way to end the quarrel was to hit the victim with all their strength. They used physical strength or grabbed an object. Clearly, the accused wanted to cause harm. Death was probable. However, there was no intention of killing the victim.
Disregard for human life
Secondly, another form of murder that will need the defense of the best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, is indifference to human life. In other words, the accused was not aware their actions could lead to death. The accused did not intend to kill the victim. However, they also did not take sufficient time to think of their actions and consequences.
Killing with intent but without premeditation.
The term without premeditation means no forethought of taking someone’s life. The intention to kill surfaced during the murder but was not present before the crime. Perhaps the circumstances startled the murderer. In other words, murder was the only way to escape the situation.
Indirect Felony
Indirect Felony does not involve killing. The prosecution can argue that the robbery is a felony crime that occurred in addition to murder if two individuals robbed a store. One of the robbers shoots the victim. Consequently, the law will charge the second robber with second-degree felony murder.
What are the penalties for murder in Poway, CA?
Our best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, will communicate the penalties of the crime with their clients. As a result, they are aware of what the future can hold. Here are the penalties for first and second-degree murder charges
First-degree murder
If the court convicts the person of first-degree murder in California, they will face three punishments:
- Firstly, they will send a minimum of 25 years to a lifetime in state prison
- Unfortunately, lifetime imprisonment does not have parole. They will spend the sentencing in a state prison.
- Lastly, they might even hang according to the capital death punishment.
California State laws have the harshest punishment for murder if the accused manifests the outcome. Moreover, the penalties increase if the events of the murder are cruel and heinous. The first-degree murder punishment is reserved for individuals who committed the crime with torture.
second-degree murder
The court will send the second-degree convicted individual to jail for 15 years to a lifetime. However, the judge can modify the punishment according to the following factors:
- Firstly, the prosecution will insist the accused has a criminal record.
- Secondly, the murder was committed from a vehicle or at a drive-by.
- Has the victim killed a police officer, a government agent, or a law enforcement representative?
Why hire the best murder lawyers in Poway, CA?
Negotiating plea bargains and deals
One of the reasons to work with highly experienced and professional best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, is that they can get you a better deal. Moreover, the team will negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain. If they are successful, your punishment is reduced. In addition, teamwork can eliminate charges that the prosecution has added to the list. You will spend less time in jail or the rehabilitation center. Surprisingly, the best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, suggest pleading guilty because it leads to a reduced punishment.
Emotional support
The best murder lawyers in Poway, CA, are like therapists. They will motivate you to face the realities and the outcomes of the legal system. Moreover, the legal experts will prepare you for the times ahead during a trial. They are well-versed in navigating the legal complexities. Moreover, the lawyers know the unwritten rules that lead to a shorter sentence with minimum future implications.
Hire the best murder lawyers in Poway, CA,
If the officer has charged you with taking someone’s life, you will need help from the best murder lawyers in Poway, CA. Unfortunately, telling everyone you did not do the murder is not enough. The experts have the legal solutions for your challenges. They will stand by your side until you walk out free out of the courtroom. Schedule a meeting through phone or email so we may put the charges against you to rest.