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Murder, Attempted-Murder or Manslaughter Charges in Murrieta or Temecula
Protect Your Freedom & Your Future
In the state of California, murder is considered a separate charge from manslaughter. Murder is set apart from manslaughter by being defined as a willful act of killing another with malice aforethought, making it the most serious crime in the legal system that a person can face. Our firm has been representing individuals facing murder, attempted murder or manslaughter charges since 1999. We can provide the best counsel and representation you need during this challenging time.
Understanding Murder Charges in California
There are several degrees of murder that can result in varying penalties.
You may be facing the following charges:
- First Degree Murder—If the act of murder was willful, deliberate, and premeditated, a first degree charge will be given. Often times the use of a deadly weapon will result in a first degree charge.
- Second Degree Murder—Any non-first degree murder is generalized as second degree. It can be classified as an intentional act without premeditation, an unintentional act of murder caused by extremely reckless behavior, or inherently dangerous felony-murder.
- Attempted Murder — If you (1) intend to kill a person and (2) take a "direct step" towards killing that person, but he or she survives.
Penalties for Murder, Attempted Murder, and Manslaughter in California
When facing first-degree murder, there is a chance the charge could be elevated to capital murder, which could result in the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Under normal instances, first-degree murder convictions carry a sentence of 25 years to life.
If you are found guilty of second-degree murder, you could face 15 years to life in prison. Your punishment could be increased, however, if a gun or any other firearm was used.
Attempted murder in the first-degree carries the penalty of life in prison, with the possibility of parole. Otherwise, the penalty could be up to 9 years in prison.
Anyone facing manslaughter charges needs to have a great attorney on their side. Additionally, anybody facing such serious charges should be aware of difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Knowing the difference can significantly impact one's ability to provide a solid defense.
Contact the Law Office of Nicolai Cocis for Aggressive Defense
If you or a loved one has been arrested for murder, you need to contact an attorney at the Law Office of Nicolai Cocis to start building a defense. With the use of a Private Investigator, our firm can work to have your charges reduced or dropped. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, so call our Murrieta / Temecula office right away to protect your rights.
Our office is located near the Southwest Detention Facility in Murrieta and since 1999, we have helped individuals charged with murder, attempted murder or manslaughter in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Perris, Banning, Corona, Winchester and Riverside. We can help you too!
We will give you the attention your case deserves and work hard to achieve the best result possible. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Explore Our Success Stories
- Illegal Evidence Dismissed By Judge: Private School Wins Major Victory Against Unreasonable Search by Cal/OSHA
- Jury Trial Regarding Federal Conspiracy to Obstruct U.S. Congress
- 23 of 24 Felony Counts Dismissed: Client sentenced to probation and credit for time served in an auto-theft case worth $1.7 million
- Charges reduced: Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud Valued in Excess of $1 Million Resulted in Probation and One Year of Home Confinement
- Charges Reduced: Client Charged with Accessory to Murder after Shooting at Busy Restaurant Resulted in Probation and Jail Time. Avoided Lengthy Prison Time.
- Substantial Reduction of Sentence: FBI Arrested Client for Involvement in Events on January 6th at U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.
Begin Building Your Defense
Do not hesitate to contact us by calling (951) 666-2600 or filling out the form below. We review your case for free to determine the best course of action.