If you’ve been involved in a crime and another person was killed while you were committing that crime, then it’s possible that you could be held responsible under California’s felony murder rule. If you’re in this situation then you need to contact a murder defense attorney right away. Read on to learn more about the options and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
The facts about the felony murder rule
In the state of California, if you commit a felony that’s inherently dangerous and someone dies, then you can be charged with murder. This law came into being in order to hold a person accountable if they chose to take part in dangerous activities that led to others being injured or killed. Now, the government can allege that a person was criminally liable even if the person accused didn’t have any intent for anyone to die or be hurt.
The goal of the people who made the law is to try and prevent people from taking part in dangerous activities that could potentially lead to the loss of a life. If the felony murder rule is applied, then the court doesn’t take into consideration if the homicide in question was intentional, negligent, or accidental. If someone lost their life during the commission of a felony then the person who committed the felony can end up facing murder charges.
Qualifications to use the felony murder rule
In order for the prosecution to use the felony murder rule, they don’t have the prove that the death was required for the crime to continue going. All they have to prove is that the death can in some way be connected to the felony itself. This is true even if there’s a situation in which it would have been impossible to see how the death would be triggered by the felony.
Felonies that involve the felony murder rule
This rule doesn’t apply to all felonies. A person can be charged with first-degree murder if a death occurred during felonies such as robbery, arson, rape, kidnapping, and other serious crimes. Whether the killing was intentional or not, this rule can apply and first-degree murder charges may be brought. If a felony is deemed less serious then the felony murder rule may result in a charge of second-degree murder. This is when a crime is serious but is not as inherently dangerous.
If you’re facing felony charges then you should be working with an attorney
If you’re looking at felony charges in the state of California then you need to reach out to an attorney sooner rather than later. At Chambers Law Firm, we have the experience, resources, and passion to fight tirelessly for your rights. You need someone on your side. You need an attorney who will respect you and believe in your case. You’ve found that. Contact us at 714-760-4088 right away to get started with a legal consultation.
