Talk to an SB 1437 Lawyer in Orange County CA to Find Out What Your Options Are
Have you or a loved one been affected by felony murder rule sentencing guidelines? If so, then now is the time to learn more about changes to these laws. You can continue reading to find out what the California legislature has done in an attempt to make sentencing fairer. Then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to schedule a free initial consultation with an SB 1437 lawyer in Orange County CA.
There Are Now Four Criteria for Application of Felony Murder
Today, four criteria must be met for a person to be sentenced in accordance with the felony murder law. The person must be found guilty of one of the following:
- Actually killing a person.
- Acting with intent to kill. For example, helping or encouraging the killer.
- Being a major participant in the crime and acting with reckless indifference to human life.
- Being involved in a case in which the murder victim was an on-duty police officer and the defendant knew (or reasonably should have known) that they were a police officer.
One of the most significant aspects of this new criteria is that it is being applied retroactively. This means that a person arrested, convicted, and sentenced under previous murder felony rules could have their sentence reduced if it does not meet any of the four criteria described above. They should reach out to an SB 1437 lawyer in Orange County CA right away.
How Many People Will Be Affected by SB 1437?
The law is relatively recent, which means that the full amplitude of its effects are not yet clear. Experts and many SB 1437 lawyers in Orange County CA say that at least hundreds but potentially thousands of people could have their sentences reduced. Many could be released from prison altogether. Those who advocate for fairer sentences and a reduction in state and federal costs of incarceration note that it costs an average of $80,000 per year to house one inmate. This law could reduce the state’s burden and help unfairly sentenced individuals contribute to society again.
Do Not Hesitate to Call an SB 1437 Lawyer in Orange County CA
If you believe that your case or the case of a loved one may be affected by the changes to the felony murder law then there is no time to spare. The sentence will not be automatically reduced – you must apply for it. Even then, several steps need to be taken before you will be successful. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 right now for a free legal consultation to learn more about your options.
