A murder charge under California Penal Code Section 187 is the most serious accusation a person can face in Los Angeles. The stakes are absolute: a first-degree conviction carries 25 years to life in state prison — and special circumstances can mean life without parole or the death penalty. At Chudnovsky Law, partner Kareem Aref, a former Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted serious crimes before switching sides, leads homicide defense with insider knowledge of exactly how the government builds these cases. Our team brings over 113 years of combined experience and more than 9,000 cases.
You need a defense team that knows the prosecution's playbook from the inside. Kareem Aref spent years as a Deputy District Attorney deciding which homicide cases to file and how to try them — now he uses that knowledge for the defense at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center and across LA County. Call (213) 212-5002 right now for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7.
On This Page:
- Local court experience
- What a murder charge costs you
- Our defense methodology
- Murder vs. manslaughter
- Common defenses
- Penalties and enhancements
- LA courthouse guide
- Our commitments to you
- Frequently asked questions
Why Local Homicide Experience at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center Matters
Murder cases from central Los Angeles are prosecuted at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 W. Temple St., the primary felony courthouse downtown. Knowing the building is not the same as knowing how cases move through it.
Here's what most people don't realize. The decision to charge first-degree murder, add special circumstances, or accept a plea to a lesser offense is made by specific charging deputies and trial teams inside the LA County District Attorney's office — and those decisions follow patterns. Kareem Aref worked inside a District Attorney's office as a prosecutor. He understands how a charging deputy evaluates a homicide file, where the weak points in a case live, and what makes a trial team nervous about going in front of a jury.
That perspective shapes everything. When detectives with the LA County Sheriff's Department or LAPD forward a homicide file, a charging deputy decides whether the evidence supports murder, voluntary manslaughter, or something less. Our team reviews that same evidence the way a prosecutor would — looking for the gaps the filing deputy hoped you wouldn't see.
If your case involves a death in central LA, the East Los Angeles area, or near LAX, knowing the local courthouse and the people who staff it changes your defense. Call us to discuss where your case will be heard and what that means.
What a Murder Charge Really Costs You in California
A California murder conviction does more than send you to prison. It ends the life you knew. Under Cal. Penal Code § 187, murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought — and the consequences are unlike any other charge.
A first-degree murder conviction in California carries 25 years to life in state prison; second-degree murder carries 15 years to life. These are indeterminate life terms, not fixed sentences. With special circumstances under California's death penalty statute, the punishment rises to life without the possibility of parole or, in rare cases, death.
Malice aforethought is a legal term that does not require hatred or planning. It means either an intent to kill (express malice) or a conscious disregard for human life (implied malice). This distinction often decides whether a case is murder or manslaughter.
The collateral damage runs deep. A murder conviction is a strike under California's Three Strikes law. It strips voting rights while incarcerated, ends most professional licenses, and for non-citizens, virtually guarantees deportation under federal removal grounds. Your family loses you for decades.
Here's why the clock matters. Evidence in homicide cases degrades fast. Surveillance footage gets overwritten, witnesses move and forget, and forensic scenes are cleaned within days. The sooner a defense team begins independent investigation, the more we can preserve. Call (213) 212-5002 before critical evidence disappears.
The Insider Defense Method: How We Build Homicide Defenses
We call our approach the Prosecution-Mirror Method — we deconstruct your case the same way the District Attorney's office built it, then attack every assumption the government made. This works because our team has stood on both sides of the courtroom.
Step One: Reconstruct the Government's Theory
Before we defend, we figure out exactly what the prosecution must prove. Murder requires the killing, the identity of the killer, and malice aforethought. Kareem Aref, drawing on his years as a Deputy District Attorney, identifies which element is weakest. As a former prosecutor, he focuses first on the proof gaps a trial team quietly worries about — shaky eyewitness identification, an unclear chain of custody, or a malice theory that doesn't fit the facts.
Step Two: Independent Forensic Investigation
We don't accept the state's forensics at face value. Ballistics, DNA, cause-of-death findings, and time-of-death estimates all involve assumptions that can be challenged. With more than 9,000 cases behind our team, we know which experts to retain and which lab procedures break down under scrutiny.
Step Three: Attack the Weakest Counts First
The goal is to eliminate or reduce the most serious charges before trial. We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence under the Fourth Amendment and statements taken in violation of Miranda. A motion to suppress asks the court to exclude evidence police gathered illegally — and in a homicide case, suppressing a confession or a murder weapon can collapse the prosecution's theory.
