No matter how you look at, a charge of first-degree murder is one of the most serious charges you can be accused of. As a result, it’s essential that you know your options and that you are as prepared as possible for a trial. Read on to learn more about the definition of first-degree murder, your potential defense options, and how to get the help you need. Once you’ve read, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a consultation.
The definition of first-degree murder
In California, the term “first-degree murder” refers to a situation in which a person intentionally kills someone as a result of planning and / or other deliberate acts of premeditation. As a result, the prosecutor need not only prove that the person charged committed the murder, but that they did so with what’s known as “malice aforethought.”
The most likely situations in which first-degree murder is charged
In this state, the most likely situations in which a charge of first-degree murder is charged is if the person in question:
- Used destructive devices (like weapons of mass destruction)
- If the defendant tortured the victim
- If the murder occurred while another felony was being committed (such as a burglary)
What to do if you are charged with first-degree murder
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been accused of and / or charged with first-degree murder, then you’ll need to immediately reach out to a criminal defense attorney such as Chambers Law Firm. We will start by coming up with the right defense for your case. Our goal is of course to prevent the prosecutor from meeting their burden of proof. There are many ways we can do that.
In some cases, the best way forward is to simply deny that you were involved in the crime at all and either discredit evidence that shows you were, or present evidence that you weren’t. If you did commit the murder then we can admit that and work to provide the defense necessary to show why you did what you did.
When we work to defend your actions, we typically have one or two goals: Having the charges reduced to a non-capital offense or working to have the charges dismissed entirely. We may show that you didn’t deliberately plan the murder, or that you didn’t have any intention to murder the person. We may work to have the charges reduced to manslaughter or second-degree murder.
Another option is to show the court that you were not mentally able to understand and recognize how serious your actions were. This is known as pleading insanity. We may show that you thought the murder was a reasonable action because you though that you were going to be killed or harmed by the person who has died. In that event, we’d claim self-defense or the defense of others.
No matter what the circumstances are surrounding your charge, two things are true: This is a serious charge and you need an experienced attorney. Reach out to Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 today for a consultation with an experienced first-degree murder attorney.
