Fresno Murder Defense Lawyers
Homicide Laws in California
Without a doubt, murder is the gravest of all criminal offenses. Whether someone plans ahead to end a person’s life or does so in the spur of the moment, the United States Government does not take such crimes lightly. Homicide can be committed in either the second degree or the first degree, and the penalties vary depending on the verdict.
Regardless of whether or not you are guilty of such a violent crime, our Visalia homicide defense attorneys at Sawl Law Group can ensure that you are not punished for a crime you did not commit. We understand what it takes to get the most favorable results in your case by investigating the alleged crime, collecting evidence, analyzing evidence gathered by the police, and negotiating with the prosecution.
Call us today at (559) 205-7757 or contact us online to request a free consultation with a Fresno murder attorney.
What is Murder in the Second Degree?
All definitions and penalties for murder are listed in California Penal Code § 187-199. When a person intentionally kills someone “in the heat of passion,” it is murder in the second degree. An example of second-degree homicide would be when a man walks in to find his wife with another man and kills him in a fit of anger.
The penalty for second-degree murder is:
- a prison sentence of 15 years to life as found in Pen. Code § 190.
- The sentence is increased to 25-to-life in the event that the victim was a peace officer, or a life sentence without parole if the murder of the officer was intentional.
What is Murder in the First Degree?
Murder in the first degree requires premeditation, meaning that the offender had been planning to kill the victim before they committed the homicide. Punishment for first-degree murder is death or life in prison without parole as found in Pen. Code § 190.
If you are facing charges of such a crime, speak with our experienced criminal defense lawyers immediately to start building your defense. Otherwise, you may face life in prison or the death sentence.
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Just wanted to thank the Sawl Law group for a job well done. Corina did a great job and was very helpful. Corina explained the procedure in great detail. She always kept me well informed and always made herself available to me via phone, email and in person. I would highly recommend the Sawl Law group to family and friends if they were ever in need of their services.
Thanks again for all your help and hard work!
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I highly recommend this firm. They are very busy, so sometimes you may need to be persistent in calling them. BUT they are experienced in accidents cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect. Their lien doctors are excellent. You get all the medical treatment you need.
- April R. -
Corina Burchfield walked me step by step through the whole process she is very professional definitely recommend her. She is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend.- Google Review - Brianna M.
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This is by far the most experienced and professional team of lawyers I've had the pleasure of working with. The staff was amazing, polite and very attentive to all my questions and needs regarding my case. Mr. Taleisnik was very reassuring regarding the best possible outcome for my case. While preparing my case I was kept well informed and was consistently and accurately updated with any new information. Had it not been for Sawl Law Group, I would not have been as far as I am today in my military carrier. I highly recommend this professional and well experienced team of attorney's.- James M.
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Sawl Law Group was great experience. They made what was a bad situation into a calm and comforting one. I would recommend them to anyone.
- Everardo G. -
This was the first time I had ever been involved in any situation like this. I had spoken with a few lawyers before heading to Sawl Law Group. The previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding.
They took immediate ownership of the problem at hand. This problem had wrecked havoc on my life by draining my time and my finances. Sawl Law Group was affordable and handled the case so I wasn’t required to miss work and physically be present. I would highly recommend Sawl Law Group to friends, family and anyone who needs a tough lawyer to receive justice.
- Rebekah A. -
I retained the office to help me with some very serious charges that would hurt my career and long time goals. I was wrongfully accused of taking materials from a job site. I did not take them, this law office help prove my innocence. They helped me find an investigator for my case. The staff was always ready to help me and willing to go the extra step when I had questions. The Attorney later was able to get my case dismissed. I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me. I recommend Sawl Law Group if you want someone fighting for you.- Preston D.
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Sawl Law Group was such a big help to me. I would definitely recommend anyone who needs a lawyer to them. I currently live in a different state and was unable to appear in court. Sawl Law Group stood in on my behalf. I was so grateful. In the end my warrant was recalled, and I was able to complete the stipulations of my case in my current state. This was such a relief to me. My fee was very affordable, and I was able to be put on a payment arrangement. I couldn’t of asked for better service. My person of contact was Claudia, and she was very helpful, and informative. She answered all my questions, always contacted me back when a message was left, and was always available for me. She walked me through the whole process and I appreciate her support. I just want to thank my lawyer Michelle for working on my behalf and Sawl Law Group for helping me out when I most needed it. So if your searching for a good lawyer who would work on your behalf, please choose Sawl Law Group.
- Michelle G.