Santa Rosa Homicide Lawyer

Homicide Attorney Serving All Of Sonoma County

When a person has been charged with murder, also known as homicide in Santa Rosa, the penalties surrounding this charge can be the most severe.  Without the right representation, a person may wind up spending the rest of his or her life in prison.  Because of this, it is of the utmost importance that a person charged with murder or manslaughter finds a top-notch homicide defense attorney who has the knowledge and experience needed to win the case.  Homicide is a serious crime and Vandyk Law treats murder and manslaughter cases with a level of importance.  Our Santa Rosa homicide lawyers understand the categories under which the crime may fall and are educated and skilled at providing the best possible defense.

In California, criminal homicide is divided into two different categories: murder and manslaughter, however, California law doesn’t easily differentiate between crimes committed in the “heat of passion” or premeditated murder.

Under California law, homicide is defined as first-degree murder when it is a murder committed during the commission of one of the following predicate felonies:

• Arson
• Rape and other sexual crimes
• Carjacking
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Mayhem
• Kidnapping
• Train Wrecking
• And any homicide committed by intentionally firing a gun from a motor vehicle at a person outside of the motor vehicle with the intention to cause death.

Second-degree murder encompasses “all other kinds of murders” that do not qualify as first-degree murder or felony-murder.  Second-degree murder can be divided into three basic categories:

• Purposeful killing without premeditation
• Implied malice murder
• Inherently dangerous felony-murder

There are three types of manslaughter:

• Voluntary manslaughter – occurs when a person kills another in the heat of passion, without planning beforehand.  For example: when a person finds their spouse having sex with another person and reacts immediately by killing.
• Involuntary manslaughter – occurs when a death is an indirect result of recklessness or negligence.
• Vehicular Manslaughter – occurs when a person drives a vehicle and unintentionally but unlawfully kills another human being.

When facing a murder or manslaughter charge in California, a skilled Santa Rosa Criminal Defense attorney can help guide you throughout the complexities of the legal system.  A Santa Rosa homicide lawyer at Vandyk Law will avidly defend those who are facing criminal charges.  A conviction of Homicide will dramatically and negatively alter your life and the life of your family.  These cases are often very complex and require the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.

Homicide cases are difficult to defend and the devastating consequences are troubling to cope with.  Our attorneys show respect and empathy through an extremely trying situation.  Our interaction with clients involves developing close working relationships with friends and family members, and interested parties who are also carrying the heavy burden of being associated with a homicide case.  Our approach is practical and supportive.  If you or someone you know is charged with some form of a homicide charge, then you need the best possible attorney.  Contact Vandyk Law at (707) 528-1100 today for a confidential legal consultation.

PENALTIES AND PUNISHMENTS

Depending on whether you are convicted of first-degree murder, capital murder, or second-degree murder your potential sentence will vary quite a bit.  Regardless each penalty is very severe and demonstrates why it is so critical to have an experienced California criminal defense attorney.

How Contacting a Santa Rosa Homicide Lawyer at Vandyk Law Can Help

Our Attorneys are dedicated to providing criminal defendants with the fighting chances that they deserve in order to avoid the pitfalls and consequences of criminal convictions.  Our Sonoma County homicide attorneys have worked extensively in the field of criminal law.  If you or a loved one has been charged with a homicide, contact Vandyk Law today.  We are focused on the needs of our clients and provide aggressive and strategic representation.  We understand the stresses and pressures that our clients are facing.