Orange County Murder & Manslaughter Defense Attorneys
Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Murder and manslaughter are two of the most serious criminal offenses you can be
accused of in California. If you are charged with murder, your life may be at
stake. You will need an aggressive, experienced criminal defense attorney
to fight for your life and your freedom.
Contact an Orange County criminal defense lawyer
at Coffey & Coffey – we will give you a
free case evaluation wherein we will discuss the particulars of your charges
and see how we can help. At Coffey & Coffey, our practice is devoted entirely
to criminal law and defending those who have been accused of, arrested for or who
are under investigation for a criminal offense in Orange County or the surrounding
areas. We help clients throughout Fullerton, Santa Ana, Westminster, Laguna Niguel,
Newport Beach and the surrounding cities.
Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter Defense in Orange County, California
At Coffey & Coffey, a manslaughter defense lawyer can provide you with the legal
representation you need in order to avoid a conviction. Your lawyer will utilize
all of our resources and our knowledge of California criminal law and case law in
order to build a strong defense on your behalf.
Manslaughter is a lesser charge than murder and involves the killing of another
human being either unintentionally or without any premeditation or planning. This
may be categorized and charged as either voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.
- Voluntary manslaughter is intentional and typically involves the
killing of another person in the “heat of passion” or because provoked
by the victim. In California, this is punishable by 3, 6 or 11 years in state prison.
- Involuntary manslaughter is the accidental or criminally negligent
killing of another. This includes such crimes as DUI
manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter. This act is punishable by 2, 3 or 4 years
in prison.
1st Degree and 2nd Degree Murder Defense in Orange County
If you have been accused of or charged with murder, an attorney at Coffey &
Coffey can help. We understand what it takes to defend a murder charge and we will
fight to the end to protect your rights, your freedom and your life.
Murder is defined as the intentional and unlawful killing of another human being.
This is classified as first degree or second degree murder.
- First degree murder is homicide committed with malice and premeditation
(planning). The “felony murder rule” applies here as well, meaning that
the killing of another person during the commission of a felony, even when the death
is entirely accidental, can be charged as 1st degree murder. This is the most severe
form of homicide charge a person can face in California, and a person convicted
of first degree murder may receive the death penalty, life in prison without the
possibility of parole or 25 years to life in prison.
- Second degree murder is homicide committed with malice, but premeditation
does not necessarily need to be proven. This is punishable by 15 years to life in
state prison in California.
Contact an Orange County criminal defense attorney
at Coffey & Coffey today!