Serious Charges Require A Skilled Approach
Homicide in California can be defined in three ways. First, when one person kills another directly. Second, when one person has another person killed by someone else, and third, when a person is killed by the omission of another, meaning they failed to act when they should have to prevent a death.
However, homicide is not always a crime. It can be classified as one of three types of behaviors: excusable, criminal, or justifiable. An excusable homicide is when a death occurs which was a result of a lawful act in which no harm was intended, or when the act was done in self-defense. A criminal act of homicide is when a death occurs in which a wrongful act was committed that has no excuse or justification by law. A justifiable act of homicide occurs when the death of an individual is the result of an intentional but lawful act, such as the execution of a death sentence committed by an agent of the law. A justifiable act of homicide can also be applied to the case of self-defense.
Additionally, the charge of homicide falls into seven different categories, all of which are felony offenses, except vehicular manslaughter, which can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specifics of the case.
- capital murder
- first-degree murder
- felony murder
- involuntary manslaughter
- second-degree murder
- vehicular manslaughter
- voluntary manslaughter
Murder can be defined as the unlawful killing of one person by another with premeditated malice, and can be either expressed (spoken outright) or implied (suggested).
Manslaughter can be defined as the unlawful, but unintentional killing of another person, and can be voluntary (with intent) or involuntary (without intent).
Potential Outcomes Without Proper Representation
To be found guilty of any of the charges above could mean serving time in state prison, possibly without the possibility of parole, or even capital punishment (the death penalty). It is essential to contact a skilled defense attorney immediately if you or a loved one has been charged with any crime involving homicide. The sooner you secure representation, the better.
How Can An Experienced Attorney Mitigate the Penalties?
An experienced attorney will build a solid case starting with the facts and the evidence. He or she will then begin the identification and interview of potential witnesses and alibis as they pertain to your case, hiring a private investigator when necessary. He or she will subsequently work with you to choose the best strategy to beat the charges against you in a court of law, taking into account any possible oversights or missteps made by law enforcement.
During your hearings, a competent attorney will effectively question the evidence and point out the inconsistencies presented by the prosecution. He or she will do everything to lessen the charges against you, and in some cases, be able to convince the court to have the charges against you dismissed. A good attorney will prepare a solid plan of action and then go to battle.
In his twenty-three years of practicing law, Riverside homicide defense attorney H. Charles Gorian has fought such battles before with success. He has the experience you need when facing such serious charges.
We Are Here to Help
The important truth is that criminal convictions can change lives, and the right lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. When your future is at stake, you cannot afford to work with someone who does not understand the complexities of the law relating to the specifics of a homicide charge, in any form. Contact a Riverside homicide defense attorney at The Law Office of H. Charles Gorian today for a private, free, no-obligation consultation of your case today.