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Homicide Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, California

According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, in 2019, there were about 16,425 reported incidents of murder and non-negligent manslaughter in the United States. In California, homicide is a serious crime that is typically severely punished. If convicted, the defendant could be facing huge fines, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, and other social consequences. If you're facing homicide or murder charges, it is crucial that you speak with an aggressive California criminal defense attorney immediately to begin outlining a strong defense.


For over 25 years, I have been helping individuals in California defend themselves against allegations of homicide. As your legal counsel, I will investigate the details of your case and craft an aggressive defense strategy aimed at pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. As your criminal defense attorney, I will fight vigorously on your behalf to protect your rights, help you negotiate a plea if necessary, and ensure that you receive a fair hearing.


The Alec Rose Law Office is proud to serve clients throughout Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding communities of Santa Barbara County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Riverside County.

How is Homicide Defined Under California law?

Homicide can be defined as the act of killing another person, whether lawfully or unlawfully. Criminal homicide may include murder, manslaughter, and justifiable killings. Examples of homicide include:


  • Killing in self-defense
  • Killing another person intentionally
  • State-sanctioned killing during war
  • Negligent or reckless killing while shooting a firearm

Have You Been Charged with Homicide?

What Are The Different Types of Homicide?

The most common types of homicide in California include:

  • Murder

    Under California Penal Code 187 PC, murder is defined as "the unlawful killing of a human being or fetus with malice aforethought." This means that the defendant had the intention to kill the victim. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, murder may be charged as first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or capital murder.

  • Manslaughter

    Under California Penal Code 192(a) PC, manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice. There are three different types of manslaughter charges in California, which include:

  • Voluntary Manslaughter

    This occurs when an individual kills another person deliberately but without any premeditation. Such an act may occur in the heat of the moment or during a sudden quarrel.

  • Involuntary Manslaughter

    This is the killing of another person without malice, without any intent to kill, but with conscious disregard for human life (California Penal Code 192(b)).

  • Vehicular Manslaughter

    This is the killing of another person while driving in an unlawful way or by causing an accident intentionally for financial gain (California Penal Code 191.5(b)).

Possible Penalties for Murder and Manslaughter

If convicted for any category of murder or manslaughter in California, the possible penalties include:

  • Murder Charges

    First-Degree Murder

    Punishable by 25 years to life imprisonment in state prison. If it was based on a "hate crime," the penalty is life without the possibility of parole. Hate crimes are defined as any crime committed based on the victim's race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.


    Second-Degree Murder

    Punishable by 15 years to life imprisonment in state prison.


    Capital Murder

    Punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.


    Additional Penalties

    • An extra 10, 20, or 25-years to life in prison if the offender used a firearm to commit the murder
    • Restitution to the victim
    • A fine of up to $10,000
    • Loss of gun rights

  • Manslaughter Charges

    Voluntary Manslaughter

    This is a felony. Punishable by 3, 6, or 11 years in state prison.


    Involuntary Manslaughter

    This is a felony. Punishable by 2, 3, or 4 years in county jail.


    Vehicular Manslaughter

    This can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter carries up to one year in jail, while felony vehicular manslaughter is punishable by anywhere from 2 to 10 years in state prison.

Possible Defenses for Homicide

When facing homicide allegations, your attorney may attempt to fight your charges using one of the following defense approaches:


  • Self-defense
  • Lack of premeditation in advance of the murder
  • Defense of another person
  • Accidental killings
  • Killing in the heat of passion
  • Insanity or lack of mental capacity
  • False and/or coerced confessions
  • Mistaken identity

Work with an Experienced Homicide

Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

Defending yourself from homicide allegations on your own can increase the risk of facing a conviction and suffering maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing substantial fines, life in prison without the possibility of parole, and other social ramifications. Therefore, when facing murder or manslaughter charges, it is critical that you hire a knowledgeable California homicide defense attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights at every phase of the legal process.


For years I have dedicated my time and legal expertise to clients facing homicide charges. As an experienced California criminal defense attorney, I will investigate every detail of your case and outline an effective defense strategy that is personally tailored to the unique circumstances of your situation. Using my extensive experience, I will help you navigate the California criminal justice system, fight aggressively on your side to defend your rights, and do everything possible to establish your innocence and help you defend your name.

Work with an Experienced Homicide

Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA

If you or someone you know has been charged with homicide, contact my firm, the Alec Rose Law Office, today to schedule a one-on-one case evaluation. I will offer you the knowledgeable legal guidance and comprehensive representation you need. I'm also proud to serve clients throughout Los Angeles, California, and the surrounding communities of Santa Barbara County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Riverside County.

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Law Offices of Alec Rose

Our Location:

2708 Wilshire Blvd #187

Santa Monica, CA 90403

Call Us:

(310) 877-5398
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