Top Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Homicide Lawyers Near You
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1901 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90067
2029 Century Park East, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90067
11400 West Olympic Blvd, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA 90064
16000 Ventura Blvd, Suite 1200, Encino, CA 91436
1325 Palmetto St, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90013
1421 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866
6303 Owensmouth Ave, 10th Floor, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
214 S McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90004
4201 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90807
205 South Broadway, Suite 902, Los Angeles, CA 90012
644 South Figueroa Street, Engine Co 28, Los Angeles, CA 90017
12424 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90025
4425 Jamboree, Suite 130, Newport Beach, CA 92660
15233 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
750 East Green Street, Suite 204, Pasadena, CA 91104
1440 North Harbor Boulevard, Suite 900, Fullerton, CA 92835
1000 Quail Street, Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660
333 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90067
520 South Grand Avenue, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
2049 Century Park E, Suite 1700, Los Angeles, CA 90067
680 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
23 Corporate Plaza, Suite 150, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Rancho Palos Verdes Homicide Information
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The Crime of Homicide
A charge of homicide does not necessarily mean someone intended to kill another person. There are several types of homicide crimes and each vary by the facts of the case and the jurisdiction. Aside from the act, the alleged perpetrator’s intent is also extremely important. Depending on the specifics of your case your attorney can help explain to you the charges against you and the various possible defenses to your case.
What Is Homicide?
Homicide takes place when one person kills another. Homicide may or may not be illegal, and this judgment is highly dependent on context.
For example, if a soldier on the battlefield shoots and kills an enemy combatant they have committed homicide, but their actions do not (ordinarily) constitute a crime. In some jurisdictions, if a home intruder is gunned down by the lawful resident, it may not be considered a crime — though homicide has occurred.
Criminal homicide, typically involving offenses such as murder (both first and second degree) as well as manslaughter (voluntary, involuntary, vehicular), refers to illegal forms of homicide.
What Is the Difference Between Murder and Homicide?
While all murders are instances of homicides, not all homicides are murders. Murder is by definition a crime, and a requisite element for murder charges is premeditation or malice. Homicide is not bound by any such stricture in terms of its definition.
An individual who plans to kill a longstanding enemy or rival, and then executes this plan, is guilty of murder — in this case, an illegal instance of homicide.
What Is the Difference Between Manslaughter and Homicide?
As with murder, all manslaughter cases involve homicide, but not all homicides involve manslaughter. Manslaughter is typically defined as an unlawful killing that was not premeditated or an unlawful killing that is the result of criminally reckless behavior (commonly known as a “depraved-heart” killing).
A person who finds their spouse engaged in the act of adultery, flies into a fit of rage and kills one of the other parties is likely to be charged with voluntary manslaughter — and they have committed a form of illegal homicide.
Is Homicide a Felony?
Homicide can either be a legal or illegal action depending on the circumstances. However, when considering illegal homicide such as murder or manslaughter, the charges are almost always classified as felony offenses due to the gravity of the crime (a life has been taken).
How Much Jail Time Can You Receive if You Commit Homicide?
Instances of illegal homicide vary greatly in terms of sentencing handed out in response to criminal convictions.
If you are found guilty of voluntary manslaughter (manslaughter committed in the heat of passion or during a fight, you could face up to 15 years in prison. Those convicted of involuntary manslaughter (that is, a death resulting from reckless behavior or similar negligence) may serve up to eight years behind bars. State statutes typically follow a similar sentencing scheme, though some jurisdictions allow for up to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.
Murder is treated even more seriously by both state and federal courts. Those found guilty of first-degree murder in federal court face life imprisonment or even the death penalty (in states which allow for this sentence to be executed). Those convicted of second-degree murder face any number of years in prison, or a life sentence alternatively.
Legal homicide, such as the examples provided earlier, does not carry a sentence.
Can a Lawyer Help With a Homicide Charge in California?
If you are facing charges related to illegal homicide of any nature, whether said charges are murder or manslaughter, it is strongly recommended that you seek experienced legal representation at your earliest opportunity.
A skilled criminal defense attorney familiar with homicide cases, established case law surrounding these and standing legal judgments or precedents, can be extremely useful in helping you to navigate the court system — increasing your chances of avoiding a conviction. Attorney-client privilege protects your discussions with your lawyer, allowing you to divulge all relevant information to them without fear of legal repercussions.
A conviction on charges of homicide is a very serious matter, as all offenses falling under this legal category are defined as felony offenses of the highest degree. A lengthy prison sentence, substantial monetary fines and even the death penalty can be the result if you are found guilty, and so it is vitally important to secure adequate, professional legal counsel.
Have You Been Charged With the Crime of Homicide?
If you have been charged with the crime of homicide, you will have the option to hire a homicide defense attorney or have one appointed to you. He or she can help protect your rights before and during the trial.