Westminster Murder Defense Lawyer

Even in a town like Westminster, murder still happens. If someone you know has been charged with murder, they’ll want to be represented by a reputable Orange County criminal defense attorney like Ms. Johnson-Norris, who will work to get them the best results possible.

Depending on whether a person has been convicted of first-degree murder, capital murder, or second-degree murder, the potential sentence will vary. If convicted of first-degree murder, a person could face 25 years-to-life in prison. If convicted of second-degree murder, a person could still be looking at serving 15 years or more in prison.

Capital murder involves “special circumstances" that elevate first-degree murder, and it is the most serious of the California murder laws. This means that a person could be facing the death penalty, or a prison sentence for life without the possibility of parole. Some of the more common special circumstances that elevate sentencing guidelines can include killing a police officer, multiple victims, multiple offenses, previous convictions, the use of firearms or explosives, or if the killing was gang related.

Westminster murder defense lawyer Ms. Johnson-Norris will tell you that prosecutors like to charge the gang enhancement, even if the homicide is only remotely gang-related. They do this because they know that when highly inflammatory evidence is presented to a jury about the gang in question, the jury will be more likely to convict.

A defendant convicted of murder could also have to pay restitution to a victim, plus pay a stiff fine. As you can see, the offense of murder carries severe penalties. This is why it’s important to have an Orange County homicide defense attorney like Ms. Johnson-Norris in your corner, who has the knowledge and experience that get results. Call her today at (949) 622-5522.