San Francisco Homicide Defense Lawyer

Homicide Defense Lawyer San Francisco, CA

As one of the leading homicide defense lawyers in San Francisco, CA, The Morales Law Firm represents men and women who are being investigated or have been charged, with homicide. Our firm has been protecting the rights of people who have been accused of a broad range of crimes, including homicide, murder, and manslaughter. We have an impressive track record and encourage anyone facing charges to call The Morales Law Firm right away. 

Without a homicide lawyer at your side, you will be at the mercy of the criminal justice system. The longer you wait, the more you will risk. Call a homicide defense lawyer in San Francisco, CA now.

Penalties for a Homicide Conviction

Homicide, also known as murder, involves the intentional act of killing another person. In order to be charged with homicide, malice afterthought must be a factor. This means the person thought about killing another person beforehand, and then followed through with their thought. In other words, it was planned and not done spontaneously. Self-defense is not homicide because it is the action of killing someone because they are harming them or another person nearby. Self-defense is also an unplanned act. 

Depending on the factors of your case, a murder lawyer San Fracncisco, CA respects can let you know what the possible penalties may be for a conviction. In California, it is possible to be given the death penalty for homicide; however, life in prison is more common. This is a very serious charge that requires a skilled homicide lawyer to defend you. It will be our goal to protect your rights and try to have your charges dismissed or dropped.

Defense Pleas in Response to a Charge of Homicide

After a San Francisco, CA federal criminal defense lawyer from The Morales Law Firm closely examines the circumstances of your case, he or she will determine how you should plea in response to a criminal charge of homicide. Every case is different because every defendant is different as are the many variables that are relevant to the criminal charge against them. Therefore, the following information is of a general nature and may not apply to the circumstances of your case. Dependent on what is the most appropriate defense strategy for your case, your criminal defense lawyer may choose any of the following:

1.       Self-defense. If you killed someone because they were trying to kill you and you acted to defend your life, it may qualify as justified self-defense. In this scenario, a federal criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco from our firm may work with a forensic crime scene private investigator to recreate the circumstances of the encounter. In this way, it can be demonstrated to the jury that you had no choice but to kill the other person in order to preserve your life.
2.       Insanity or incapacity. This refers to a mental health condition that may have caused you to be mentally or emotionally incapable of planning to kill someone. If, as a result of this you killed them because you did not understand what you were doing, this plea may be entered on your behalf by your criminal defense lawyer.
3.       Additional defense pleas. Your San Francisco, CA criminal defense lawyer can provide you with more information as it may pertain to your case if it falls outside the above two mentioned innocent pleas. However, some of the most common additional strategies include:
4.       Accidental homicide. (For instance, your intent was to beat the person, not to kill them. You may still be found guilty of other charges such as assault and battery.)
5.      Intoxication. (You may still be found guilty of second degree manslaughter.)

Homicide Charges in California

There are a number of different homicide charges in California. Even if you’ve already been charged, it is possible for the prosecutor to change the charge at some point. We will review the charges against you to let you know if the charges are likely to be adjusted. The following are the most common charges related to homicide:

• First Degree Murder – In order to be charged with first-degree murder, the prosecutor must prove that you thought about killing the victim, intended to do so, and went through with it. People with these charges will face the most serious penalties; which could include capital punishment. It is highly recommended to retain a homicide defense lawyer in San Francisco, CA right away. 
• Second Degree Murder -Also known as voluntary manslaughter, the prosecutor must prove that you killed the victim, but did not plan on doing so. 
• Criminally Negligent Homicide – Also known as involuntary manslaughter, the prosecutor will seek to prove that you were acting recklessly, and your actions led to the death of another person. Drinking and driving that results in an accident and death often carries these charges. 

Homicide charges are nothing to take lightly. You can count on the prosecutor building a case against you. The longer you wait, the stronger the states’ case may become. Please call a homicide defense lawyer in San Francisco, CA, from The Morales Law Firm as soon as possible. 

Client Review

“I have worked with Chris Morales on cases for several years. He is tops, a well versed lawyer who understanding client relations and representation. Simple a top professional, and a great colleague.”
Guy Kornblum