Homicide / Murder
At Lapine Law, our criminal defense attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to build a comprehensive defense for those accused of murder in California.
How We Defend Homicide / Murder Cases
Few accusations carry the weight of a homicide charge. PC 187 exposes the accused to life sentences and, in rare cases, capital punishment.
We assemble forensic experts, accident reconstructionists, and investigators within hours of being retained to preserve evidence the State will try to bury.
Self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, mistaken identity — every viable theory is explored, vetted, and prepared for trial.
Homicide prosecutions rely heavily on forensic science: ballistics, blood-pattern analysis, autopsy findings, and digital location data. Each is fallible, and each can be confronted with a competing expert who knows how to translate complex science into clear reasonable doubt.
We also litigate suppression of jailhouse statements, informant testimony under Massiah, and warrantless cell-site location data — issues that often determine whether the prosecution's strongest evidence ever reaches the jury.
What's at Stake
- ▸First-degree murder (PC 187): 25 years to life
- ▸Second-degree murder: 15 years to life
- ▸Voluntary manslaughter (PC 192(a)): 3, 6, or 11 years
- ▸Involuntary manslaughter (PC 192(b)): 2, 3, or 4 years
- ▸Felony murder special circumstances may carry life without parole
- ▸Vehicular manslaughter (PC 191.5): up to 10 years state prison
How We Fight Back
- Justifiable homicide / self-defense (PC 197)
- Imperfect self-defense — reduces murder to manslaughter
- Lack of malice aforethought
- Mistaken identity supported by forensic and digital evidence
- Accident without criminal negligence
- Heat of passion / sudden quarrel
- Mental-state defenses including diminished actuality
How Your Case Will Be Handled
We meet — in person, by phone, or by video — to hear your side, review every document, and identify the prosecution's theory before it solidifies.
We send our own investigators after the witnesses, the surveillance, the bodycam, and the records the State would rather you never see.
Motions to suppress, Pitchess motions, expert retention, and negotiation — every lever pulled before a jury is ever empaneled.
Dismissal, reduction, diversion, or a trial verdict — we prepare every case as if it will be tried, because the State takes notice when a defense lawyer means it.
Homicide / Murder FAQs
Every Hour Matters in a Homicide / Murder Case.
Speak directly with Andrei Lapine. Free, confidential, and available 24/7 for urgent matters.
Related Defense Areas
Charges often overlap. If your case involves more than homicide / murder, we defend these related matters across California.