Step Four: Build the Affirmative Defense
Where the facts support it, we develop self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, or mistaken identity. Tsion Chudnovsky, our founder with more than two decades of courtroom experience, and the full eight-attorney team pressure-test every defense before we present it.
Not sure how your case stacks up against the prosecution's theory? That's exactly what a free consultation is for. No pressure, no obligation.
What Is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter in California?
The difference between murder and manslaughter is malice aforethought — murder requires it, manslaughter does not. This single distinction can mean the difference between a life sentence and a fixed term of a few years.
Most people don't realize how much room exists between these charges. A killing that looks like murder to police may legally be manslaughter, and a skilled defense can move a case down that ladder.
Voluntary manslaughter under Cal. Penal Code § 192(a) is a killing committed in the heat of passion or upon sudden quarrel — an intentional killing without malice. It carries 3, 6, or 11 years in state prison. Involuntary manslaughter under Cal. Penal Code § 192(b) is an unintentional killing during a non-felony unlawful act or with criminal negligence, carrying 2, 3, or 4 years.
The degrees of murder are defined by Cal. Penal Code § 189. First-degree murder involves premeditation, deliberation, lying in wait, poison, or felony murder. Everything else with malice is second-degree.
How do prosecutors decide between murder and manslaughter charges? Charging deputies weigh whether they can prove malice and premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt. When provocation, intoxication, or a sudden confrontation exists, the malice theory weakens — and that's the opening a defense attorney works. Our team builds the record that supports the lesser charge from day one.
Here's what this means for your case. The label police put on the arrest is not the final word. Call us to discuss whether your charge can be challenged at its foundation.
What Are the Best Defenses to a Murder Charge in Los Angeles?
The strongest murder defenses in California include self-defense, mistaken identity, lack of intent, and challenges to the prosecution's forensic evidence. The right defense depends entirely on the facts.
Self-Defense and Defense of Others
California law permits the use of deadly force when a person reasonably believes they face imminent death or great bodily injury. California has no duty to retreat — you may stand your ground if you are somewhere you have a right to be. When self-defense applies, a killing that the state calls murder is legally justified.
Mistaken Identity and Alibi
Eyewitness misidentification is among the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationwide. In homicide cases built on a single witness or grainy footage, we challenge the identification procedures police used and develop alibi evidence — cell-site data, surveillance, and witness testimony placing you elsewhere.
Lack of Malice or Intent
If the prosecution cannot prove malice aforethought, the charge is not murder. Heat of passion, sudden provocation, and voluntary intoxication can negate the mental state required for first-degree or even second-degree murder.
Constitutional Violations
When police violate your rights, the evidence they gather can be excluded. Illegal searches, coerced confessions, and Miranda violations all provide grounds to suppress evidence — and in a homicide case, that can be decisive.
What happens if the only evidence is one witness? A single uncorroborated witness can support a murder charge, but it is also the most attackable type of case. Inconsistent statements, bias, poor lighting, and suggestive police lineups all undercut that testimony. We've seen single-witness theories fall apart under cross-examination.
Murder, Manslaughter, and Their Penalties Compared
The chart below shows how California classifies homicide offenses and what each carries. Understanding where your charge falls is the first step in understanding your exposure.
| Offense | Statute | Classification | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Murder | PC 187 / 189 | Felony (strike) | 25 years to life |
| Second-Degree Murder | PC 187 / 189 | Felony (strike) | 15 years to life |
| Voluntary Manslaughter | PC 192(a) | Felony (strike) | 3, 6, or 11 years |
| Involuntary Manslaughter | PC 192(b) | Felony | 2, 3, or 4 years |
| Attempted Murder (1st degree) | PC 664 / 187 | Felony (strike) | 15 years to life |
| Gross Vehicular Manslaughter (intoxicated) | PC 191.5(a) | Felony | 4, 6, or 10 years |
Sentence Enhancements That Increase Your Exposure
Enhancements can add years or decades to a base sentence. Under Cal. Penal Code § 12022.53, personally discharging a firearm causing death adds 25 years to life — the well-known "10-20-life" law. A great bodily injury enhancement under Cal. Penal Code § 12022.7 adds three years at the base level. Gang allegations under Cal. Penal Code § 186.22 can stack additional time.
These enhancements are charged separately and must be proven separately — which means each one is a target for the defense. We challenge whether the firearm allegation is supported, whether the injury meets the legal threshold, and whether the gang theory has any real evidence behind it.
