Violent Crime Charges

Our Strategic Approach to Homicide Defense
In every homicide case, our primary objective is to achieve a full acquittal and hear the words "Not Guilty." We begin every case by building a strategy aimed at complete exoneration. Should the facts of the case present extreme challenges, we then pivot to a powerful, multi-layered strategy designed to secure the least severe outcome possible.

1. The Ultimate Goal: Fighting for a Full Acquittal
This is always our starting point. We meticulously dismantle the prosecution's case to show that the state cannot prove its claims beyond a reasonable doubt. A full acquittal can be achieved through several avenues:

Asserting Self-Defense: When evidence shows you were protecting yourself or others from imminent danger of death or great bodily injury, a self-defense argument under PC 197 and California jury instructions (CALCRIM 505) can be the clearest path to a “not guilty” verdict. We investigate every detail — from witness statements to forensic evidence — to build the strongest possible case for justifiable homicide.

Challenging the Evidence: We aggressively attack the prosecution's evidence, including witness testimony, forensic reports (DNA, ballistics), and police procedures. If we can demonstrate faulty evidence or create reasonable doubt, the entire case against you can fall apart.

2. Alternative Strategy: Securing a Reduction of Charges
When the evidence makes an acquittal unlikely, our focus shifts to convincing the prosecutor or jury that a lesser charge is more appropriate. This can dramatically reduce potential penalties.

Second-Degree instead of First-Degree Murder: We aggressively challenge any claim of premeditation or deliberation. If the intent isn't clear, reducing the charge from first-degree to second-degree murder can eliminate the possibility of life without parole and take the death penalty off the table.

Manslaughter instead of Murder: We can present evidence of a "heat of passion" provocation or "imperfect self-defense" (where you genuinely feared danger but your response was considered excessive). This can turn a potential life sentence for murder into a determinate (fixed) sentence for manslaughter.

3. Final Defense: Mitigation and Damage Control
In the most challenging cases, our focus becomes minimizing the penalty and fighting for the lowest possible sentence.

Mental Health Mitigation: If a client has underlying mental health issues (like PTSD or schizophrenia), we work with forensic psychologists to show how this may have impacted their actions. This can be used to negate intent (like premeditation) or to persuade a judge or DA to offer a lower charge.

Negotiating Favorable Plea Deals: When facing overwhelming evidence (like a confession or multiple eyewitnesses), a strategic plea bargain may be the best option to avoid a life sentence. We focus on negotiating for a determinate sentence (a set number of years) instead of an open-ended life term, giving you certainty and control over the outcome.

From complete exoneration to a mitigated sentence, our strategy is always tailored to achieve the absolute best result for you. Each year matters, and we fight for every one.