Costa Mesa Murder Criminal Defense Lawyers

Costa Mesa Murder cases are handled in two ways - as Murder in The First Degree or Murder in the Second Degree, each of which carries its own penalties and elements for prosecution. Here's an overview:

Costa Mesa First Degree Murder or California Penal Code 187 is intentionally taking the life of someone else. The legal consequences for this crime is a minimum of 25 years imprisonment to a maximum life sentence. The prosecution must prove that either:

1. The murder was premeditated, and that the offender had a plan in place to take someone's life. This would need to be followed through, otherwise the crime would be prosecuted as an attempted murder.

2. The offender used extreme torture or a deadly device when committing the crime

3. The offender was involved in another felony offense when the murder took place

Costa Mesa Second Degree Murder on the other hand is when no premeditation is involved, and that another crime was being committed at the time of the killing. The legal consequences for 2 nd degree murder include a minimum of fifteen years in prison to a maximum life imprisonment.

Enhanced sentencing is given to offenders who committed murder for financial benefits. Other examples of aggravating murder cases include taking the life of an executive officer.

In these cases, offenders face capital punishment which carries no possibility of parole.

How does a criminal defense attorney prove innocence to murder? This is challenging but quite feasible nonetheless. The Costa Mesa attorneys will pair with private investigators, DNA experts, and research the scene to get evidence that works in the murder suspect's favor.

If you are facing Murder in Costa Mesa, the criminal defense attorneys at MacGregor & Collins can help you. We will bring superior legal experience to aid you in this challenging time. Call us today at (949) 250-6097.