Being accused of homicide is one of the most serious legal problems anyone can face. These cases can lead to life in prison or, in some cases, even more severe penalties. Homicide charges bring the full force of the criminal justice system, and the pressure can be overwhelming. If you or someone you love is under investigation or has been charged, you need strong legal help immediately.
Hurwitz Law Group helps people in Los Angeles County who are facing criminal charges related to homicide. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys understands the stress and fear that come with these cases. We know how to investigate, fight unfair accusations, and build a strong defense.
As a trusted Los Angeles homicide attorney, we have experience with murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide cases. Our criminal defense law firm is committed to protecting your legal rights and helping you reach a favorable outcome.
In California criminal law, homicide means the unlawful killing of another person. Not all homicides are treated the same. The charge depends on what happened, why it happened, and what the person accused is believed to have done.
The law separates homicide into different categories, such as murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide. Each one carries its own punishment, and some are charged as serious felonies under the California Penal Code.
Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought, meaning it was done on purpose or with reckless disregard for human life. In California criminal law, murder can be charged as first-degree or second-degree, depending on the facts of the case.
First-degree murder usually involves a plan, use of a deadly weapon, or actions like lying in wait. Second-degree murder does not require planning but still involves intentional killing. These charges carry extremely harsh penalties, including 25 years to life in prison, and in some cases, life without parole.
A person charged with murder needs a criminal defense lawyer who understands the full scope of criminal law and how to raise reasonable doubt in court.
Manslaughter, under Penal Code § 192, is a form of homicide that does not involve premeditation or the intent to kill in the same way as murder. It is broken down into three types: voluntary, involuntary, and vehicular manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter often happens in the heat of the moment, during a sudden argument or fight, without time to think clearly. Involuntary manslaughter involves reckless actions or failure to act, which causes another person’s death without intent. While the punishments for manslaughter are lower than those for murder, they are still serious and can lead to years in prison and a permanent criminal record.
These cases require a strong legal defense to show the difference between an accident and criminal wrongdoing.
Vehicular homicide happens when someone causes a person’s death while operating a vehicle, often through reckless or unlawful driving. This can include driving under the influence, speeding, racing, or texting while driving. Even if there was no intent to kill, the law may still treat the act as a serious criminal offense. If there were aggravating factors like a prior DUI or a criminal record, the charge can be enhanced, and the penalties can increase dramatically.
In some cases, the charge can be filed as vehicular manslaughter, a separate category under the California Penal Code. A person accused of vehicular homicide may face a felony conviction, loss of their license, and a long sentence in jail or prison. Having a criminal defense attorney who understands both traffic law and criminal law is essential in defending against these charges.
The penalties for homicide depend on the type of crime and the specific facts of the case. Possible penalties include:
Sentence enhancement may apply if a weapon was used or if the victim was a police officer or another protected individual.
If you have been charged with homicide in Los Angeles, there are legal defenses that may protect you from a criminal conviction. Every case is different, and the right defense depends on what actually happened.
A criminal defense attorney can help build your case by reviewing the facts, challenging weak evidence, and making sure your rights are protected throughout the criminal court process.
One of the most common defenses in homicide cases is self-defense or defense of others. This defense applies when a person uses force to stop an immediate threat of death or serious injury. Under California law, you are allowed to protect yourself or someone else if you believe you are in imminent danger. However, the amount of force used must be reasonable and not go beyond what is needed to stop the threat.
For example, using deadly force may be justified if the attacker had a weapon and showed signs of violence. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will work to show that your actions were legal and that you only acted to protect yourself or another person.
In many homicide cases, the key issue is whether the person truly meant to kill or had planned it in advance. If there was no intent or premeditation, the charge might not qualify as murder under California criminal law.
For example, someone might have acted in the heat of the moment without thinking, or the death may have been an accident during a fight. A criminal defense attorney can present facts showing that your actions did not meet the legal definition of murder, which may reduce your charges or lead to a better outcome in criminal court.
