California Murder Defense

Experienced California Defense Attorneys

First and second-degree murder charges under Penal Code 187 are very serious and have very grave consequences for persons convicted. For that reason, a person charged with murder should seek legal counsel right away to determine what kind of defenses can be developed to defend the charge and to preserve evidence and witness statements in advance of trial.

Don’t lose hope. We will devote the necessary resources to defend you against these charges. You should not have to shoulder the burden of such serious charges alone. Give yourself a fighting chance by hiring a private criminal defense team with proven results at Amicus Legal Group.

Amicus Legal Group Fights for Clients

We devote the necessary resources to defend clients who are facing serious charges throughout California. Our legal team has successfully defended many individuals against the most serious of charges. If you decide to work with us, you can anticipate that we will:

• Hire expert witnesses and outside investigators
• Investigate the facts of your case
• Keep you informed at each step of the case
• Negotiate alternative sentencing, where possible
• Ensure you are aware of your risks and opportunities

San Bernardino & Riverside County Murder Defense Lawyers

Potential Defenses Against Murder Charges

Numerous potential legal defenses can reduce your charges or prevent a conviction altogether. The arguments that your lawyer can make will depend on the evidence, facts, and circumstances of your case. Your defense attorney should be considering each possible defense, including:

• Charges not filed against the right person
• Acting in self-defense
• Acting in the defense of others
• Insanity
• Accidental death
• Unreliable evidence

You can defend yourself against these charges and are innocent under the law unless a jury determines otherwise. Do not allow prosecutors to paint a different picture of the events—hire a criminal defense attorney who will fight back, point-for-point.

Penalties for Murder Convictions in California Are Steep

The penalties for a murder conviction are too severe to leave things to chance. The type of sentence you can expect to receive for a conviction depends upon the type of charge you are facing.

The punishments for each type of murder (Penal Code 187) charge are as follows:

• Capital murderPotential penalties include the death penalty or life in prison.
• First-degree murder25 years to life in state prison.
• Second-degree murder15 years to life in state prison.

Not only is a lengthy prison sentence on the line, but other consequences could include:

• Higher sentences for murders with firearms
• Additional sentencing for gang activity
• Victim restitution
• Fines up to $10,000
• Reduced custody credits, and much more

Facing Civil Charges

In addition to criminal charges, the family of the victim can also bring suit for wrongful death in civil court. As the ramifications of a conviction echoes far beyond your case, do not leave things to chance and hire a private defense lawyer that puts you first.

You Can Fight the Charges

If the district attorney is unwilling to reduce or dismiss the charge, taking the case to trial may be the best approach in your case. Your defense attorney will investigate the evidence available and provide you with a case strategy that makes the most sense for your situation. Winning at trial should be your top priority—work with someone who can defend your case strongly.

Advantages of Going To Trial

Going to trial can help:

• Attack the prosecutor’s case against you
• Presenting eyewitness and expert testimony of your own
• Making the government prove its case beyond reasonable doubt
• And other advantages

Trust Your Defense to Amicus Legal Group

We fight for clients every day and are committed to their success since their lives depend on it. Call for a free case review because when the gavel comes down it will be too late to reconsider your choice of lawyer.

Amicus Legal Group will launch a full investigation to provide you with a defense that you or your loved one deserves. To learn more, schedule a free consultation by calling (888) 588-1777. Or, you can submit a written request through our contact form.