Los Angeles Accessory to Murder Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Defend Against Accessory to Murder Charges in Los Angeles

Facing an accessory to murder charge in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, and the possible consequences could impact you for the rest of your life. This is a situation that's fraught with legal complexities. That's why it's essential to find the right Los Angeles violent crime defense attorney to protect your freedom.

Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is one of the most highly esteemed criminal defense law firms in the country, and we've had notable success defending several high-profile clients. Our law firm has been featured on ABC News, CNBC, Fox News, the BBC, the Los Angeles Times, and Esquire.

Based upon peer reviews and independent research, Super Lawyers recognizes Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP for providing our clients with outstanding service, and we have an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Our firm is conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles, close to The Los Angeles Central Library, City National Plaza, and The Delphi Downtown Los Angeles. Call (213) 688-0460 to schedule your case review today.

Understanding an Accessory to Murder Accusation in Los Angeles

Under California law, an accessory to murder is someone who assists, harbors, or aids a principal offender after the crime has occurred, with the intent of helping them evade arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment. This is distinct from being a principal who directly commits or is involved in the commission of the crime.

A Los Angeles accessory to murder charge may be filed when a prosecutor believes the evidence points to your participation in a murder, in some manner. According to California Penal Code Section 32, an accessory to murder can face severe penalties, including imprisonment.

Accessory to murder charges can be associated with two main types of involvement in the killing of another person:

• An Accessory Before the Fact: This is a situation in which it is alleged that a person helped another prior to the murder taking place, with the knowledge that helping would inflict harm on another person.
• An Accessory After the Fact: This is a situation in which it is believed that a person assisted another after a murder, such as hiding the person from law enforcement, driving a getaway vehicle, destroying evidence, or lying to law enforcement when questioned about the crime in an effort to help the perpetrator avoid an arrest, a trial, a conviction, or the penalties associated with murder.

What Are Penalties for Accessory to Murder in Los Angeles?

The person who is alleged to have committed the murder is called the “principal.” Under the California Penal Code, every person who “after a felony has been committed, harbors, conceals, or aids a principal in such felony, with the intent that said principal may avoid or escape from arrest, trial, conviction or punishment, having knowledge that said principal has committed such felony or has been charged with such felony or convicted thereof, is an accessory to such felony.”

The penalties imposed for being an accessory to murder before the fact by encouraging, facilitating, inciting, or aiding in the commission of the murder will face the same sentence as the person who committed the murder. In cases of felony charges of accessory to murder after the fact, the penalty is up to three years in state prison and a $5,000 fine.

Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction has long-term repercussions that can impact various aspects of an individual's life. It creates a permanent criminal record, which can hinder future employment opportunities, as many employers conduct background checks. A felony conviction can also lead to the loss of your rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms. It can also limit housing opportunities, reduce educational opportunities, and strain personal relationships. Your immigration status and custody rights may likewise be negatively impacted by a felony conviction.

What Defense Options Do You Have for Your Case?

A critical element in accessory to murder charges is the intent to aid the principal in avoiding arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment. Demonstrating a lack of intent can be a compelling defense strategy. The prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly and intentionally assisted the principal after the crime was committed. If the defense can show that the accused's actions were unintentional or misinterpreted, it can significantly weaken the prosecution's case.

There are several effective legal strategies that may be used to successfully refute charges of accessory to murder:

• The accused was not aware that the person planned to commit murder or did commit a murder.
• The accused acted under duress — a fear that they would suffer grave consequences if they did not comply.
• The individual accused of murder did not commit the crime.
• The prosecution failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Police misconduct made evidence in the case inadmissible in court.
• Witnesses against you were not reliable.

Mitigating Factors and Alternative Sentencing

Mitigating factors play a crucial role in the sentencing phase of an accessory to murder case. These are circumstances that, while not excusing the crime, may reduce the defendant's culpability and lead to a lesser sentence.

Common mitigating factors include the defendant's lack of prior criminal history, evidence of coercion or duress, and the minor role that the defendant may have played in the crime. Other considerations might include the defendant's age, mental health status, and willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.

Alternative sentencing options offer a way to reduce the harshness of traditional penalties such as imprisonment, especially in cases involving mitigating factors. These options may include probation, house arrest, community service, or participation in rehabilitation programs.

Probation allows the individual to remain in the community under supervision, often with specific conditions like regular check-ins with a probation officer and adherence to certain behavioral guidelines. House arrest restricts the individual to their residence, monitored through electronic devices. Community service involves performing a set number of hours of unpaid work for the benefit of the community. Rehabilitation programs focus on addressing underlying issues such as substance abuse or mental health problems with the aim to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Protect Your Freedom with Our Los Angeles Accessory to Murder Lawyers

The consequences of a conviction for accessory to murder are so extreme — the quality, experience, and trial skills of your attorney are of critical importance. While all attorneys have been educated, their experience and natural talent vary widely. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our attorneys are widely recognized as being among the most accomplished criminal defense lawyers in the Los Angeles area and beyond, particularly known for having achieved an impressive record of success at trial in challenging criminal cases.

If you or a family member has been charged with accessory to murder, this is a very serious legal situation that must be managed with exceptional legal skills. Our firm works differently than most — while every client has a dedicated attorney, every one of our lawyers is involved. Since the prosecutor must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, your Los Angeles accessory to murder defense lawyer is tasked with raising a reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty as charged. Thus, there are multiple legal professionals on every case to provide robust support.

If you or someone you love has been charged with or is under investigation for being an accessory to murder, call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP at (213) 688-0460 for a free initial case consultation.