Murder There's No Alternative

Murder Attorney Los Angeles

Murder or the taking of a human life illegally with the “malice aforethought” or malicious intent is considered a very serious crime in Los Angeles. Under the California Penal Code 187-199 statute, murder charges carry very serious punishments. If you are charged with murder, it is important to find a defense attorney that has experience, knowledge, and top-notch representation like the law offices of Randy Collins can provide for you.

Murder: First Degree and Second Degree

Murder is the most serious crime a person can be charged of any place in the world and naturally, it carries very heavy punishments. In California, death penalty or capital punishment is suspended so the worst punishment you can have is imprisonment for life without parole. Punishment is often decided depending on the murder degree you are charged of – first degree or second degree. Below are the differences between the two:

  1. First degree – This is considered the more serious crime between the two because the charge is reserved for very heinous crimes. First degree murder requires premeditation and the intent to kill the person. Meaning, you planned on the details of killing the person and executed the plan with the purpose of killing the person. In California, first degree murder is also charged to people who use poison, bombs and other forms of explosive devices, weapons for mass destruction and guns and armor-piercing ammo. If the killing was done along with a separate felony crime like rape, kidnapping, robbery and/or other felony crimes, then the murder charge can be enhanced to first degree murder. A guilty verdict of first degree murder may result to 25 years of imprisonment or a life sentence without a chance for parole.
  2. Second Degree – Murder of the second degree is a step higher than voluntary manslaughter and a step lower than first degree murder. In order to differentiate the second degree murder from the other two, the crime must have these 3 elements – 1.) impulsive killing but with malicious intent, 2.) the intent to inflict serious bodily harm that resulted to the victims’ death, and 3.) death that results from the defendants serious disregard of a human life. Punishment for a guilty verdict of second degree murder can range from 15 years imprisonment to a life sentence depending on the circumstances of the case.

Defense of a murder charge can be broken down to two – 1.) deny the charge and point out that the defendant did not do the murder and 2.) accept the culpability of the death and provide a valid reason such as self defense, provocation by the victim or a different person or defense of another person.

Building a good defense for a murder charge starts when the cops charge you with murder. So to be able to a have a good chance of building a defense or mitigating the charge, you must immediately contact a Los Angeles murder attorney. Call the Law Offices of Randy Collins for a free consultation of your case.

WHY WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE

  • Over 45 years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Former Deputy District Attorney
  • Impressive Track Record of Results
  • Highly Respected by Peers and Clients
  • Free Initial Consultation

GET DEFENSE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF ATTORNEYS

Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

  • Best Criminal Defense in Irvine - 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer In Irvine- 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana - 2022
  • Best Criminal Defense Lawyer New Port Beach- 2022
  • 10 Best Attorney
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Under 40
  • avvo 10.0

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CLient Reviews

At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "We are forever thankful to have found Randy."
    I cannot express how grateful I am to Randy and his team for the amazing job representing my dad. He was detailed, dedicated, and truly caring for my family throughout the entire process. We are forever thankful to have found Randy. It is rare to find a legal team that feels like extended family. We truly felt so cared for by him and Chris. His knowledge and expertise helped guide us through a very difficult situation and we are so happy to have found this team. I would refer Randy to anyone looking for legal representation. Randy is the best lawyer to call!!
    Julia
    "He went above and beyond!"
    Mr. Collins is highly recommended. He really takes the time to listen and answer all your questions. He went above and beyond on helping me out with an issue that was never my fault.
    Erik
    "Glad I had Randy to guide me through it."
    I had the unfortunate experience of being too drunk one night in DTF which led to a Drunk in Public charge. I was able to hire Randy after looking online for a good lawyer. I ended up paying about $3,500 for his services and he got the case dismissed. It was an easy process. It was my first time getting in trouble with the law, and I am glad I had Randy and Chris there to guide me through.
    Juan
    "They are such a great team to work with."
    I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
    Dalia
    "An Attorney I Could Trust"
    I called to inquire about a case I was facing, this was one of the many attorneys I was speaking with during a free consult about my next steps. The future was looking more and more alarming as the implications of what I was facing were becoming clear. Halfway through explaining my situation, he interrupted me and asked some basic information, put me on hold for one second and came back telling me he had called around and found out that my case was not proceeding. Four other attorneys I had spoken to did not do this, and in fact had used scare tactics and worst case scenarios to try and hard sell me into signing a retainer. (unfortunately, the evening before I HAD with another attorney signed a retainer but thats for another review) Although I did not need to retain the services of this office, I believe that single action speaks worlds about the integrity, helpfulness, intelligence and capabilities of this office. In a world that is so difficult for the uninitiated, such as the legal system, it seems people are taking advantage of you at every turn. It was a welcome and uplifting experience to see the opposite of that with this law office and I am so grateful I was able to find them and know I could call them if anything were to ever happen to me later in life and know I could trust this team.
    Chris
    "Randy is the obvious choice!"
    Randy worked tirelessly for over two years to have my case dismissed and I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for me.
    Ray
    "Trustworthy, honest, hard working and caring attorney."
    If anyone needs a trustworthy, honest, hard working and caring attorney, it’s without any doubt, Mr. Randy Collins. I have had many contacts throughout my lifetime, and I have never ran into such a professional in the law field. He’s also a very caring individual that listens to the client and shows great respect.
    Mary
    "I am extremley grateful for their help!"
    Randy, Chris, and his team are amazing. Having talked to other offices, this one was the most responsive, caring, and downright most helpful. They are all super knowledgeable in defense and I am extremely grateful for their help. I 100% recommend and suggest you try a consultation.
    John