Best Defense for Attempted Murder
Over a 27-year defense career, I've handled hundreds of attempted murder cases under California Penal Code 664/187 in the Valley. That doesn't include working for the DA's office in East LA in the early 1990s or for a Superior Court Judge.
Since 1994, I've successfully represented individuals charged with attempted murder in the San Fernando Valley, whether it be in the Van Nuys court, the San Fernando court, or any of the other Valley courts. My track record of success in these cases is a testament to my dedication and expertise.
What Must a Prosecutor Prove for Attempted Murder Conviction?
I think that success starts with understanding exactly what a prosecutor has to prove in the Valley to get somebody for an attempted murder charge.
First, they've got to prove that the person was intending to kill the other party. So, if the facts and circumstances don't warrant that. In other words, there's evidence that shows the:
- The person wasn't trying to kill the other party or
- they didn't continue to attack the other party after the initial shot;
- that in and of itself could be a defense to attempted murder, which is crucial.
Because assault with a deadly weapon and a whole host of other charges apply a lot of times in these cases where the prosecutors have chosen to charge the worse.
Attempted murder, and they do that because they know they can get a 15 to life sentence for a premeditated attempted murder in the San Fernando Valley, so that gives them a lot of firepower.
It gives them a lot of leverage when negotiating the case because they can say that if you take the case to trial and lose the defendant, you'll have to get a 15 to life sentence. You'd better take our deal if you don't want that sentence.
Mistaken Identity
So, that's the first thing. We have to look to see whether they tried to kill the person. That's number one.
Number two, sometimes there's an identity issue when it comes to these attempted murder cases filed in the San Fernando Valley area. Maybe they don't know who did the attempted murder.
Maybe it was a drive-by shooting; somebody was stabbed. Whatever the circumstances are, they must be able to prove who the person is who committed the crime. That's crucial.
Negotiation with Prosecutor and Self-Defense
Next, you must look at the person's prior criminal record. You've got to look at whether or not there are any defenses to the case. So, if we have a defense, then obviously, we're going to fight the case. If, on the other hand:
- there was something that happened;
- then we may want to consider working out a deal;
- sometimes, you've got a self-defense situation in these attempted murder cases.
In that case, that's another consideration when we talk about whether we will try to fight the case or whether it's a scenario where we want to work out a resolution.
What remains to be seen in these attempted murder cases in the San Fernando Valley is what this new head DA is going to do. He's changed a lot of things. He's taken life off the table.
He's taken the death penalty off the table, so what is he going to do with these attempted murder cases that are being fought all over Los Angeles County?
Criminal Defense for California Attempted Murder Charges
So, if you or your loved one has an attempted murder charge in the San Fernando Valley, pick up the phone. Make the call. Let's sit down and meet if you want to hire me. You can get me on the case if your loved one's in custody.
Once I speak to the prosecutor and gather all the evidence in the case, we'll sit down and discuss the best strategy. Whether it's a case to plea bargain or a case to fight, you can rest assured that we'll explore every avenue to secure the best possible outcome.
With your loved one's permission, we'll keep you informed. We'll let you know what evidence there is in the case, what type of investigation we will conduct, and what type of defense strategy we will take.
Pick up the phone now. Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding if you or a loved one is charged with attempted murder in the San Fernando Valley.
The best criminal defense attorneys do this to win attempted murder cases: They pick them apart piece by piece. They get all the evidence. They do the investigation, and they do what it takes to get the best possible result. Hedding Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles County at 16000 Ventura Blvd #1208 Encino, CA 91436.
