Do Not Settle for Another Homicide Defense Attorney
We Have Handled Over 50 Homicide Trials
Are there other homicide defense attorneys in California? Yes – but you have found the right choice. When you work with Simmons Wagner, LLP, you are choosing a firm that has dozens of years of experience. We have handled homicide cases and we know how to build the most compelling case for you. Call now at (949) 439-5857 to begin the process with a consultation.
There Are Three General Categories of Homicide
Put simply, homicide refers to taking a human’s life. There are three general categories under this umbrella term:
- Murder
- Justifiable Homicide
- Manslaughter
Each of these situations has different defense options, different evidentiary issues, and different potential penalties. What they all have in common is this: you can count on the team at Simmons Wagner, LLP to vigorously defend you.
We Can Help You with These and Other Types of Homicide Charges
Under the three general categories, there are other types of homicide charges. Some of the most common include:
- First Degree Murder. Willfully killing someone with premeditation or advance planning is charged as first-degree murder.
- Capital Murder: A type of first-degree murder, capital murder refers to any first-degree murder that qualifies for capital punishment or life without the possibility of parole. There are nearly two dozen factors that can cause a homicide to be elevated to a capital murder, such as killing a witness in a case, killing several victims at once, or killing a person for financial gain.
- Second-Degree Murder. There is no advance planning in second-degree murder, but there is malice aforethought. Put simply, this means that the accused had the intention to inflict serious bodily harm.
- Felony murder. Even if a person does not actively kill someone, they can be charged with felony murder if the victim’s murder occurred during the commission of certain other felonies.
- Attempted Murder. If a person takes even one direct step towards killing another person, and their intent to take the victim’s life is clear, the perpetrator could spend their life in prison for attempted murder.
- Voluntary Manslaughter. When a person has no prior intent to kill someone, but does so in the heat of the moment, they can be charged with voluntary manslaughter. For example, if a person catches their spouse cheating and at that moment strikes the other party and kills them, this could be considered voluntary manslaughter.
- Involuntary Manslaughter. Acting recklessly or consciously disregarding human life can lead to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the event that the reckless actions lead to someone’s death.
- Vehicular Manslaughter. In certain situations, if a driver commits specific types of negligence and that negligence causes a death, they could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Remember that at Simmons Wagner, LLP, we can help with these and other homicide types.
The Specific Steps We Can Take to Defend You
While all cases are different, and the best defense strategy for one will not work for another, there are some specific steps we can take that will help build your defense. For example, we have the skills, resources, and experience to:
- Thoroughly investigate your case
- Analyze ballistics
- Review DNA testing
- Analyze fingerprinting
- Question polygraph tests
- Investigate eyewitness testimony
- Ensure your Fifth Amendment rights are protected during questioning
- Work with experts to provide testimony on your behalf
These are only a few of the steps we can take to build a strong case.
Facing Homicide Charges is Complex, Confusing, and Strenuous
No matter the situation, no matter if you took someone’s life or not, facing this charge is overwhelming. You need an attorney who not only understands the law but who can be on your side throughout the process. We take every case seriously and we will never give up on you. No matter the specifics, we will build the strongest possible case for you. Call Simmons Wagner, LLP now at (949) 439-5857 to get started.