Visalia Homicide Attorney

Defending Clients in Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties

Being accused of killing another individual is the most serious crime an individual can face. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be facing a lengthy prison term, life sentence, or even the death penalty. You will need an experienced and aggressive Visalia criminal defense attorney, preferably an experienced trial lawyer, who has the knowhow and skills to defend you in a trial by jury. If you are facing such a situation in Visalia or in the surrounding California counties of Tulare, Kings, or Fresno, it is strongly advised that you contact the Law Offices of Christopher Martens as soon as possible. Mr. Martens is a seasoned trial attorney who will work vigorously to defend your rights and advance your best interests throughout the legal process.

Types of Homicide in California

Almost nothing can be as frightening and stressful as charges of homicide. Homicide includes murder and manslaughter, including vehicular manslaughter and DUI murder. Murder charges include attempted murder, first-degree, second-degree, and capital murder. Manslaughter charges include voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

Murder is defined as unlawfully killing another individual or fetus with "malice aforethought." In first-degree murder, the killing was deliberate and premeditated. A capital murder involves special circumstances which will result in the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Examples of a capital murder are killing more than person, killing a police officer, or killing another in a drive-by shooting. You can also be convicted of a first-degree murder if it is committed while you are engaged in another felony, such as a robbery, kidnapping, or rape. Second-degree murder is a lesser charge which is defined as willful but not deliberate or premeditated.

Defenses for murder and manslaughter may include self-defense, defense of others, accidental, and more.

Contact the Visalia homicide lawyer at the firm if you have been charged with murder or manslaughter today.