According to Penal Code 187 PC, murder is defined as “the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.” This means that any killing of another, whether deliberate or not, that occurred intentionally or that occurred while you were engaged in an action that you knew could result in a death can be legally classified as murder. In contrast to an accident or unfortunate circumstance that results in death, murder is a crime that has severe penalties attached to it.

Murder charges in California is an extremely serious offense. With penalties ranging from 15 years to life in prison to death (for a second-degree murder conviction) and confinement for life without possibility of parole to 25 years to life (for a first-degree murder conviction), a murder conviction will affect your life and the lives of your loved ones for decades. With consequences like these, you need a strong defense strategy to gain the best possible outcome of a murder charge.