Murder There's No Alternative

Orange County Murder Defense Lawyer

Penalty for Murdering Someone in California

Under California Penal Code § 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another. The defendant must have acted with malice aforethought, which refers to their state of mind at the time of the offense.

Malice aforethought can be express or implied. Express malice is when a person intended to kill someone else. Implied malice is when a person engages in an act that they know could result in another's death, but they deliberately carry out the act regardless of this knowledge.

In Orange County, CA, a person may be charged with several different types of murder. The offense they are accused of committing depends on the underlying conduct involved in the crime.

California's homicide laws define the following types of murder:

First-degree murder: A person may be charged with first-degree murder in Orange County if they unlawfully kill someone else through the following means:
- Destructive device or explosive: They used a destructive device or explosive to take another's life.
- Weapon of mass destruction: They used a weapon of mass destruction to kill another.
- Penetrating ammunition: They used ammunition designed to penetrate metal or armor.
- Poison: They applied a poisonous substance to another's body or caused it to be introduced into the body.
- Lying in wait: They waited for the opportunity to kill another person.
- Torture: They inflicted extreme pain upon a person while that individual was alive.
- Premeditation: They deliberately and willfully took another's life after planning to commit such an act.
- In conjunction with another offense: They killed another while committing or attempting to commit a separate crime such as arson, rape, robbery, burglary, mayhem, or kidnapping.
Second-degree murder: A person may be accused or convicted of second-degree murder if they took someone's life in any way that does not meet the definition of first-degree murder. In Orange County, second-degree murder is usually charged when death results from an accident that the defendant could have prevented.
Felony murder: A person may be charged with felony murder if the death of another resulted during the commission or attempted commission of a felony offense. For the individual to be liable for murder, they must have:
- Been the actual killer;
- Not have been the actual killer but intended to kill and helped the actual killer commit first-degree murder; or
- Played a major role in the felony offense and showed a "reckless indifference to human life."

Capital murder: Capital murder refers to a homicide offense punishable by death or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Under California Penal Code § 190.2, such punishments may be levied under the following circumstances:

Intentional murder for financial gain;
Defendant accused of more than one first- or second-degree murder offense in the same proceeding;
Defendant hid a destructive device in an area they knew could cause death to one or more others;
Defendant committed murder to avoid arrest or escape custody;
Defendant mailed or delivered a destructive device, bomb, or explosive knowing their actions could cause the death of one or more others;
Defendant killed a peace officer, federal agent, firefighter, witness to a crime, prosecutor or assistant prosecutor, juror, or elected official;
Murder was "especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity";
Defendant committed the offense by lying in wait;
Murder was a hate crime;
Defendant committed or was an accomplice to a specified felony;
Defendant killed another by means of torture;
Defendant poisoned another;
Defendant committed the murder by discharging a gun from a vehicle; or
Defendant was a member of a criminal street gang

Contact us at (844) 285-9559 today to find out how our murder defense lawyers in Orange County can help you get through this.

Penalty for Murdering Someone in California

The penalties a court can impose upon a conviction for murder depend on the facts of the case.

First degree murder (felony murder) in California penalties include:

Death,
Life imprisonment without parole, or
25 years to life imprisonment

2nd degree murder California penalties include:

15 years to life imprisonment;
25 years to life imprisonment (victim a peace officer);
Life imprisonment without parole (victim a peace officer and defendant intended to kill them, cause great bodily injury, used a dangerous or deadly weapon, or used a firearm); or
20 years to life imprisonment (defendant shot a firearm from a vehicle intending to cause great bodily injury but caused death)

Capital murder:

Death or
Life imprisonment without parole

Contact an Orange County Murder Defense Lawyer

Facing charges for allegedly murdering someone in Orange County is a terrifying experience, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your case. Although some of those charged are guilty, many are not. Either way, you deserve top-notch legal defense during your time of need. You can count on our experienced Orange County murder defense lawyer to provide you and yours with quality representation. At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, we put in the time, effort, and resources needed to seek favorable outcomes, such as not guilty verdicts, for defendants on trial for murder.

Attorney Randy Collins has the experience and knowledge to inspire confidence in our clients. We have a track record of results in Orange County and throughout California. Our team has exceptional negotiation and litigation skills and in-depth knowledge of California’s murder laws. We will be your voice in and out of court, working diligently toward an optimal result on your behalf.

Call (844) 285-9559 or fill out our contact form today for a free professional case evaluation from one of our experienced murder defense attorneys in Orange County, CA.

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I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat

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Randy is one of the best attorneys you could ever have. I’m eternally grateful to Randy and his team for his dedication and professionalism. Randy is very brilliant when it comes to felonies, probation violations, or other criminal cases... Randy is the best lawyer you can have. when other lawyers told me they couldn’t help me out... Randy always told me he can help me and there was never an impossible case to bring in his favor. He was always in touch and keeping me updated on my case, and he gave me the peace and comfort I needed during difficult times. This is the second time he has had to help me stay away from jail. I will never look into other lawyers. I’ll be a loyal client to Randy from now on. You are #1, Randy. Thank you

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I cannot express how grateful I am to Randy and his team for the amazing job representing my dad. He was detailed, dedicated, and truly caring for my family throughout the entire process. We are forever thankful to have found Randy. It is rare to find a legal team that feels like extended family. We truly felt so cared for by him and Chris. His knowledge and expertise helped guide us through a very difficult situation and we are so happy to have found this team. I would refer Randy to anyone looking for legal representation. Randy is the best lawyer to call!!

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Randy worked tirelessly for over two years to have my case dismissed and I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for me.

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Mr. Collins is highly recommended. He really takes the time to listen and answer all your questions. He went above and beyond on helping me out with an issue that was never my fault.

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I called the office and right off the bat, I was super impressed at how much help I was receiving without even meeting in person. Chris (the guy who answered my call) is extremely nice and he explains everything so well. He told me how he used to work at the courts for many years (that gave me relief that he knew what he was talking about). Randy (the attorney) is delightful as well and put my worries to rest with his expertise and knowledge. You can tell by his demeanor and how passionate he speaks, that he is genuine and he cares about his clients. This office handles everything from DUI cases to just about anything criminal related.

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I hired Randy after my previous attorney failed to give me proper information and caused me to violate my probation. Randy appeared in court for got the issue resolved without any head aches. He was a man of his word and I highly recommend him.

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