Monterey Homicide Lawyers

Fighting for Favorable Outcomes When Our Clients Face the Most Serious Charges

Most criminal offenses carry some risk of derailing a person’s life. Of course, many charges are seen as far more serious than others — and it doesn’t get much more serious than murder allegations. There are various types of charges that fall under California homicide laws, but they all come down to the illegal taking of another person’s life. If you’re facing criminal charges of this severity, it’s important that you don’t take on the system alone. A Monterey homicide lawyer may be able to help.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our California criminal defense lawyers are committed to securing favorable outcomes for each of our clients. That’s why we have our own investigator with decades of experience. We strive to provide excellent representation — and this becomes all the more crucial when facing murder charges in our state. Whether you’ve already been charged or want to have legal counsel before an expected arrest, our law firm is ready to review your case and let you know how we can assist.

Charges of murder and homicide have the highest rate of convictions in America, so once you’re charged with the crime, the deck is stacked against you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll work hard to ensure your rights are protected. We also take a focused approach to mental health issues — often securing Mental Health Diversion — and offer discounts for current and former military personnel.

How Important Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer for California Murder Charges?

If you’re facing criminal charges related to homicide in California, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of having a criminal defense lawyer on your side. This is true no matter where you are in the justice system. Perhaps the police are simply questioning you because they’re suspicious. Maybe you’ve already spoken with the police — and potentially revealed some information that could harm your case. Maybe you have a loved one sitting in lockup waiting for representation, or police are questioning a claim of self-defense.

Regardless of your individual circumstances, failing to work with a Monterey criminal defense attorney can prove disastrous. When prosecutors charge homicide crimes, they secure convictions at a higher rate than any other charge. Such convictions far outpace domestic violence, theft, rape, DUI, and closure rates in other areas of criminal law. And while many people see California as a progressive state, the law still allows for the death penalty in capital cases.

Put simply, your life could literally be at stake — and even without capital charges, your freedom can be taken away for decades. Don’t let this happen to you. Contact our Monterey County homicide attorneys today to discuss your case and learn more about your options. At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we’re here to guide you through your criminal case and fight to avoid any lengthy sentence.

What Are the Different Types of Homicide Charges in California?

Homicide is defined as the killing of one individual by another. However, you shouldn’t expect to be charged with “homicide” in court. That’s because California law actually specifies various criminal offenses that fall under this category. In some cases, you may only be charged with a misdemeanor. For instance, vehicular manslaughter is considered a “wobbler” — meaning authorities can charge it as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.

To understand the potential penalties that a judge may hand down, you must first recognize the types of homicide charges you could face in California:

• First-degree murder: The premeditated, willful, and deliberate killing of someone could result in 25 years in prison. If prosecuted as a hate crime, life without parole is possible.
• Second-degree murder: The willful killing of a person that’s not deliberate or premeditated could carry a sentence of 15 years to life.
• Capital murder: Under certain circumstances, capital murder charges could be brought and potentially result in the death penalty.
• Felony murder: The death of someone during the commission of certain crimes can result in 25 years to life — even if the accused didn’t actually kill the victim.
• Attempted murder: Depending on the circumstances, attempted murder could lead to a sentence of nine years.
• Voluntary manslaughter: The willful and deliberate killing of someone without premeditation could result in 11 years in prison.
• Involuntary manslaughter: These are deaths caused by reckless actions, and can carry sentences of up to four years.
• Vehicular manslaughter: DUI murder and other improper actions behind the wheel of a vehicle fall into this category. A sentence of 10 years is possible.

Mounting a successful criminal defense against any of these charges takes a lot of hard work and knowledge. Prosecutors will often only charge these cases if they believe they can secure a conviction. However, they’ll also frequently overcharge in order to scare the accused into accepting a plea deal for a reduced criminal offense. Prosecutors are in the business of securing convictions — and this isn’t always the same as securing justice.

If you’re facing murder charges of any kind in California, it’s important that you work with a legal professional. Contact our Monterey, CA homicide lawyers today. We’re here to help.

Why Choose the Law Offices of William V. Pernik?

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, you’ll have a hard-working Monterey homicide attorney on your side who’s committed to securing the best possible outcome. In some cases, this might mean negotiating a fair plea deal. In other situations, we may be able to have charges dropped entirely. When neither of these strategies is possible, though, you’ll benefit from having a seasoned team of litigators on your side. We won’t stop fighting to defend our clients — from police interviews and preliminary hearings all the way to appeals.

We offer client-focused representation in the Monterey area. Of course, homicide is a serious state charge — so you don’t have to be local to secure our services. From San Luis Obispo and Pacific Grove to communities near Monterey and beyond — we’re ready to advocate tirelessly on your behalf. You need a criminal defense attorney who isn’t afraid to take on the state — and one who has federal experience in cases where the U.S. government decides to get involved. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Law Offices of William V. Pernik.

Contact us today to discuss your case with a California criminal lawyer.

Contact a Monterey, CA Homicide Lawyer Today

It doesn’t get much more serious than criminal charges related to the death of another person. You can fully expect the government to come at you with everything they have. They may find witnesses from your past, delve into the most personal aspects of your life, turn loved ones against you, and engage in other acts focused solely on achieving a conviction. Sadly, this focus often overshadows the true pursuit of justice. With such complex criminal defense issues at hand, it’s critical that you seek legal representation.

At the Law Offices of William V. Pernik, our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable in murder cases and related practice areas. Many law firms will shy away from cases like this — because they’re sometimes concerned about their ability to secure favorable outcomes in court. And while plea deals and negotiated terms are not uncommon in these situations, it’s critical that you have a Monterey homicide lawyer on your side who’s prepared to fight on your behalf during trial. Your freedom is literally at stake, so let us assist.

Contact us at (831) 480-9217 to schedule your free consultation.