Murder Charges
Murder Attorney in Santa Ana
Murder Charges Demand Aggressive Defense to Protect Your Life and Liberty
A murder accusation is one of the most serious charges you can face in California, carrying the potential for life in prison or even the death penalty. At Glew & Kim, we understand the overwhelming stakes and the emotional toll these cases bring. Whether you’re facing charges for murder, manslaughter, or attempted murder, our experienced criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to challenge the prosecution’s case, uncover the truth, and protect your rights in Santa Ana and beyond.
How California Defines Murder
Under California Penal Code §187, murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. Related charges, like manslaughter or attempted murder, may apply depending on intent, circumstances, or outcomes. Murder charges typically fall into these categories:
- First-degree murder: Premeditated, deliberate, or committed during specific felonies (e.g., robbery, burglary).
- Second-degree murder: Intentional but not premeditated, or caused by extreme recklessness.
- Voluntary manslaughter: Killing in the “heat of passion” or during a sudden quarrel.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Unintentional killing due to negligence or during a misdemeanor.
- Attempted murder: Intent to kill without a completed act.
Penalties and Enhancements for Murder
The consequences of a murder conviction are severe and depend on the charge:
- First-degree murder: 25 years to life in prison, or life without parole for special circumstances (e.g., multiple victims, hate crimes).
- Second-degree murder: 15 years to life.
- Voluntary manslaughter: 3 to 11 years in prison.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Up to 4 years.
- Attempted murder: 7 years to life, depending on circumstances.
Enhancements can add years or trigger life sentences for factors like use of a firearm, gang involvement, or prior convictions. A murder conviction also counts as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes law, impacting future sentencing.
Defending Against Murder Allegations
Murder cases often rely on complex evidence, including forensic reports, witness testimony, and police investigations that may be flawed or biased. Our defense strategies at Glew & Kim focus on:
- Challenging the prosecution’s evidence, such as DNA, ballistics, or autopsy reports, for inconsistencies or errors.
- Proving lack of intent or premeditation to reduce charges (e.g., from murder to manslaughter).
- Establishing self-defense, defense of others, or accidental circumstances.
- Exposing unreliable witnesses, coerced confessions, or police misconduct.
- Collaborating with forensic experts to reconstruct crime scenes and counter prosecution claims.
Investigations, Evidence, and Forensic Challenges
Murder investigations involve intricate forensic analysis—DNA, fingerprints, blood spatter, or surveillance footage—that can be misinterpreted or mishandled. Our firm works with top forensic experts to:
- Re-examine crime scene evidence for errors or contamination.
- Challenge autopsy conclusions or timelines that don’t align with facts.
- Identify gaps in the prosecution’s narrative, such as missing motive or unreliable witnesses.
- Highlight investigative bias or procedural violations by law enforcement.
Act Now to Protect Your Future
Murder charges escalate quickly, and the prosecution will use every resource to secure a conviction. Don’t wait until it’s too late—early action can make all the difference. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Glew & Kim in Santa Ana today for a confidential consultation. Let us fight for your freedom, your reputation, and your future before the stakes become insurmountable.
