Fresno Murder Defense Lawyers
Homicide Laws in California
Without a doubt, murder is the gravest of all criminal offenses. Whether someone plans ahead to end a person’s life or does so in the spur of the moment, the United States Government does not take such crimes lightly. Homicide can be committed in either the second degree or the first degree, and the penalties vary depending on the verdict.
Regardless of whether or not you are guilty of such a violent crime, our Visalia homicide defense attorneys at Sawl Law Group can ensure that you are not punished for a crime you did not commit. We understand what it takes to get the most favorable results in your case by investigating the alleged crime, collecting evidence, analyzing evidence gathered by the police, and negotiating with the prosecution.
Call us today at (559) 205-7757 or contact us online to request a free consultation with a Fresno murder attorney.
What is Murder in the Second Degree?
All definitions and penalties for murder are listed in California Penal Code § 187-199. When a person intentionally kills someone “in the heat of passion,” it is murder in the second degree. An example of second-degree homicide would be when a man walks in to find his wife with another man and kills him in a fit of anger.
The penalty for second-degree murder is:
- a prison sentence of 15 years to life as found in Pen. Code § 190.
- The sentence is increased to 25-to-life in the event that the victim was a peace officer, or a life sentence without parole if the murder of the officer was intentional.
What is Murder in the First Degree?
Murder in the first degree requires premeditation, meaning that the offender had been planning to kill the victim before they committed the homicide. Punishment for first-degree murder is death or life in prison without parole as found in Pen. Code § 190.
If you are facing charges of such a crime, speak with our experienced criminal defense lawyers immediately to start building your defense. Otherwise, you may face life in prison or the death sentence.
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I highly recommend this firm. They are very busy, so sometimes you may need to be persistent in calling them. BUT they are experienced in accidents cases and fight for what money you deserve. They are honest and inform their clients on what to expect. Their lien doctors are excellent. You get all the medical treatment you need.
- April R. -
This was the first time I had needed to hire an attorney. I met with 7 different lawyers before I decided. Right away you can see this is a very professional firm. They did everything they said they would, including working things out so I did not have to appear in court. I am very pleased with the service and the way the case was handled. I would and do recommend them to my friends.
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Corina Burchfield walked me step by step through the whole process she is very professional definitely recommend her. She is always responsive and makes you feel like a friend.- Google Review - Brianna M.
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This was the first time I had ever been involved in any situation like this. I had spoken with a few lawyers before heading to Sawl Law Group. The previous lawyers did not meet my expectations with their professionalism, concern or attentiveness. Sawl Law Group was very welcoming and understanding.
They took immediate ownership of the problem at hand. This problem had wrecked havoc on my life by draining my time and my finances. Sawl Law Group was affordable and handled the case so I wasn’t required to miss work and physically be present. I would highly recommend Sawl Law Group to friends, family and anyone who needs a tough lawyer to receive justice.
- Rebekah A. -
I just wanted to say a few things about Sawl Law Group. I had never needed to hire an attorney before, so I didn’t know what I was doing, or what to expect. When i had just been charged with a DUI; I had a pile of law offices to choose from. The first one that stood out was Sawl Law Group. They were very professional, and welcoming. Claudia made a long drive, just to meet with me face to face, and have a short conversation about my case, and my options. She made me feel confident that I could do much better than I had hoped. Claudia paired me up with Michelle, the attorney that would then, represent me. She took care of all my court dates (after signing a document of course) which was especially helpful with my crazy work schedule. Not only that, but they were able to lower my DUI to a much lesser charge of “Wet Reckless” saving me thousands of dollars, and time. So thank you Sawl Law Group, Claudia, and Michelle. And to anyone else who finds themselves in a bind; I definitely recommend starting here!
- Justin R. -
Our Experience with the Sawl Law Group was only positive. My adult son was in serious trouble and refused to follow our extended family’s advice on how to plea, so as to enable him to get the help we thought he needed. Martin Taleisnik represented us and went above and beyond his call-to-duty on repeatedly meeting with our son and trying to talk sense into him. Because of his familiarity with the D.A.’s and judges, he was able to counsel us as to what to expect and whom to avoid, if possible.
All we were concerned about was that my son would get a fair hearing and not be swept aside by the court process. During one court appearance, Mr. Taleisnik was in the judge’s chambers for over 20 minutes, presenting the mitigating factors in my son’s case. At the sentencing hearing, Mr. Taleisnik gave an impassioned speech to the judge which persuaded the judge to give my son probation. During that speech, a female sitting behind us in court tapped us on the shoulder and told us that she was impressed by our attorney.
Regarding the fee. We were quoted a reasonable global fee that would cover anything that would transpire, short of a trial. My son’s case was continued almost monthly for 6 months, due to his co-defendant and other court procedures. Mr. Taleisnik was always there, on time, and would speak to us afterward in the hall, at length, about what the proceedings meant and what the next step was.
I highly recommend Martin Taleisnik to anyone needing legal representation and would seek him out again, if needed.
- Chanah C. -
Sawl Law Group allowed me to rest easy at night. I didn't have to follow up they were handling the matter so professionally. I would indeed go back to them if I had another issue. They were so kind and understanding.- Valerie R.
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I retained the office to help me with some very serious charges that would hurt my career and long time goals. I was wrongfully accused of taking materials from a job site. I did not take them, this law office help prove my innocence. They helped me find an investigator for my case. The staff was always ready to help me and willing to go the extra step when I had questions. The Attorney later was able to get my case dismissed. I will forever be grateful to this office who helped me. I recommend Sawl Law Group if you want someone fighting for you.- Preston D.