Murder is a serious crime that can lead to life imprisonment and even the death penalty, depending upon the severity of the charge.
If you or a loved one is facing murder charges, it’s crucial to acquire a murder defense lawyer’s help without delay. At The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen, we will analyze your case in complete confidentiality and devise defensive strategies to save you from the worst possible consequences.
Murder charges range from first-degree murder and second-degree murder. While first-degree murder involves killing a human being with premeditation, second-degree murder requires no malice aforethought. Instead, this crime occurs in the heat of passion or when a sudden fight breaks out. Both murder charges are strictly punishable by law.
Penalties for first-degree murder range from twenty-five years of life imprisonment and sometimes even the death penalty. In comparison, second-degree murder accounts for fifteen years of life imprisonment.
Another type of murder charge involves felony murder. You can be charged with second-degree murder if the killing occurs during the commission of an additional felony crime. Additionally, felony murder does not necessarily involve intent or premeditation. Even if you caused the death of another human being by accident, you would be charged with felony murder. Felony murder is punishable by fifteen years, similar to second-degree murder.
While committing a crime, you can be charged with a homicide. So, even if that person does not die, you may end up facing criminal charges for attempted murder. Attempted murder often involves a specific intent and deliberate action to take the life of another human, but without success.
Convicting the accused of the murder charges depends upon how the prosecution proves each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. For that, the area of doubt lies upon whether a person actually committed the murder act and if the killing was unlawful. The prosecution also has to prove if the defendant acted with deliberate malice.
All these elements are difficult to disprove without gaining the help of an expert murder defense attorney in San Diego. Marc Kohnen understands the stressful situation you and your loved ones face after being charged with murder.
Additionally, Marc understands the intricacies of law and how it applies to your specific case. That’s why while defending your case, he will use defensive strategies that involve asserting if you acted in self-defense or defense of someone else. It might happen that the law enforcement obtained evidence using illegal means, in which case it can turn the case in your favor.
We also evaluate if the killing amounts to a lesser form of homicide, for example, manslaughter. Given that it’s manslaughter, you will be subjected to less serious charges.
Facing a murder charge can be a life-wrenching experience. But you don’t have to face it alone. If it’s a question about your freedom and future, you shouldn’t lose any more time. Instead, contact The Law Office of Marc S. Kohnen to talk with a skilled criminal defense attorney. Let us become your voice in court.