Sacramento Murder & Homicide Lawyer

Fighting for Your Freedom in Sacramento County, CA

Facing charges for murder or homicide is one of the most severe legal challenges in the California criminal justice system. These charges carry significant weight due to the severity of the accusation. When a life has been lost, it typically leads to an often highly emotionally charged situation. 

These cases often attract media attention, which can further complicate the proceedings and result in a public perception of guilt before you have had your day in court. Convictions can have life-changing repercussions, including lengthy prison sentences, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

Legal representation is essential when facing murder or homicide. The quality of your representation is critical to pursuing optimum results. You will need a professional with extensive experience who understands the legal complexities and the strategies needed to defend you effectively. 

At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, you can work with a former prosecutor who has conducted over 60 jury trials and hundreds of hearings. Mr. Martinez has the advantage of 20+ years of practice in California criminal law. 

He is an aggressive defender of client rights and a fighter willing to go the extra mile to build your defense. From investigating every detail of your case to challenging the prosecutor’s claims in court, he is a proven professional with a track record of success. 

Book a free case evaluation with our Sacramento murder and homicide attorney. Call Law Office of Mathew Martinez at (916) 318-5142 or email us on our online contact form. Hablamos español.

What Is the Difference Between Murder & Homicide?

The terms "murder" and "homicide" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings. Homicide is a broader term that refers to the act of one human being killing another and can be categorized as criminal, justifiable, or excusable. 

Murder, however, is a type of criminal homicide involving the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought, a deliberate intention to end a life.

An example of murder is a premeditated act where Joe plans and executes the killing of his neighbor Bill due to a personal vendetta. An example of a non-criminal homicide is a law enforcement officer who, in the line of duty, shoots a suspect posing an immediate threat to others.

First & Second Degree Murder in California

First-degree murder involves willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. It may also include deaths caused during certain felonies, such as arson or robbery, also known as "felony murder." An example of this is carefully planning and lying in wait for someone to ambush and kill them. 

Second-degree murder occurs when a person intentionally causes the death of another without premeditation. It often involves forms of reckless, indifferent, or impulsive conduct that exhibit a disregard for human life. An example of this is getting into a bar fight with another patron that results in a fatal injury. 

Penalties for Murder in Sacramento

The penalties for first-degree murder can include:

• 25 years to life in prison: This is the standard sentence for first-degree murder.
• Life without the possibility of parole: This can be imposed in cases involving exceptional circumstances, such as multiple murders, murder for financial gain, or killing a law enforcement officer.
• Death penalty: Although California has a moratorium on executions, the death penalty may still be legally imposed.

The penalties for second-degree murder can include:

• 15 years to life in prison: This is the standard sentence for second-degree murder.
• 20 years to life in prison: If the murder involved shooting a firearm from a vehicle with the intent to cause serious harm.
• Life without parole: If the defendant has a prior murder conviction.

Homicide in California

Several forms of homicide exist under California law, including:

• Voluntary manslaughter: Killings done in the "heat of passion" or during a sudden quarrel without prior intent to kill. An example is a person who discovers their spouse engaged in infidelity and, in a fit of rage, causes their death.
• Involuntary manslaughter: An unintentional killing resulting from reckless or criminally negligent behavior. An example is accidentally causing a fatal car accident while driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Vehicular manslaughter: A result of negligent or unlawful driving. An example is speeding through a red light, leading to a fatal collision with a pedestrian.