Defense of Murder in SFV
With a solid 27-year experience in defending murder cases under California Penal Code 187, particularly in the San Fernando Valley, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. My first trial in one of the San Fernando Valley courthouses was a murder case, a testament to my extensive experience in this field.
My client was found not guilty, and the case needed to be won. That's usually the scenario with a murder charge because if you're found guilty, you end up getting such a lengthy prison sentence that it doesn't make any sense to get anything but a not-guilty verdict.
Nobody wants to go to prison for 20 to 30 years or end up with a sentence where they're looking at the rest of their life in prison. So, you must find an attorney:
- who's done a lot of murder cases, and
- knows how to match up against the prosecutors.
The police, judges, and former prosecutors are trying to help the prosecutors get a conviction. You've got to be ready for that.
You've got to have your defense down. You must know how to attack the prosecution's case and pick an excellent jury to give the defendant a fair trial.
When you or a loved one is charged with murder, the stakes are high. This is the moment when a strong defense is crucial. You need to know how to attack the prosecution's case and select an excellent jury to ensure a fair trial.
It would be best to have an attorney who can compete with the prosecutors because when it comes to a murder or homicide case in the San Fernando Valley, the prosecution will use their top prosecutor.
They don't put the younger prosecutor on these cases because they want to get the conviction. They figure a life was lost, and it's essential to get the sentence.
They will also try to put the person away for as long as possible.
Policies of New Los Angeles District Attorney
The new District Attorney in Los Angeles County is supposedly no longer seeking the death penalty.
So, if you have a case pending in one of the San Fernando Valley courts, you can find some relief that you're not looking at the death penalty, no matter the circumstances, at least as I make this post.
However, you still could be looking at life in prison depending on what you're charged with and what the judge ends up sentencing you to.
So, you want to ensure you put on the best defense and get that not guilty verdict. That's going to take:
- (1) you have a defense; and
- (2) You must have an attorney who can block the prosecution's evidence and show the jury you're not guilty.
- (3) You're also going to have to decide whether or not you're going to testify in the case or whether you're going to rest on the state of the evidence.
That's something you and your attorney are going to talk about.
Alibi Defense in Penal Code 187 Murder Cases
Also, you're going to have to evaluate whether you have an alibi for the murder charges. Sometimes, that's applicable; sometimes, it's not.
If you think it is applicable you're going to want to make sure that:
- (1) it's a good alibi; and
- (2) As you present the alibi, you don't have any witnesses, including yourself, that look bad or are not credible.
This is because when you put on an alibi, and the jury perceives that you're trying to pull the wool over their eyes, it can have a horrible effect on the entire case.
It would be best to have an attorney who can thoroughly evaluate all the evidence the government has against you. This is especially true if you're charged with murder in the San Fernando court, the Van Nuys court, or any of the courts in the San Fernando Valley.
Criminal Defense Lawyer for PC 187 Murder Charges
You have to decide what type of investigation will be conducted on your side and, most importantly, challenge the witnesses that the prosecution will call at the preliminary hearing and a potential trial.
So, if you or a loved one is charged with murder in the San Fernando Valley, you've come to the right place. Please check out all of my videos on the subject matter.
Read my book, The Art of the Perfect Defense. Please bring your questions, and let's sit down and talk. I will do everything possible to help you or your loved one through this crucial time.
Hedding Law Firm is a top-ranked criminal defense law firm located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County. We represent people in all Southern California Courts, including LA County, Orange County, Ventura County, Hollywood, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
