If you have been charged with or accused of homicide or murder, it is essential that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight for your rights. No matter what situation you are facing, there are ways we can help. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857 to learn more.

Actions We Can Take to Protect You

While every case is unique, and the best defense approach for one instance may not be appropriate for another, there are certain particular actions we can take to strengthen your defense. We have the talents, resources, and expertise to do. Some of the examples of how we can help include our ability to:

• Investigate your case thoroughly
• Examine the ballistics
• Examine DNA testing
• Examine the fingerprinting
• Inquire about polygraph testing
• Examine eyewitness testimony
• Ensure that your Fifth Amendment rights are respected while you are being interrogated
• Collaborate with experts to get expert testimony on your side

These are only a few of the measures we may take to make a compelling argument.

There Are Defense Options

Defendants in first-degree murder and other homicide trials sometimes allege mistaken identification, claiming that the prosecution has charged the wrong person with the murder. If feasible, a defendant alleging mistaken identification will establish an alibi, which he or she will try to substantiate with proof of being someplace else at the time of the murder.

Other grounds in a mistaken identification defense include contesting evidence that places the defendant at the crime scene. Challenges to witness identification as well as forensic evidence are examples of this. A mistaken identification defense may also point to evidence incriminating another probable suspect, but defendants are not required to do so by the courts.

First-degree murder is a highly precise crime with very specific components that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order to be charged. State laws differ, but in general, first-degree murder necessitates the deliberate and premeditated murder of another person, explicit purpose to do so, deliberation, and premeditation

If one of these components is absent, the crime isn’t considered first-degree murder, but it may meet the criteria for second-degree murder or even manslaughter. Each of these factors must be proven to a jury by the prosecutor. While a defendant’s defense may claim that one or more of these criteria were not fulfilled, given the prosecution’s burden, the defendant is not compelled to do so.

We Know How Difficult this Situation Is

Regardless of the circumstances, whether you took someone’s life or not, facing this charge is terrifying. You require an attorney who is not only knowledgeable about the law but also willing to stay by your side throughout the process. Every situation is taken seriously by us, and we will never abandon you. Request a consultation today by calling Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857.