Top Yorba Linda, CA First Degree Murder Lawyers Near You
SoCal Super Lawyers 16 years in a row, AV rated. Criminal defense attorney offering experience, skill and personal attention.
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When Results Matter Most, Put 42 Years of Criminal Defense to Work For You! Open 24/7. Free Consultation.
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Arrested? Or Think You May be Arrested? Call David. Interviewed by NBC & Dr Drew for his Criminal Defense Success.
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6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 247, Encino, CA 91316
If you need First Degree Murder help in California, contact Law Office of Gregory Rubel, a local practice in Yorba Linda, for legal representation.
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16520 Bake Parkway, Suite 280, Irvine, CA 92618
Representing people in Yorba Linda, California with their First Degree Murder issues.
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260 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Clients who need legal help with First Degree Murder concerns can contact Law Offices of Barry T. Simons, a reputable law firm in Yorba Linda, California.
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23679 Calabasas Road, Suite 412, Calabasas, CA 91302
Assisting people in California with their First Degree Murder needs. Learn More.
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1440 N Harbor Blvd, Suite 900, Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact Law Offices of David Borsari for experienced First Degree Murder guidance in Yorba Linda, California.
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418 S Swall Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Connect with a local Yorba Linda, California firm for experienced First Degree Murder legal representation.
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626 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017
2112 Walnut Grove Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770
3838 Carson Street, Suite 302, Torrance, CA 90503
3200 Park Center Dr, Suite 250, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
695 Town Center Drive, 17th Floor, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
333 City Blvd W, Suite 1742, Orange, CA 92868
3701 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90010
633 W 5th St., 28th Floor, Suite 2874, Los Angeles, CA 90071
120 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
1801 Century Park East, 24th FL, Los Angeles, CA 90067
18411 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 120, Torrance, CA 90504
22982 La Cadena Dr, 239, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
600 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90017
19800 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
555 South Flower Street, 31st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
6464 West Sunset Blvd., Suite 1030, Los Angeles, CA 90028
355 S Grand Ave, Suite 2850, Los Angeles, CA 90071
2049 Century Park E, Suite 3500S, Los Angeles, CA 90067
1010 Wilshire Blvd, Ste.1415, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Yorba Linda First Degree Murder Information
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What Is First Degree Murder?
First-degree murder, ranked among the most serious criminal offenses, is a crime where the perpetrator kills a victim, having planned the act out in advance. There are several enhancements that can be brought against such an offender, such as if the killing is considered to be the result of a hate crime (biases against the victim’s race, sex, sexuality, etc.) or if the victim is a law enforcement officer or public servant.
Elements of First Degree Murder
First-degree murder is the most serious charge you can get for killing another person. While the specific definition will differ by state, it typically requires premeditation and planning. Often first-degree murder charges occur when the killer was lying in wait or was committing a felony, such as rape or burglary.
What Is the Difference Between First, Second, and Third Degree Murder?
From a federal perspective, murder charges only apply in the first and second degree, with what many state courts refer to as third-degree murder being replaced with the charge of manslaughter.
First-degree murder, federally, refers to premeditated murder with “malice aforethought.” The statute includes poisoning and laying in wait, and also makes it clear that a killing that takes place during the commission of another felony offense such as sexual assault, arson, espionage or kidnapping also constitutes first-degree murder. All other murders are classified as second-degree murders.
Federal statutes also detail that manslaughter (both voluntary and involuntary) are the result of a killing without malice aforethought, lining up — in general — with state-level considerations of both manslaughter and third degree murder.
Second-degree murder at the state level typically refers to an unplanned killing that could be the result of extremely reckless behavior without concern for human life (firing a gun into a crowd on impulse), or a “depraved heart” murder. In some states, you can be charged with second degree murder if you acted in the role of an accomplice or accessory to a murder.
Third-degree murder, or manslaughter, is frequently charged as a killing set off by a quarrel or a fit of passion (for example, an enraged spouse attacking another individual while discovering an adulterous affair, killing them in a rage), in this case, an example of voluntary manslaughter. The crime can also cover involuntary killings made with a reckless mind or intent.
What Is Capital Murder vs. First Degree Murder?
Capital murder differs from first degree murder in that it involves aggravating circumstances that elevate the crime as well as the sentencing resulting from a conviction. The most common reasons capital murder may be charged include: the killing of a police officer or first responder, the killing took place during the commission of another felony act, the victim is tortured or raped prior to the murder, the murder is the result of hate, the murder was conducted in exchange for money or the murder was an act of terrorism.
Capital murder is a term only used in eight states (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Texas and Virginia) while other states prefer “aggravated murder” or “malice murder.” However, the end result is the same — capital murder can result in the death penalty in jurisdictions that allow for it, and prison sentences ranging from 25 years to life in states which do not.
Can You Get the Death Penalty for First Degree Murder in California?
In states that allow for the death penalty, first degree murder charges — or capital murder charges, more particularly — could result in the death penalty for those convicted of the most serious offenses. Both the United States government as well as the United States military currently allow for the death penalty to be handed down.
How Long Is a First Degree Murder Sentence?
A first degree murder conviction could lead to a life sentence or even the death penalty. In broad terms, a conviction of first degree murder charges could lead to a first-time offender serving between 15 years to life, with a chance of parole (and subsequent probation) for eligible offenders.
Are You Facing First Degree Murder Charges?
Have you been charged with first degree murder? First degree murder is a felony-level homicide, and if convicted, you could be imprisoned for years, life or face the death penalty. Contact an attorney skilled in defending first degree murder cases to protect your legal rights.