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Facing murder charges is undoubtedly one of the most terrifying experiences a person can go through. The consequences of a conviction are severe and life-altering, potentially including decades in prison or even the death penalty. If you or a loved one has been accused of murder in Chula Vista, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side from the very beginning.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know the fear that comes with being charged with such a serious crime. Our Chula Vista murder attorneys have years of combined experience defending clients against even the most complex homicide allegations. We know what’s at stake, and we will fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future.
In California, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought (California Penal Code 187). There are several types of homicide charges, each with their own specific elements and penalties:
First-degree murder is charged when the killing is alleged to be premeditated, deliberate, or committed during the commission of certain felonies like robbery or rape. It carries a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
Second-degree murder is an intentional killing that lacks premeditation or a death resulting from a reckless disregard for human life. The punishment is 15 years to life.
Capital murder involves special circumstances like killing for financial gain, killing a police officer, or killing multiple people. It can result in life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.
Under the felony murder rule, a defendant can be charged with murder if a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, even if the killing was unintentional.
The stakes in murder cases couldn’t be higher. A conviction can mean spending the rest of your life behind bars, separated from your loved ones. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to have a knowledgeable and battle-tested Chula Vista murder attorney defending you.
Murder cases are among the most complex and aggressively prosecuted crimes in the California criminal justice system. The district attorney’s office will devote extensive resources to securing a conviction, often assigning their most experienced prosecutors to the case. They may spend months building evidence against you before charges are even filed.
That’s why it’s critical to involve a skilled criminal defense attorney as early as possible in the process. Your lawyer can intervene quickly to protect your rights and start building your defense.
Some of the key reasons to hire a top Chula Vista murder attorney include:
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have the skills, experience, and resources to handle even the most serious murder charges. We understand the gravity of your situation and will do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome.
We take a comprehensive and aggressive approach to defending murder cases in Chula Vista. From the moment you retain our firm, we will:
As your murder defense attorneys, we will leave no stone unturned in building the strongest possible case on your behalf. We know that your life is on the line, and we will treat your case with the urgency and importance it deserves.
If you are arrested or questioned about a murder in Chula Vista, it’s essential to remember your Constitutional rights:
Remember, the early stages of a murder investigation are critical. Involving an experienced Chula Vista murder attorney from the beginning can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future. Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.
The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
You have questions. We have answers. Check out our answers to some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. Want more information or have a question not answered here about how you can regain control of your future if charged with a crime? Give us a call at (619) 295-3555.
The cost of defending a murder case can be substantial, given the seriousness of the charges and the extensive work involved. However, our firm offers flexible payment options and will work with you to make quality representation affordable.
In California, a defendant charged with murder is entitled to a bail hearing. However, the court can deny bail if the prosecutor demonstrates a strong case and argues the defendant poses a public safety risk. We can present evidence of your ties to the community and argue for reasonable bail conditions.
Murder cases can take several months to over a year to conclude, depending on the complexity of the evidence and the court’s schedule. Our attorneys will work efficiently to move your case forward while still mounting a thorough defense.
Many murder cases do proceed to jury trial, as the stakes are high and prosecutors are often unwilling to offer favorable plea deals. However, in some cases, we may be able to negotiate a reduction in charges that allows you to avoid the risks of trial. We will discuss all your options and give you the information needed to make informed decisions.
In certain circumstances, it may be possible to have murder charges reduced to manslaughter, which carries lighter penalties. This typically occurs when there are mitigating factors like heat of passion or imperfect self-defense. We will explore all opportunities to reduce your exposure.
Even if you were not the actual perpetrator, you can still be charged with murder under accomplice liability or felony murder theories. However, the extent of your involvement and knowledge will impact potential defenses. We will assess your level of culpability, if any, and work to minimize your criminal responsibility.
In California, juveniles accused of murder may be tried as adults in some circumstances. The process of transferring a minor to adult court involves a fitness hearing where the judge considers factors like criminal sophistication and prospects for rehabilitation. We can advocate for keeping your child’s case in the juvenile system.
If you are under investigation for murder or have already been arrested, it’s crucial to retain a skilled defense attorney right away. Early representation allows your lawyer to get ahead of the evidence, present your side of the story to detectives, and start building your case. Do not wait until charges have been filed to seek counsel.
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
