Norwalk Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter Lawyer

Norwalk Homicide, Murder, and Manslaughter Attorney

Being charged with homicide, murder, or manslaughter in Norwalk can be terrifying. A conviction of any one of these charges can change your life forever. At Gibbons & Gibbons, we want to help you with your defense, no matter the details of your case. A Norwalk homicide, murder, and manslaughter lawyer can provide you with aggressive but compassionate legal representation through this challenging time.

The penalties for homicide, murder, or manslaughter can be severe, as is the pressure of facing consequences like life imprisonment. In cases like these, you can need the experience of the attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons. Securing strong representation before anything else can help ensure an optimal outcome.

Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Norwalk

Our team knows the intricacies of California’s violent crime laws and has a successful track record in the state. When you work with us, we can defend you against any charge you may face. We carefully assess your case details, no matter the charge, and develop the most suitable defense strategy. Our approach to your case may differ depending on your circumstances, however. Here are some of the possible violent crime charges you may face:

Homicide

The killing of another human being is a homicide. However, this term does not take into account whether or not the action was against the law. Many situations involving homicide can be legal, such as killing someone in a war or putting someone to death by court decision. Another example of legal homicide is self-defense killings upheld by criminal courts. Taking someone’s life to prevent them from committing a violent felony is also considered legal.

Despite the existence of legal homicides, criminal homicides involve knowingly, purposely, recklessly, or negligently causing the death of another person. Examples of criminal homicide include murder and manslaughter.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone kills another person without the intention to kill them. In these cases, the person had no malice in causing injury or death to the other person, but the victim lost their life anyway. A typical example is deaths that occur while committing a non-felony crime.

The penalties for an involuntary manslaughter conviction depend on the case’s specifics, like the level of negligence or prior convictions. Our involuntary manslaughter attorney in Norwalk, CA can inform you of the possibilities if you’re charged with this crime.

Voluntary Manslaughter

In both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, the perpetrator does not premeditate the killing. In voluntary manslaughter, however, the crime is committed in the heat of passion. The law explains the heat of passion as being ‘in the moment’ or as a reaction to an event like a spat, an intense argument, or an unfavorable outcome.

Vehicular Manslaughter

There are many types of vehicular manslaughter, as many different factors may come into play. This offense can involve killing someone while:

• Committing a non-felony act while driving with gross negligence
• Committing a non-felony act while driving without gross negligence
• Knowingly causing an accident for financial gain

Second-Degree Murder

While manslaughter charges involve killing someone without intent and premeditation, second-degree murders involve an intent to harm. This offense does not include premeditated murders but can involve the intent to kill. Common events leading to second-degree murder can include provocation, financial gain, or passion.

Another type of second-degree murder occurs when a defendant is considered to have an extreme indifference to the value of another human being’s life. In these cases, the defendant is alleged to have disregarded the possibility that their actions could lead to another person’s death.

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder involves committing the most extreme level of murder after premeditating, intending to kill, and doing so with malice afterthought. This means that the defendant is alleged to have planned to kill someone with a blatant disregard for their life.

Additionally, first-degree murder can be split into three types: premeditated murder, felony murder, and murders by specified means, like drive-by shootings, lying in wait, or detonating bombs. Since first-degree murder is the most severe murder charge, courts levy the harshest penalties with these convictions.

FAQs

Is Manslaughter the Same as Murder and Homicide?

In terms of the law, manslaughter is not the same as murder and homicide. All of these terms involve causing another person’s death, but while manslaughter and murder are always crimes, homicide can be a more generic designation encompassing criminal and non-criminal acts.

Manslaughter is a lesser charge that commonly involves lighter sentences than murder because the death is not deemed premeditated. In manslaughter cases, the perpetrator’s overall intent could have been to commit a crime or perform a negligent act without meaning to harm or kill anyone.

How Much Time Do You Get for Manslaughter in the State of California?

The amount of time you get for manslaughter in California depends on the specific manslaughter charge and whether the designation is voluntary or involuntary. While voluntary manslaughter typically occurs due to provocation and carries a higher sentence, involuntary manslaughter is a misdemeanor with a relatively lighter sentence.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Manslaughter in California?

The statute of limitations on manslaughter in California exists but can depend on the case’s specifics. Since some manslaughter charges are misdemeanors, they follow the rules for other misdemeanors. Due to the variance in the statute of limitations, it can be necessary to enlist the help of an attorney as soon as possible to safeguard your interests.

What’s the Difference Between Capital Murder and First-Degree Murder?

The difference between capital murder and first-degree murder is that capital murder involves receiving the death penalty for the crime. In California, capital murder does not exist because California has a restriction on the death penalty. The highest level of murder that someone can be convicted of in the state is first-degree murder.

Get Help With Your Criminal Case Today: Contact Gibbons & Gibbons

If you receive a homicide, manslaughter, or murder charge in Norwalk, seek help from our attorneys right away. These charges are serious, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Gibbons & Gibbons has the experience necessary to protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome.