Modesto Murder Defense Lawyer

Experienced Legal Representation for Murder Charges in California

Murder is the most serious of all alleged criminal offenses. It is the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. In California, murder is divided into three categories: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. The category of murder that you have been charged with will determine the penalties you face if convicted.

At Forkner Orlando & Echevarria, our Modesto murder defense attorneys have handled hundreds of murder cases and have successfully defended clients against murder charges. We have the skills and experience necessary to defend you against murder charges and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Are you facing murder charges in California? Call Forkner Orlando & Echevarria today at (209) 753-4009 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our murder defense attorney in Modesto!

What are the Penalties for Murder in California? 

In California, the penalties for murder can range from life imprisonment to the death penalty. The specific penalty will depend on the circumstances of the crime, such as whether the murder was premeditated, committed during the commission of another crime, or involved aggravating factors such as the victim being a peace officer or child.

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is the most serious of all murder charges. The charge is most often associated with the popular image of a murder charge. First-degree murder is murder with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought can be proven in several ways, but the most common is premeditated murder (also known as a premeditated murder). First-degree murder is punishable by either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder is murder without malice aforethought. It can be proven if the defendant was killed in the heat of passion or killed while acting under a compulsion caused by the victim. Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 years to life in prison.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is a lesser charge than murder. It is murder without malice aforethought, but it is not a killing that is premeditated. The most common type of voluntary manslaughter is killing in the heat of passion. Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for four, six, or eight years.

Contact Our Modesto Murder Defense Attorney 

If you face murder charges in California, you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney. Murder charges and the penalties for a murder conviction are severe. If convicted of murder, you could spend the rest of your life behind bars. You could also be sentenced to the death penalty. Our Modesto murder defense attorneys have handled hundreds of murder cases and have successfully defended clients against murder charges. We have the skills and experience necessary to defend you against murder charges and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact Forkner Orlando & Echevarria today to schedule a FREE consultation!