Los Angeles Murder Violent Crimes Defense Attorney
There is no crime more serious in the state of California than the offense of murder. Defendants who face charges for murder could face life in prison. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are aggressive in going after people suspected of murder or other violent crimes, and you could find yourself the target of a vigorous investigation if you are suspected of causing someone to experience death or serious bodily harm.
When you are under investigation or are arrested for a violent crime or for murder, you need to do everything possible to reduce the chances of being convicted or to reduce the possible penalties if you are found guilty. A Los Angeles violent crimes defense lawyer should be consulted right away.
At Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP, our attorneys have represented many clients in Los Angeles and surrounding areas who are on trial for violent criminal offenses. We know how much is at stake when you are facing these charges and we will put our considerable legal experience to work to help ensure a fair trial and fight for the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.
Murder and Violent Crimes in Los Angeles
When police and prosecutors believe your conduct caused someone’s death, you could be charged with murder, manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter, among other offenses.
California Penal Code Section 187 defines murder as the “unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” A prosecutor must be able to prove that you demonstrated either express or implied malice. According to Penal Code Section 188:
- Express malice means you manifested a deliberate intent to unlawfully take away someone’s life.
- Implied malice means that there was no provocation for your actions, or that the actions you took showed “an abandoned and malignant heart.”
If prosecutors are not able to prove malice, you will be charged with a lesser offense with less serious penalties. First degree murder carries the most serious penalties, but if you are convicted of any crime which resulted in somebody’s death, you are likely to spend at least some time in prison.
Other violent crimes that do not result in death may also result in lengthy prison sentences including:
- Aggravated assault
- Rape
- Robbery
- Sexual assault
Whenever you are accused of violence, you should get help from an attorney who can help you defend yourself or get charges reduced.
How a Murder and Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help
There are defenses to charges of murder or to accusations that you were involved in violence. You may defend yourself by arguing:
- Mistaken identity.
- Self defense.
- Defense of others/ defense of third parties.
- Insufficient proof of guilt (a prosecutor has to show guilt beyond a reasonable doubt)
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox LLP can help you determine what defenses, if any, should be raised at trial. Your attorney will work hard to help you either avoid conviction or get the lightest possible sentence through a favorable plea deal. Call today to learn more.
