Practice area – Murder
Charged with murder in Riverside County?
First-degree, second-degree, special circumstances. The harshest penalties in California law – and the prosecution will throw their full weight at the case.
Available 24/7
What you’re facing
Murder charges carry the most severe penalties California law allows. First-degree murder (PC 187 with premeditation, lying in wait, or felony murder) carries 25 years to life. Second-degree murder carries 15 to life. Special circumstances murder (PC 190.2) can mean life without parole or the death penalty. All murder charges are Strike Offenses. Enhancements – firearm use, gang allegations, great bodily injury – stack additional years or shift the case toward LWOP.
Defenses I build
Murder cases are rarely as solid as the charging document suggests. I challenge identification, motive, premeditation, and the prosecution’s theory of intent. I file suppression motions on confessions and search-derived evidence. I work with forensic experts on cause of death, time of death, ballistics, and DNA. Lesser included offenses – manslaughter, attempted murder, ADW – are often the right outcome when the evidence does not support murder. My recent results include first-degree murder with a firearm reduced to manslaughter with 17 years, and first-degree murder with a knife reduced to manslaughter with 11 years.
Murder Case Results
Charged With
Case result available on consultation
Outcome
Placeholder
Murder – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Assault w/ Deadly Weapon + Great Bodily Injury
Outcome
NOT GUILTY
Murder – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Take-Over Robbery, Kidnapping, 3 Strikes – Multiple life counts
Outcome
12 Years
Murder – Riverside Co.
Charged With
1st Degree Murder w/ Knife – 25 to Life
Outcome
Manslaughter, 11 Years
Murder – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Attempted Murder + Firearm + Gang – Facing Life
Outcome
12 Years
Murder – Riverside Co.
Charged With
ADW + Robbery + GBI + Gang Affiliation
Outcome
NOT GUILTY
Murder – Riverside Co.
Charged With
Attempted Murder – Facing 7 yrs to Life
Outcome
Misdemeanor, Time Served
Murder – Riverside Co.
Common Questions
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree murder?
California defines violent crimes broadly: murder and attempted murder, assault and assault with a deadly weapon (Penal Code 245), robbery and armed robbery, kidnapping, criminal threats, and any offense resulting in great bodily injury. Many include gang or firearm enhancements that stack additional years on top of the base sentence. Most are also Strike Offenses, meaning the conviction follows you for life and doubles your exposure on any future felony.
Can a murder charge be reduced to manslaughter?
Yes – it happens regularly. Voluntary manslaughter (heat of passion, sudden quarrel, imperfect self-defense) carries 3, 6, or 11 years. Involuntary manslaughter carries 2, 3, or 4 years. The reduction usually turns on disproving malice aforethought or proving heat of passion. My recent results include two first-degree murder charges reduced to manslaughter at sentencing.
What are ‘special circumstances’ under California murder law?
Special circumstances (PC 190.2) are aggravating factors that elevate a first-degree murder to LWOP or capital punishment. They include murder for financial gain, multiple murders, murder of a peace officer, murder during a kidnapping or burglary, lying in wait, torture, and others. If you are facing special circumstances, the prosecution has chosen to seek LWOP or the death penalty. The defense work is even more intensive.
Types of Murder Charges I Defend
Murder charges break down into specific categories under California law. Each has different elements, penalties, and defenses.
First-Degree Murder (PC 187/189)
Premeditated and deliberate killing, or killing during certain enumerated felonies. 25 years to life base sentence.
Second-Degree Murder (PC 187)
Intentional killing without premeditation – conscious disregard for human life. 15 years to life.
Felony Murder (PC 189)
A killing during the commission of a serious or violent felony – even unintentional. Can be charged as first-degree under PC 189(e).
Special Circumstances (PC 190.2)
Aggravating factors that elevate first-degree murder to LWOP or death penalty eligibility.
Capital Murder
Murder with special circumstances where the prosecution seeks the death penalty.
Voluntary Manslaughter (PC 192(a))
Heat of passion or sudden quarrel – a lesser included offense. 3, 6, or 11 years.
Involuntary Manslaughter (PC 192(b))
Killing without malice, often from criminal negligence. 2, 3, or 4 years.
Vehicular Manslaughter (PC 191.5)
Killing while driving – DUI-related or grossly negligent. Penalties vary by circumstances.
Strike Offenses and Sentencing Enhancements
All murder convictions are Strike Offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law. On top of the base murder sentence, enhancements can add significantly:
- Personal use of a firearm (PC 12022.53): adds 10 years, 20 years, or 25 to life
- Gang allegation (PC 186.22): adds 10 years or makes the sentence indeterminate
- Great bodily injury enhancement (PC 12022.7): adds 3-6 years
- Hate crime enhancement (PC 422.75): adds 1-3 years
- Special circumstances (PC 190.2): converts the base sentence to LWOP or capital punishment
The combined exposure can take a 25-to-life base into multiple consecutive life sentences without parole. Every aspect of the case – charging, enhancement allegations, plea negotiations – needs experienced handling from day one.
