Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with "malice aforethought". Malice aforethought can be express or implied. Penal Code Section 188 states that express malice aforethought is when there is "manifested a deliberate intention unlawfully to take away the life of a fellow creature". It also states that implied malice aforethought is when "no considerable provocation appears, or when the circumstances attending the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart". Sentences for a conviction of 1st degree murder are death, imprisonment in the state prison for life without the possibility of parole, or imprisonment in the state prison for a term of 25 years to life. Except for certain exceptions where the sentence could be greater, the sentence for a conviction of 2nd degree murder is imprisonment in the state prison for a term of 15 years to life.

If you have been arrested for/charged with committing a violent crime in California, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Al F. Amer. If you are accused of any violent crime, you are facing serious charges with potentially serious consequences, so please do not hesitate to contact us to talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation.

The Law Offices of Al F. Amer has offices in Los Angeles and Orange County and an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will defend clients accused of violent crimes such as murder. Contact us online or call us at 714-432-6408.