If you’ve been charged with or accused of murder, then you’re likely dealing with some very difficult and conflicting feelings. It’s normal to feel as though you have no options. Unfortunately, all too often at Chambers Law Firm we see people plead guilty simply to get it over with because they often don’t realize that there are always options. No matter what your situation is, when you call us at 714-760-4088 we can provide a free case evaluation to clearly outline your options.
Murder and homicide are not the same thing
First of all, it’s important to understand what a murder charge really means. Many people believe that murder and homicide are essentially the same thing but that’s not actually the case. Homicide refers to any type of killing. Murder, which is killing someone with what’s known in the legal field of “malice aforethought” is a type of homicide.
Note that the malice required doesn’t mean that the person who committed the killing had to have a specific interest in killing the victim. If the prosecutor can prove that a person had a disregard for human life and that they understood that their actions could very well lead to a death, then this can qualify as malice.
In the event that a person is killed but there is no malice aforethought, then the case is not a murder case but is a homicide case. In that instance, it can be prosecuted as either voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter. If you’re facing a charge of homicide or murder, then you must contact a murder defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA right away.
The penalties for a murder conviction can be severe
When you work with a murder defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA, they will go over the potential consequences for the particular charge you’re facing. Capital murder is the most serious charge and comes with a mandatory penalty of the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole. There are 20 different situations that can lead to a capital murder charge, including homicide against a police officer or killing numerous people.
Your murder defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA can also explain the felony-murder rule that’s in play in California. Essentially, it means that if you are committing a different felony and someone is killed during that felony, you can be charged with murder even if the death, regardless of your intent and whether or not you were negligent.
Your murder defense lawyer in Bakersfield CA will help you find the best defense
There are a number of ways you may respond to the charges against you. In some cases, the best move may be to show that the killing in question was justifiable because you were defending yourself. We may attempt to show that the death was an accident, that any confession you made was not legally obtained, or that the police obtained evidence through an illegal search and seizure.
If you’re ready to find out how to best move forward then it’s time to call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for your free case evaluation.
