Manslaughter Lawyer in Orange County
Any crime in which a person’s life is taken or lost is extremely serious and can be punishable by the maximum penalties, depending upon the circumstances of the situation. Murder and manslaughter offenses are often considered the worst crimes that can be committed and are therefore treated accordingly by prosecutors. If you have been accused of killing another person, it is absolutely vital that you protect your rights. Your case can benefit from the experience of a skilled attorney who is familiar with felony charges and murder/manslaughter cases in California.
The Orange County homicide lawyers at the Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman are aggressive and effective criminal defense attorneys who have successfully fought for the rights of thousands of Californians. If you are facing serious charges that could result in years of incarceration, you need to give yourself the best chance to protect yourself, your family, your freedom and your way of life.
Murder/Manslaughter Charges in Orange County
According to the California Penal Code, murder is the “unlawful killing of a human being…with malice aforethought.” There are different degrees of homicide that result in different punishments:
- First degree murder: You can be charged with first degree murder if the homicide was premeditated and committed intentionally. You can also be charged with first degree murder if the killing was cause by explosive, torture and poison. If the death was caused during the commission of another crime such as rape, carjacking, kidnapping, arson or other serious felony, you can also be charged with murder in the first degree.
If you are guilty of murder in the first degree in California, you can be punished by death.
- Second degree murder: Section 189 of the California Penal Code states that all other types of murder apart from those described as first degree murder are of the second degree.
Manslaughter is defined as the “unlawful killing of a human being without malice.” There are three types of manslaughter in California:
- Voluntary manslaughter: This crime can be charged if the person is killed in an argument or in the “heat” of the moment.
- Involuntary manslaughter: This crime can be charged if the person is killed during the commission of an unlawful non-felony act or if the death was caused by lack of proper caution/care during a lawful activity.
- Vehicular manslaughter: If you kill another person with your vehicle because of gross negligence on your part, you can be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
If you have been charged with any homicide offense in California, please contact an Orange County Murder Lawyer at the Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman as soon as possible.