You’re probably afraid and anxious about your future if you’ve been charged with or suspected of murder. Your next call should be to a murder defense lawyer who can assist you. If you’re in this circumstance, call Chambers Law Firm right immediately for a free case evaluation at 714-760-4088. Otherwise, keep reading to grasp the key distinctions between first- and second-degree murder in California.
Definition of first-degree murder
According to California law, first-degree murder is defined as the intentional, deliberate, and premeditated death of a person. First-degree murder includes felony killings. What does felony murder entail? Even if you didn’t plan to kill someone while committing another criminal, such as burglary, you can be charged with first degree murder.
Capital murder, often known as first degree murder with extraordinary circumstances, is the most serious form of murder. Murdering more than one victim, receiving financial compensation in exchange for a murder, murdering a child under the age of six, murdering a law enforcement officer, murdering someone because of their race or religion, or murdering someone to prevent them from testifying against you in another case are all examples of special circumstances.
First-degree murder punishments
Chambers Law Firm, a murder defense firm, is quite clear about the potential repercussions of a first-degree murder conviction, and you should be as well: 25 years to life in prison. In fact, if you are convicted of a capital murder, your sole options are execution or life without the possibility of parole.
Definition of second-degree murder
To be found guilty of second-degree murder, the prosecutor must show that there was malice and that the defendant acted with intent. The fundamental distinction is that the prosecution does not have to prove that you acted deliberately and with premeditation. For example, getting into a fight and employing a lethal weapon such as a gun, swimming a bat at someone and inadvertently striking them, firing into a crowded room and murdering someone, or driving recklessly.
Second-degree murder refers to any sort of homicide or murder that does not fall within the first-degree murder criteria. A person convicted of first-degree murder faces a sentence ranging from 15 to life in prison.
Contact a murder defense attorney immediately.
We understand how tough this time is for you at Chambers Law Firm. It may appear like everyone has already judged you and found you guilty. When you hire Attorney Chambers as your Fresno murder defense lawyer, you can be assured that every member of our team will treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve.
We can provide you with a no-cost case evaluation. We’ll get some basic information from you and lay out your options for moving forward at this period. To discover more about your options, call 714-760-4088 immediately.
