Homicide Attorney in Torrance

Trusted Guidance & Representation in Homicide Cases in California

If you or a loved one faces a homicide accusation in Torrance, you need a legal team that understands the challenges at every turn. At the Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we provide focused, comprehensive defense for clients up against the most serious charges. 

With deep experience as a former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, we bring first-hand insight to complex courtroom procedures. Our homicide defense attorney in Torrance will support you from the first meeting through each milestone, so you never have to face the process alone.

Homicide cases often involve high stakes, including the possibility of lengthy prison sentences or, in some cases, life behind bars. That’s why it’s critical to have a Torrance homicide lawyer on your side who knows the local landscape and can anticipate the steps ahead.

Contact an experienced homicide attorney in Torrance immediately. We are Certified Criminal Law Specialists. Call (310) 695-1118 or fill out this online form for immediate, confidential consultation.

Understanding California Homicide Laws

In California, "homicide" is the killing of one human being by another. The core of any defense by a Torrance homicide defense lawyer is challenging the mens rea, or mental state, of the accused, which dictates whether the charge is murder or manslaughter.

Murder (Penal Code § 187)

Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being or fetus with malice aforethought. Malice can be express (intent to kill) or implied (intentional act with conscious disregard for life).

• First-Degree Murder: Includes premeditated killings (done with planning and intent), killings committed by specific destructive means (e.g., bombing), or killings committed during the perpetration of certain felonies (felony murder rule, e.g., robbery, arson). Penalties can include death or life without parole.
• Second-Degree Murder: All other types of murder that involve malice but lack premeditation. Punishable by 15 years to life in state prison.

Manslaughter (Penal Code § 192)

Manslaughter is an unlawful killing without malice. It is a severe charge, but far less serious than murder.

• Voluntary Manslaughter: Killing committed upon a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion, based on adequate provocation (PC 192(a)). This requires the prosecution to prove the killing was intentional but lacked malice due to extreme emotional distress.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Killing committed during the commission of a non-felonious unlawful act or during a lawful act performed without due caution (PC 192(b)). This usually involves criminal negligence.

The ability of a homicide attorney in Torrance to argue for a reduction from Murder to Voluntary Manslaughter (by proving heat of passion) is often the difference between life without parole and a determinate prison sentence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Homicide Convictions in Torrance

The consequences of a homicide conviction in California are life-altering and permanent, demanding the immediate attention of a specialized homicide attorney in Torrance.

Direct Penalties

• First-Degree Murder: Imprisonment for 25 years to life, or Life Without Parole (LWOP), or the Death Penalty.
• Second-Degree Murder: Imprisonment for 15 years to life.
• Voluntary Manslaughter: State prison sentence of 3, 6, or 11 years.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: State prison sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years.

All murder convictions are categorized as Strikes under California's Three Strikes Law, doubling sentences for all future felonies and significantly increasing the possibility of LWOP for subsequent felony convictions.

Collateral Consequences

• Asset Forfeiture: The "Slayer Rule" prohibits the killer from inheriting any property from the victim.
• Parole: A life sentence (e.g., 25-to-life) means the defendant must serve the minimum term before becoming eligible for parole board review.
• Reputation and Civil Rights: Permanent loss of the right to vote and own firearms.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Homicide Defense 

Defending a violent charge such as homicide requires more than general legal knowledge; it demands specialized skill and insight into the prosecutor's strategy. At the Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey, we provide an elite, certified defense.

Our firm offers a powerful trifecta of advantages: we are former prosecutors, we offer 24/7 availability, and we are Certified Criminal Law Specialists. This certified specialization is rare and signifies our firm’s proven track record and profound understanding of complex criminal procedure.

Defense strategies we utilize as a leading homicide attorney in Torrance:

• Self-Defense/Defense of Others: Arguing the killing was justifiable because the defendant reasonably believed they or another person were in imminent danger of being killed or suffering great bodily injury (PC 197).
• Heat of Passion/Adequate Provocation: Arguing the killing occurred during a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion, which negates malice and reduces the charge to Voluntary Manslaughter.
• Challenging Identity/Alibi: Proving that the defendant was not the person who committed the killing or that they were in a different location at the time (alibi).
• Lack of Malice: Focusing on the defendant's mental state to prove the act was accidental, negligent, or lacked the specific intent required for murder.

How Homicide Cases Progress Through the Torrance & South Bay Courts

Homicide cases in Torrance move through the Los Angeles County Superior Court system, beginning with arrest and booking by law enforcement agencies such as the Torrance Police Department. 

Most cases proceed to arraignment at the South Bay Courthouse, where local judges set bail and review preliminary evidence. Prosecutors in Los Angeles County bring focused attention to homicide cases, often calling in forensic examiners and multiple law enforcement investigators.

The court process in Torrance and the South Bay includes detailed pretrial hearings, evidentiary motions, and—in some cases—jury trials managed by experienced judges. With each proceeding, factors such as location, court schedules, and even the assigned prosecutor’s tactics can have a big impact on the defense strategy. 

Our firm’s decades of involvement in this legal community means we know court expectations and the legal standards that affect your options. If you are facing homicide charges, working with a criminal defense attorney who understands these local processes is essential to prepare a well-planned defense at every stage.

Why Choose Our Homicide Criminal Defense Attorney in Torrance

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney in Torrance can make a major difference when your freedom is on the line. Our firm’s advantages include unmatched courtroom experience, advanced legal training, and unique insight from years spent as a high-level prosecutor in Los Angeles County. 

Pat Carey’s Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist status—held by a small fraction of attorneys statewide—reflects a commitment to the highest standards in California criminal defense law. With a background that includes over 7,000 resolved cases, including dozens of jury trials, our homicide defense lawyer knows how to develop a strategy tailored for your specific case and needs.

Our strong relationships in the Torrance and South Bay legal community offer additional insight into the unique approaches of local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement, all of which can affect key moments in your defense. With 24/7 responsiveness, reliability, and attention to detail, we work to give our clients the highest level of support throughout every phase of their homicide case.

Contact a Homicide Criminal Defense Lawyer in Torrance Today

If you want clear answers and dedicated legal support, reach out to the Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey. We provide direct guidance, compassionate communication, and experienced advocacy for clients facing homicide charges. When you contact our team, we will discuss your options, answer your questions, and give you a clear path forward during this difficult time. 

Call (310) 695-1118 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with a homicide lawyer in Torrance who will stand by your side from beginning to end.

FAQs

What should I do first if I am accused of homicide in Torrance?

Contact a homicide defense attorney in Torrance immediately and avoid speaking with law enforcement until you have legal representation. Quick action can protect your rights and influence your case’s direction.

How does homicide differ from other violent crime charges in California?

Homicide charges, including murder and manslaughter, carry some of the strictest penalties under state law. The court system treats these matters differently, often involving more experienced prosecutors and detailed investigations.

How long can a homicide case take in Torrance?

Cases vary depending on their complexity and court schedules in Torrance and Los Angeles County. Some resolve in several months, while others go on for a year or longer because of the seriousness and detail involved.

Can a homicide charge be reduced or dismissed in Torrance?

In some situations, charges may be reduced or dismissed based on legal arguments, evidence, or unique case details. Each case requires a tailored review by a skilled Torrance homicide criminal defense lawyer.

Will my homicide case go to trial or can it be settled before court?

Some homicide cases settle before trial, while others proceed to a jury. The decision often depends on the evidence, available defenses, and the individual circumstances involved in your case.

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