Homicide is the unlawful killing of another. There are two types of homicide: murder and manslaughter. Murder is the unlawful killing of another with malice aforethought (Penal Code 187). Murder is divided into subcategories by degree of seriousness. Murder in the first degree is the killing of another with malice and with the deliberate and premeditated intent to kill. Murder in the second degree is similar to murder in the first degree, except the element of premeditation does not have to be proven.

Manslaughter is defined as killing another without malice. Like murder, there are varying degrees of seriousness of the crime of manslaughter. There is voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another without the element of malice (Penal Code 192(a)). Involuntary manslaughter is where the person commits an unlawful killing without the intent to kill (Penal Code 192(b)).

Vehicular manslaughter occurs where a person commits a grossly negligent act while driving a car, such as driving under the influence, which results in someone being killed.

Crimes under this heading are very complex and require a great deal of research and hard work to effectively defend. It is therefore important to hire an attorney who not only has considerable experience in dealing with these types of cases, but one who also has the resources to devote to defending these types of cases. This includes the retention of experienced experts and investigators.

For more information about homicide: murder or manslaughter, as applied under the laws of the State of California, or to discuss your criminal charges with an experienced criminal defense attorney, please contact us immediately at: 949-497-1729; or complete our Confidential Client Contact Form on our webpage.