Homicide Defense Attorney

Homicide Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles and Ventura County

The legal definition of "homicide" is the killing of one human being by another.

The law now includes the killing of a fetus as a separate count of Homicide, as most people know from the Scott Peterson case.

Homicide cases usually encompass all forms of murder, except where the prosecution has asked for the death penalty. Cases where the prosecution seeks the death penalty are referred to as "Capital Murder Cases."

The charges for murder can range from first degree murder, where the act was intentional and pre-meditated, to involuntary manslaughter charges, where the act was not intentional. For example, when an individual kills out of the "heat of passion," or was negligent in a duty and a death occurs as a result, the individual is generally charged with manslaughter. An example of this type of manslaughter charge is the case in which Michael Jackson's doctor is being charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Murder can be intentional and unintentional, premeditated and non-premeditated. There are a myriad of circumstances and forms in which murders can be charged. The exposure (or amount of time you are facing) is dependent on these factors, and the prosecutor who will be filing the charges. Prosecutors have varying degrees of discretion (or responsibility). This usually varies county to county.

Frequently a firearm or other weapon is used in a crime. Usually, the use of a firearm in connection with another crime potentially adds additional prison time to your charge and sentence. There will be ballistics reports that must be evaluated and a knowledgeable expert working with an attorney is recommended for your best defense. An attorney experienced in firearms could make a considerable difference in the outcome of your case.

Some crimes are allegedly committed "for the benefit of a gang." It is imperative that the attorney be familiar with the gang and gang expert who will testify. Gang allegations carry large penalties if found "true" by the jury. It is up to your criminal defense attorney to prepare for the rigorous cross examination of the prosecution's expert, and ideally early dismissal or failure to file that allegation later on in the process of your case.

The investigator assigned to your case will assemble and interview all of the witnesses for and against you, and can provide testimony with regard to a previous statement given by a witness.

Ideally, after your case is thoroughly investigated and your experts have consulted with your attorney, you are in a position to go to trial, or negotiate the best possible outcome.

Homicide crimes should be represented by an attorney who has experience representing a defense for that particular kind of charge. That's why you should contact our firm for your best Homicide case defense.