Fresno Homicide Attorney
Homicide Defense Backed by More Than 40 Years of Combined Experience
A homicide accusation can involve different charges and legal theories based on the alleged conduct, intent, planning, and surrounding circumstances. California law distinguishes between first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and other homicide-related allegations. Witness accounts, statements, timelines, and forensic evidence can all affect how the prosecution’s theory is evaluated.
Our attorneys at Sawl Law Group, Inc. investigate alleged crimes, collect supporting evidence, analyze evidence gathered by police, and negotiate with prosecutors. We develop personalized legal strategies intended to protect your rights and interests throughout criminal proceedings. Our firm brings more than 40 years of combined legal experience and has handled scores of trial cases.
Call us today at (559) 205-7757 or contact us online to request a free consultation with a Fresno homicide attorney.
What Is Murder in the Second Degree?
California Penal Code sections 187 through 199 address murder and related penalties. Section 187 defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being or fetus with malice aforethought, which is the mental state required for murder. Second-degree murder generally covers a murder that doesn’t meet the statutory requirements for first-degree murder.
Heat of passion is not second-degree murder. Depending on the facts and applicable law, adequate heat of passion may support a voluntary manslaughter theory. A careful review of the evidence is necessary to determine whether the charged offense matches the provable facts.
The general penalty for second-degree murder is:
- A prison sentence of 15 years to life under California Penal Code section 190.
- A different sentence may apply when specific statutory circumstances are alleged, including certain cases involving a peace officer.
What Is Murder in the First Degree?
First-degree murder includes a willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing and certain killings under specified statutory circumstances, including killings connected to enumerated felonies. Premeditation concerns whether the prosecution can prove deliberation and planning before the alleged killing. Under section 190, punishment depends on the charge and applicable circumstances, and first-degree murder can carry 25 years to life or other statutory penalties.
Homicide-related cases can also involve allegations of voluntary manslaughter or attempted murder.
Potential defense issues may include:
- Lack of intent.
- Self-defense or defense of others.
- Accident.
- Mistaken identity.
- Unreliable testimony.
- Weaknesses in forensic or digital evidence.
The viability of any defense depends on the facts, available evidence, charge, and applicable California law.
Our criminal defense lawyers can review the allegations, upcoming court obligations, and available defense options early in the case.
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"They were able to lower my DUI to a much lesser charge of “Wet Reckless” saving me thousands of dollars, and time. So thank you Sawl Law Group, Claudia, and Michelle."
I just wanted to say a few things about Sawl Law Group. I had never needed to hire an attorney before, so I didn’t know what I was doing, or what to expect. When i had just been charged with a DUI; I had a pile of law offices to choose from. The first one that stood out was Sawl Law Group. They were very professional, and welcoming. Claudia made a long drive, just to meet with me face to face, and have a short conversation about my case, and my options. She made me feel confident that I could do much better than I had hoped. Claudia paired me up with Michelle, the attorney that would then, represent me. She took care of all my court dates (after signing a document of course) which was especially helpful with my crazy work schedule. Not only that, but they were able to lower my DUI to a much lesser charge of “Wet Reckless” saving me thousands of dollars, and time. So thank you Sawl Law Group, Claudia, and Michelle. And to anyone else who finds themselves in a bind; I definitely recommend starting here!
- Justin R. -
"The Sawl Law Group really, really did an outstanding job for me. They were very invested in my interest to pursue a dismissal for some things I did as a young man."
The Sawl Law Group really, really did an outstanding job for me. They were very invested in my interest to pursue a dismissal for some things I did as a young man. We won the dismissal and my attorney Michelle did a great job and was really caring about my situation. I definitely recommend this group to anyone seeking legal representation!
- Rodney M. -
"I would highly recommend the Sawl Law group to family and friends if they were ever in need of their services."
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!
- Google Reviews – Juan G. -
"They made what was a bad situation into a calm and comforting one."
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.
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"They are experienced in accident cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect."
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. -
"Martin was the perfect person to work on helping me get through my DUI."10/10 would recommend Martin, communication was always there, he was the perfect person to work on helping me get through my DUI.- Google Reviews - C.D. Carter
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"I highly recommend Martin Taleisnik to anyone needing legal representation and would seek him out again, if needed."
Our Experience with the Sawl Law Group was only positive. My adult son was in serious trouble and refused to follow our extended family’s advice on how to plea, so as to enable him to get the help we thought he needed. Martin Taleisnik represented us and went above and beyond his call-to-duty on repeatedly meeting with our son and trying to talk sense into him. Because of his familiarity with the D.A.’s and judges, he was able to counsel us as to what to expect and whom to avoid, if possible.
All we were concerned about was that my son would get a fair hearing and not be swept aside by the court process. During one court appearance, Mr. Taleisnik was in the judge’s chambers for over 20 minutes, presenting the mitigating factors in my son’s case. At the sentencing hearing, Mr. Taleisnik gave an impassioned speech to the judge which persuaded the judge to give my son probation. During that speech, a female sitting behind us in court tapped us on the shoulder and told us that she was impressed by our attorney.
Regarding the fee. We were quoted a reasonable global fee that would cover anything that would transpire, short of a trial. My son’s case was continued almost monthly for 6 months, due to his co-defendant and other court procedures. Mr. Taleisnik was always there, on time, and would speak to us afterward in the hall, at length, about what the proceedings meant and what the next step was.
I highly recommend Martin Taleisnik to anyone needing legal representation and would seek him out again, if needed.
- Chanah C. -
"Previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding."
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.
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