Top Santa Monica, CA Homicide Lawyers Near You
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260 St. Ann's Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Clients who need legal help with Homicide concerns can contact Law Offices of Barry T. Simons, a reputable law firm in Santa Monica, California.
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6345 Balboa Blvd, Suite 247, Encino, CA 91316
If you need Homicide help in California, contact Law Office of Gregory Rubel, a local practice in Santa Monica, for legal representation.
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16520 Bake Parkway, Suite 280, Irvine, CA 92618
Representing people in Santa Monica, California with their Homicide issues.
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418 S Swall Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Connect with a local Santa Monica, California firm for experienced Homicide legal representation.
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23679 Calabasas Road, Suite 412, Calabasas, CA 91302
Assisting people in California with their Homicide needs. Learn More.
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1440 N Harbor Blvd, Suite 900, Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact Law Offices of David Borsari for experienced Homicide guidance in Santa Monica, California.
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1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite #500, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
6565 Sunset Blvd., Suite 410, Los Angeles, CA 90028
500 N Brand Blvd, Suite 1650, Glendale, CA 91203
5250 Lankershim Blvd, Suite 500, North Hollywood, CA 91601
1400 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 601, Fullerton, CA 92835
17581 Irvine Blvd., Suite 108, Tustin, CA 92780-3123
1999 Avenue Of The Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90067
PO Box 3313, Granada Hills, CA 91394
9595 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
888 West 6th St, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017
707 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 3800, Los Angeles, CA 90017
3838 Carson Street, Suite 302, Torrance, CA 90503
333 City Blvd W, Suite 1742, Orange, CA 92868
1875 Century Park East, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, CA 90067
575 Anton Blvd, Suite 750, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
9327 Fairway View Pl, Suite 304, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
18411 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 120, Torrance, CA 90504
3701 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90010
27130 Paseo Espada, Ste 521, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Santa Monica 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.