HOMICIDE DEFENSE

Homicide

Many people misunderstand the term “homicide.”  Homicide does not always mean murder.  Homicide simply means that someone died as a result of the actions of someone else, whether those actions were legal or illegal.  Even in cases of legal self-defense, the coroner will probably rule the death a homicide, but that doesn’t mean the person who caused the death did anything illegal.

Even in cases where the homicide is illegal, there are several different levels of homicide with vastly different punishment provisions and outcomes.  Charges can range from murder to involuntary manslaughter, and even murder charges can be premeditated to crimes of passion.

It’s reasonable to expect a prosecuting attorney to pursue the most serious level of homicide charges they think they can convince a jury to believe.  They’ll often charge a defendant with several levels of homicide for one act, hoping that if they can’t prove the most serious charge, they can get the jury to convict on something, at least.

You can be sure that if you are charged with homicide, prosecutors will be aggressive in your prosecution, so you need to also be sure that you find a lawyer who will aggressively defend you.

Regardless of the type of homicide you are charged with, you potentially face the possibility of a long prison term and maybe even life in prison without the possibility of parole.  Even if a person died because of and accident, the consequences can be severe.  Do not hesitate to get proper legal representation.

If you need an attorney to represent you against a murder charge in Orange County, all homicide attorneys are not the same.  Derrick Smalls has murder trial experience and   understands how to get you the best outcome possible.  Whether it’s getting a dismissal from the judge, a plea bargain with the prosecutor, or a favorable decision from a jury, Derrick Smalls has the experience you want in your corner. 

After a decision has been made, anything short of an acquittal will require a sentencing hearing.  If you are found guilty of any level of homicide, the sentencing hearing is the most important day of your life.  Derrick Smalls has the track record of gaining significantly lessened prison terms or even probation. 

Facing homicide charges is stressful and being able to make the best decisions at times like this is very difficult, so hiring an experienced murder attorney is vital.  Derrick Smalls has the murder trial experience to give you the best representation in Southern California.