Aggravated murder is a form of homicide involving circumstances that aggravate the nature of the crime. In other words, factors like premeditation, an intent to kill, or the murder of a protected class of individuals may elevate the crime to an aggravated murder status.
Those who are charged with aggravated murder are thought to have either planned the crime prior to committing it—as opposed to acting impulsively—or intentionally acted in ways that would cause someone else to die. The prosecution must prove two things.
Prosecutors are tasked with proving that the defendant not only intended to kill the victim, but they also planned the murder. It is the responsibility of a Los Angeles homicide and murder defense lawyer to build a strong case against these charges in favor of the defendant.
What Are the Penalties for Aggravated Murder?
As your Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer may explain, aggravated murder is one of the more serious crimes within the legal system, and the potential penalties of aggravated murder reflect that. If convicted, you could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In some aggravated murder cases, those convicted of this crime may end up receiving the death penalty. Whether or not the death penalty is pursued depends on where the crime took place, as well as the specific details of the case.
It often involves a lengthy legal process with a sentencing phase that looks at both aggravating and mitigating factors. Other factors—like the defendant’s criminal history—can also play a big role in the punishment handed down to those charged with this crime.
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How Does Aggravated Murder Differ From Other Types of Homicide?
Aggravated murder is distinct from other homicide charges primarily due to the presence of aggravating factors, which indicate a higher level of culpability. In contrast to lesser forms of homicide—like manslaughter or second-degree murder—aggravated murder requires proof of intent.
Additionally, aggravated murder cases often involve a more intensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the crime. For example, while manslaughter might involve a death that results from provocation in the heat of the moment, aggravated murder is different.
Instead, it reflects a calculated decision to end another person’s life, often with significant forethought in advance. Ultimately, the presence of aggravating factors represents the defendant’s active decision to knowingly kill someone.
Can You Be Charged with Aggravated Murder if You Did Not Commit the Murder?
Yes—you can be charged with aggravated murder if you did not commit the murder. Even if you helped plan or execute the crime, you might be held liable for aggravated murder. This principle is often referred to as either aiding and abetting or accessory liability.
In more simplistic terms, this means individuals who facilitate, assist with, or encourage the commission of a crime can be held equally as accountable as the person who carries out the act themselves. This broadens the scope of liability, underscoring the gravity of the crime.
The legal system treats any involvement in homicide very seriously, regardless of an individual’s direct actions. This aspect of aggravated murder charges emphasizes the importance of legal representation for anyone implicated in a homicide case.
How Can a Lawyer Help with an Aggravated Murder Charge?
Aggravated murder charges are not something you should try to defend yourself against, even if you understand legal jargon or have experience representing others in court. With legal counsel on your side, you can trust that someone is on your side and advocating for you.
When you retain legal representation from our firm, you can start by evaluating the details of your case. Our goal is to create a strong defense strategy, and we can negotiate with prosecutors as we seek the most favorable outcome for you as our client.
We know how to analyze evidence, scrutinize witness testimonies, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, all of which can be leveraged in your favor. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, we could also explore alternative sentencing options.
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Call a Los Angeles Homicide and Murder Defense Attorney for Legal Representation Today
Aggravated murder is a very serious charge characterized by long-term penalties, and many complicated legal issues could arise in the midst of this type of case. As such, due to the intricacies of this charge, you should hire an attorney to represent you.
In the face of these allegations, you may not know where to turn or how to proceed, but when you hire legal counsel with experience handling aggravated murder cases, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
If you or someone you know is facing aggravated murder charges, do not hesitate to contact Simmrin Law Group. You’ll learn more about us and what we can do as we work on building a strong defense in your name.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form