Many people use the terms homicide and murder as though they mean the same thing. The truth is that they have very distinct meanings. Put simply, homicide refers to killing of any type. It does include murder, which is defined as any type of killing that involves what the courts refer to as “malice aforethought.”
This concept doesn’t necessarily mean that the accused had ill will or hated the victim – though it can mean that. It can also mean that they had a disregard for life, which led them to act in a way in which it was likely a death would occur.
In the event of a killing where there wasn’t any type of malice aforethought, you’re not dealing with murder, but it is likely still a homicide. More likely, it will be prosecuted as manslaughter, whether voluntary, involuntary, or vehicular. If you’ve been charged with murder then you already know that the penalties can be severe. The good news is that there is a murder defense lawyer in San Bernardino CA who’s ready to fight for you: Chambers Law Firm.
Know the possible penalties for a murder conviction
The specific penalties you’ll be facing will vary based on the specifics of your case. For example, capital murder is the most serious option and the only punishment options are either capital punishment or life in prison without the possibility of parole. There are twenty different situations that technically fall under the umbrella of capital murder and they include murdering someone for money, murdering a police officer, or murdering several people.
California has a unique felony-murder law, which means that if someone dies while a person is committing a different dangerous felony, then they can be punished for murder. In this particular case, it doesn’t matter if they meant to kill someone or if it was simply an accident.
Your murder defense lawyer in San Bernardino CA can help you find the best defense
The right defense for you will vary based on a number of factors. In some cases, we may work to prove that you were acting in self-defense. We may find evidence that shows that you didn’t mean to kill anyone, that it was just an accident, or we may work to show that a confession you gave was not given freely.
In other cases, we may work to show that evidence the investigators found was illegally obtained. If there’s little evidence against you, then we may work to prove that you didn’t commit the murder at all. Of course, your murder defense lawyer in San Bernardino CA may best serve you by working toward a plea deal. It all depends on you, the evidence, and your past. Call Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 to get your free case evaluation.
