Dublin Murder Defense Lawyer
Experienced Defense Against Murder Charges in The Tri-Valley Area
Murder is the most serious violent crime in California and the rest of the country. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors will work vigorously to investigate and prosecute anyone suspected of murder. Judges will hand down severe penalties that could result in spending decades or a lifetime in prison. In the face of such harsh punishment, you must hire a criminal defense lawyer who has handled serious cases similar to yours.
If you or a loved one has been accused of murder, our Dublin murder defense attorney at The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero does not back down from even the most complex or serious of criminal charges. As a former prosecutor himself, Attorney Christopher Lamiero is not intimidated by the prosecution and has the experience, knowledge, and determination to fiercely protect your rights and freedom throughout the justice procedure. Bringing more than 30 years of hard-won criminal law practice to your case, he will provide effective and personalized legal service from start to finish. Do not hesitate to let our firm fight for you immediately.
Under investigation for murder or already charged? The sooner you call, the better. Phone us at (925) 259-3337 for a free case analysis today.
California Murder Laws
California Penal Code 187 defines murder as the killing of another person or fetus with malice aforethought. This violent crime is characterized by a wanton disregard for human life and involves an action that has a high probability for ending in death. Murder may be charged as first-degree or second-degree murder depending on the circumstances.
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder is a willful and deliberate or premeditated. It may also occur while committing another serious felony, such as armed robbery, rape, mayhem, or others – known as the felony murder rule in California.
A conviction of first-degree murder carries penalties of 25 years up to life in prison. If the murder is deemed a hate crime, a conviction can result in life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder doesn’t involved premeditation. Rather, this type of murder often occurs during the “heat of the moment.” Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 years up to life in prison. Factors that can influence the punishment include whether you have a previous criminal record, if it was committed as a drive-by shooting, or if the alleged victim was a police officer.
Capital Murder
California still retains the death penalty though it is rarely used. Capital murder is a killing that qualifies one for the death penalty, involving special circumstances such as gang-related murder, the murder of a public servant such as a law enforcement officer, judge, fire fighter, or others, a hate crime murder, the murder of a witness, and other situations. Capital murder may also be punished by life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Additional penalties that may apply in any murder case include a strike on your record under California’s three strikes law, enhanced penalties for personally using a gun, a fine of up to $10,000, restitution, and the loss of gun rights as a convicted felon.
Experienced Defense Against Murder Charges
Being accused of murder is a serious and frightening situation. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we understand the gravity of these charges and are here to provide you with aggressive and effective defense representation. Our Dublin murder defense lawyer has extensive experience in handling complex criminal cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom.
When facing murder charges in California, it is crucial to have a skilled legal advocate on your side. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, strategize the best defense approach, and advocate for your innocence in court.
Don't face these charges alone. Let us fight for you and provide you with the high-quality representation you deserve.
Contact Our Murder Attorney in Dublin, CA Today
The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero offers focused, determined, and highly qualified legal representation when facing serious violent offenses such as murder. Attorney Lamiero will investigate your case, collect supporting evidence, analyze evidence gathered by the police, and build an aggressive and effective legal defense to help you avoid serious penalties.
We serve clients throughout the Tri-Valley area. Contact us at (925) 259-3337 as soon as possible.
Criminal Defense FAQ
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What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
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Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
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Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
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What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.