Ventura Murder Defense Attorneys
Murder charges are prosecuted with the absolute highest level of determination, and it is critical to enlist the support of an experienced and dependable murder defense lawyer who knows how best to neutralize the arguments of the prosecution and achieve the most favorable results possible.
Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP has more than 50 years of combined experience in taking cases to trial. Our firm has achieved an impressive level of success by working to provide clients with robust defense strategies, unparalleled support, and expert-level representation that may result in minimized charges, lighter penalties, and even not-guilty verdicts.
Charged with murder in Ventura County? Our experienced murder defense lawyers at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP provide aggressive representation for first-degree and second-degree murder cases. Contact us today for a free case review.
Understanding the Charges: Murder vs. Manslaughter
Murder and manslaughter are both serious crimes, but they carry different legal consequences. Murder is the unlawful and intentional killing of another person. Manslaughter is also the unlawful killing of another person, but it is not done with malice aforethought.
There are two main types of murder:
- First-degree murder is premeditated and intentional.
- Second-degree murder is also intentional, but it is not premeditated.
Manslaughter is also divided into two types:
- Voluntary manslaughter is a killing that is done in the heat of passion.
- Involuntary manslaughter is a killing that is done unintentionally.
What Are the Penalties if Convicted of Murder in California?
It is important to note that the law is complex, and there are many different factors that can affect the outcome of a murder case.
In California, the penalties if convicted could include:
- First-degree murder is punishable by imprisonment for 25 years to life, or death (currently California has a moratorium on the death penalty).
- Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 years to life in prison.
- Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by 3 to 11 years in prison.
- Involuntary manslaughter is punishable by 2 to 4 years in prison.
Murder Sentencing Guidelines in California
In California, the sentencing for murder is based on a number of factors, including:
- The degree of the murder
- The defendant’s criminal history
- The circumstances of the crime
- Any aggravating or mitigating factors
Aggravating factors are factors that make the crime more serious. Mitigating factors are factors that make the crime less serious.
How Can a Murder Defense Lawyer Help My Case?
Depending on the specifics of your case, our murder defense lawyers may be able to use a variety of defense strategies, including:
- Self-defense: This defense can be used if the defendant acted in self-defense to protect themselves or others from imminent harm.
- Defense of others: This defense can be used if the defendant acted in defense of another person who was being attacked.
- Insanity: This defense can be used if the defendant was not mentally competent at the time of the crime.
- Intoxication: This defense can be used if the defendant was so intoxicated that they were not able to form the intent to kill.
- Duress: This defense can be used if the defendant was forced to commit the crime by someone else.
- Necessity: This defense can be used if the defendant committed the crime in order to prevent a greater harm.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the many defenses that may be available to someone who is charged with murder.
The Role of a Murder Defense Attorney
A qualified attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing and build a strong defense strategy.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring our murder defense attorneys in Ventura:
- We have experience handling complex murder cases.
- We know the local laws and procedures.
- We can build a strong defense strategy.
- We can negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal.
- We can represent you in court.
If you or someone you know is facing charges for murder, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your options.
The Importance of Hiring the Right Legal Counsel
Convictions are usually reached through time-consuming trials where prosecutors work to expose physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, and many other aspects before achieving a guilty verdict from the jury. The right murder defense attorney can build a strategy based on establishing sufficient doubt as to your role in a murder case, giving you the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
Contact Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP today for a FREE case review.
