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The Penalties for Violating California's Murder Law

By Neil Shous, Esq.

The penalties for violating Penal Code 187 PC California?s murder law vary quite a bit, depending on the exact circumstances of your case. They can range anywhere from fifteen years in the California state prison to death. If you are convicted of first-degree murder, you face 25 years-to-life in prison. First-degree murder is any murder that (1) is premeditated, (2) involves torture, ?lying in wait? or explosive devices, or (3) occurs during the commission of specifically enumerated violent felonies. If you are convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances?commonly referred to as capital murder?you face life in prison without the possibility of parole or execution. Capital murder is essentially aggravated first-degree murder...continue to full post

Full post as published by California Criminal Defense Blog on September 22, 2010 (boomark / email).