Los Angeles Homicide Attorneys
Homicide in Los Angeles
Although Los Angeles is famous for its glitz and glamor. It is also known for its high crime rate. The city has the unwelcome reputation of having one of the highest homicide rates in America.
If you have been accused of homicide, it is important to find a Los Angeles homicide attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice system. The right lawyer will have experience handling homicide cases in Los Angeles and will be familiar with the city's unique legal landscape.
If you or a loved one have been charged with homicide, do not hesitate to contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today.
What Is Homicide?
Homicide is the killing of one human being by another. This criminal act may also refer to the crime of murder, which is the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. Los Angeles, California defines homicide as the killing of a human being by another human being. The state further divides homicide into two categories: murder and manslaughter.
Murder is the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. This means that the killer had the intent to kill someone without a lawful justification or excuse.
Manslaughter, on the other hand, is the unlawful killing of another person without malice aforethought. This can occur when the killer acts in the heat of passion or in self-defense.
Penalties for Homicide
In Los Angeles, homicide is punishable by up to life in prison. If you are convicted of homicide, you will likely face a lengthy prison sentence. If you are charged with homicide, it is important to contact a Los Angeles homicide attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for your freedom.
Your sentence will depend on the facts of your case and your criminal history. For example, a conviction of first-degree murder can carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison without parole. If you are convicted of second-degree murder, you may be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Regarding your history, if you have been convicted of crimes in the past—especially violent crimes—your sentence may be increased if convicted of homicide.
Moreover, your sentence will depend on whether your homicide case involved lying in wait, using a weapon intended to harm, torturing the victim, or if additional special circumstances were associated with the crime. Any of these can automatically increase your sentence to capital punishment or life in prison.
A homicide conviction will also result in a loss of your right to possess firearms. Additionally, you will have a permanent criminal record if you are convicted of homicide. Being convicted of homicide can have a devastating impact on your life. That is among the many reasons why it is so important to have experienced legal representation.
Common Defenses for Homicide
A number of defenses can be used in a homicide case, depending on the circumstances.
- Self-defense
- Defense of others
- Defense of property
- Accidents
- Insanity
These are just a few of the possible defenses that can be used in a homicide case. Your attorney can explain all of the defenses that may be available to you and help you decide which ones to use in your case.
Get Help From an Experienced Los Angeles Defense Attorney
A homicide charge can be overwhelming and the consequences of a conviction are life-changing. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you and how to proceed. If you have been charged with homicide, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today at (213) 688-0460. We can provide you with the professional legal help you need to fight the charges and protect your future.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
