California charges individuals with either “first-degree” or “second-degree” murder. If you’ve been charged with murder, then the time to contact a murder charges defense team of is now. Attorney Funk of San Jose’s Law Offices of Bruce C. Funk has the skill set and experience to build a solid defense for you.
Understanding Murder Charges in California
California’s Penal Code 187, defines murder as “…the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” Murder is a serious crime that isprosecuted quite aggressively in California. As such, second-degree murder could mean 15 years to life in prison. Penalties can be harsher for first-degree murder or capital murder charges, depending on the circumstances.
First-degree murder is killing that is deemed as deliberate, thought out, or premeditated. “Felony murder” can be considered first-degree murder and includes any murder that is carried out while committing or attempting another felony, such as a burglary or a kidnapping.
Second-degree murder is murder that requires malice and acting intentionally. It differs from first-degree murder as the elements of premeditation and deliberation are not present during the homicidal act. Driving a car dangerously and resulting in another individual’s death, or using an object as a weapon resulting in death without a valid defense, are examples of second-degree murder.
Common defense strategies that are used to defend an individual convicted of murder include self-defense, insanity, the killing was accidental or unintentional, evidence was acquired illegally, a confession may have been coerced, tainted evidence, or even the killing amounted to a lesser form of homicide such as justifiable homicide, or even involuntary or voluntary manslaughter.
From job loss to the inability to obtain or maintaining existing employment, facing murder charges can change your life for the worse.
Contact Your San Jose Murder Charges Defense Attorney Team Now
Attorney Funk a tenured criminal defense attorney here in San Jose with over 30 years of criminal defense experience. He has extensive knowledge of California’s murder laws and will ensure that your justice and rights remain in the forefront, as he works to build a solid defense for you.
So, for the murder defense you need now, contact Attorney Funk of San Jose’s Law Offices of Bruce C. Funk; you can’t afford not to.
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