Attempted Murder Attorney in Los Angeles

Defending Against Attempted Murder Charges in California

In the eyes of the law, attempting to commit a crime is still a punishable offense, even if the crime wasn’t actually carried out. There are two elements of attempting to commit a crime: (1) intending to commit the crime and (2) taking significant (although ineffective) steps in furtherance. One of the most serious criminal offenses a person can attempt to commit is the crime of murder. If you have been accused of attempting to commit murder, you will need a Los Angeles attempted murder attorney immediately.

To be convicted of attempted murder, the prosecution must prove two things:

• The defendant had a specific intention to commit the offense, and
• The defendant took a direct, yet ineffective, step toward committing the crime.

An attorney at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners can help you understand your charges and assess which defenses may apply to your case. With over 70 years of combined experience, you can trust us to guide you through your case with skill, tenacity, and professionalism.

Call Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners today at (213) 481-6811 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our attempted murder attorney in Los Angeles.

What are the Penalties for Attempted Murder in California?

Attempt law is intended to punish a person who tries to commit a crime (e.g., attempted murder, attempted rape, and attempted robbery), but fails to actually complete the crime. The penalty for the attempted crime depends upon the severity of the crime, but is typically punishable by a sentence equivalent to one-half of the sentence for the completed crime.

However, an exception exists for attempted murder. A deliberate, willful, and premeditated murder attempt can land the defendant in state prison for life without the possibility of parole, which is why it is absolutely critical to hire an experienced attorney to defend you. Choosing the right lawyer could mean the difference between your freedom and a lifetime of incarceration.

Defenses Against Attempted Murder Charges

Some of the most effective defenses include the following:

• Lack of Intent: For an attempted murder conviction, the prosecution must prove that the accused had the specific intent to kill. Demonstrating that there was no such intent, or that the actions taken were not aimed at causing death, can undermine the prosecution's case.
• Mistaken Identity: In some instances, individuals are wrongfully accused of crimes they did not commit because of mistaken identity. Eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence can be carefully analyzed to prove you were not involved.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If the alleged act occurred as a result of protecting yourself or another person from immediate harm, this could serve as a valid defense. Proving that your actions were necessary and reasonable under the circumstances can justify your conduct.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution carries the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt. By challenging the reliability of evidence, questioning witness credibility, or exposing procedural errors, a defense attorney can weaken the case against you.
• Impossibility of Completing the Crime: If it can be shown that the alleged act could not have resulted in death due to the circumstances—such as an inoperable weapon or other mitigating factors—this could serve as a strong defense.

How Our Attempted Murder Attorney Can Help You

Here’s how we can assist you:

• Comprehensive Case Review: We conduct an in-depth analysis of all evidence, police reports, witness statements, and forensic findings. Identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case and uncovering new evidence are critical steps in building a strong defense.
• Negotiation with Prosecutors: We have built strong professional relationships with prosecutors. This enables us to negotiate reduced charges, plea deals, or even case dismissals where appropriate.
• Courtroom Advocacy: If your case goes to trial, we provide aggressive representation, presenting a compelling defense and challenging the prosecution at every turn. We have extensive trial experience and are skilled at communicating complex legal arguments effectively to judges and juries.
• Protecting Your Rights: Attempted murder cases often involve law enforcement tactics that push the boundaries of legality. We examine every aspect of your case to ensure that your constitutional rights were not violated during the investigation, arrest, or interrogation.
• Strategic Guidance Throughout the Process: Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. We keep you informed at every stage, explaining the legal process and helping you make decisions that align with your best interests.

Contact Our Attempted Murder Attorney in Los Angeles Today

Even if you didn’t actually commit the crime of murder, you can still be harshly punished if you are convicted of attempt. Our firm has handled hundreds and hundreds of serious criminal matters in and around Los Angeles County and knows the best ways to protect clients from even the most serious criminal charges. Call us today to learn more about your legal options and to begin mounting your defense.

For a free and confidential consultation, contact our Los Angeles attempted murder lawyer today.