It is not uncommon for people to be wrongly accused or misidentified in serious criminal cases. A witness might make a mistake or feel pressured by law enforcement officers, especially in high-profile investigations. In some situations, the real offender may have left little physical evidence, making it easy to accuse the wrong person.
A strong legal defense will challenge these accusations by showing problems in the initial investigation, questioning unreliable witness statements, or proving you were somewhere else when the crime happened.
Another possible defense in homicide cases involves mental health. If someone suffers from a serious mental illness that affects their understanding of right and wrong, they may be considered legally insane at the time of the crime. In other cases, the person may not have been fully aware of their actions due to a medical or psychological condition, which is called diminished capacity.
These defenses do not deny that a death occurred, but they can show that the person was not in control or did not fully understand what they were doing. A defense attorney may use medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to support these claims and work toward a favorable outcome.
When facing criminal charges as serious as murder or manslaughter, having the right defense strategy is critical. At Hurwitz Law Group, our defense attorneys approach each case with precision, using a mix of legal experience and careful case-building. We know the criminal court process inside and out, and we fight hard to protect your legal rights at every step.
Whether you are dealing with attempted murder, vehicular manslaughter, or another form of violent crime, we tailor your defense with one goal in mind -- a favorable outcome.
Here are some of the key ways we defend criminal cases in Los Angeles:
A skilled criminal defense attorney will start by looking into every detail of your case. This includes the scene of the crime, police reports, witness statements, and any video or photos. Our goal is to find errors, missing facts, or anything that can help prove you are not guilty.
Hurwitz Law Group believes that a strong investigation is the first step to a not guilty verdict and a fair outcome under California's criminal justice system.
If you are facing charges like domestic violence or a sex crime conviction, the state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We examine the evidence closely, checking how it was collected and if it follows the law. If the evidence is weak, false, or misleading, we will work to have it thrown out.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can also challenge expert testimony, forensic mistakes, and biased reports, which may help you avoid the label of a convicted defendant.
Sometimes, it may be better not to go to trial. If that is the case, we will talk with the prosecutor to get a plea deal or a plea bargain. For example, you might agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge that carries lower penalties. This can help you avoid long jail time, especially if the case is being handled in federal court where punishments can be much harsher.
Our lawyers aim to protect your rights and future with the smartest and safest choice available.
If we go to trial, our team prepares for everything. We speak to all witnesses, gather all records, and build a solid defense. The goal is to fight for your freedom and achieve the best result possible. Our team has deep roots in the los angeles legal community, and we work hard to earn a not guilty verdict.
As the best criminal defense lawyer for your case, we also offer a free initial consultation to review your options and get started on your defense today.
A plea deal is when you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. This can be helpful if the prosecution’s case is strong, but it is important to review all your options with a lawyer first.
No, if there is insufficient evidence, the case should not move forward. Your lawyer can challenge the evidence and ask the court to dismiss the charges.
If your rights were violated at the police station, your lawyer may argue that your statements should not be used. This could point to police misconduct and help your defense.
A California felony includes serious crimes like credit card fraud, violent offenses, or crimes that result in long jail or prison time. Felonies often carry time in Los Angeles County Jail or even state prison.
Probable cause means the police had a valid reason to arrest you or search your property. If there was no probable cause, a felony offense might get thrown out. Lawyers in San Bernardino County and beyond often win cases by showing legal errors or weak police work.
If you or someone close to you is facing homicide charges, you need strong legal help right away. The consequences of a conviction can change your life forever. You might be dealing with the loss of your freedom, your job, and your future. That is why it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side who understands criminal law practice areas, including theft crimes, sex crime cases, and white collar crimes.
At Hurwitz Law Group, our Los Angeles homicide attorney has a proven track record of standing up for clients in the most serious cases. We will listen to your side, explain your legal options, and fight for the best outcome. Whether you are under investigation or already charged, we are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to protect your rights and your future.
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