Attempted Murder and the Felony Murder Rule
Two charges frequently accompany or substitute for murder, and both carry severe consequences.
Attempted murder under Cal. Penal Code § 664 requires the specific intent to kill plus a direct step toward the killing. Even though no death occurred, attempted first-degree murder carries 15 years to life. Because it requires proof of an actual intent to kill — a higher bar than murder itself in some respects — it is often vulnerable to a defense that the intent was something less.
The felony murder rule allows a murder charge when a death occurs during certain dangerous felonies, even without intent to kill. California narrowed this doctrine significantly in recent years. As of current law, felony murder liability generally requires that the defendant was the actual killer, acted with intent to kill, or was a major participant who acted with reckless indifference to human life. This change has reopened many older cases for resentencing and provides a real defense for accomplices who never intended anyone to die.
Key insight: The narrowing of California's felony murder rule means defendants previously convicted as accomplices may now petition for resentencing. This is one of the most significant shifts in California homicide law in a generation, and it continues to generate litigation. Anyone facing or previously convicted of felony murder should have their case evaluated under the current standard.
If your charge stems from a robbery, burglary, or other felony where someone died, the felony murder analysis is central. Call (213) 212-5002 to understand how the current rule applies to your situation.
Defending Homicide Cases in the LA County Superior Court
Most felony murder cases in central Los Angeles are heard at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, located at 210 W. Temple St. near the Civic Center. Cases from the East LA area may be heard at the East Los Angeles Courthouse, and matters near LAX route through the Airport Courthouse on S. La Cienega Blvd.
Each courthouse has its own rhythm. Homicide cases move through arraignment, preliminary hearing, pretrial motions, and trial — and the timing of each stage varies by department and calendar. Knowing how a particular courthouse handles bail arguments, discovery disputes, and motion calendars helps us plan strategically.
The LA County District Attorney's office staffs serious felony cases with experienced trial teams, and the LA County Sheriff's Department and LAPD conduct the underlying investigations. Our familiarity with how these agencies build and present homicide cases — gained from working on both sides — informs how we anticipate the prosecution's next move.
How long does a murder case take in Los Angeles? Homicide cases are among the longest in the system. From arraignment to trial commonly takes 18 months to several years, depending on the complexity of forensics, the number of witnesses, and pretrial motion practice. The timeline runs whether or not you have aggressive counsel — the difference is what gets built into the record along the way.
This local knowledge isn't a marketing line. It's the difference between a defense that anticipates the courthouse and one that reacts to it. Court deadlines move fast, and the sooner we begin, the stronger the strategy we can build.
Our Three Commitments to Every Homicide Client
When you face a charge this serious, you deserve to know exactly what working with us looks like. We make three concrete promises.
First, you reach a real attorney quickly. We answer calls 24/7 at (213) 212-5002, and we begin reviewing your situation immediately. In homicide cases, the first hours and days matter for evidence preservation.
Second, experienced attorneys handle your case directly. Your defense is led by attorneys like Kareem Aref, a former Deputy District Attorney, and supported by our eight-attorney team carrying more than 113 years of combined experience and over 9,000 cases. You are not handed off to an inexperienced associate.
Third, your fees are transparent from the start. We discuss fee structure during your free consultation and put it in writing. Many matters are handled on a flat fee so you understand the cost before you retain us, and we offer payment plans to make defense accessible. Worried about cost? Going without skilled counsel on a murder charge is never the cheaper path — the cost of getting it wrong is measured in decades.
Our team serves clients across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Long Beach, and Santa Monica.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This page addresses adult homicide charges under California law; it does not cover juvenile proceedings or post-conviction federal habeas matters in detail. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Charged with murder or facing a homicide investigation in Los Angeles? Call Chudnovsky Law at (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7, and evidence in your case is degrading right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a murder defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles?
The cost depends on the complexity of the case, the charges, and whether it goes to trial. Many matters are handled on a flat fee so you know the total before you retain us, and we offer payment plans. Your first consultation is free and confidential. Call (213) 212-5002 and we'll discuss your situation and fee structure during that first call.
What is the sentence for first-degree murder in California?
First-degree murder under Penal Code Section 187 carries 25 years to life in state prison. With special circumstances under California's death penalty statute, the sentence can rise to life without the possibility of parole or, in rare cases, death. Second-degree murder carries 15 years to life. These are indeterminate life terms, not fixed sentences.
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
The key difference is malice aforethought. Murder requires malice — either an intent to kill or conscious disregard for human life. Manslaughter does not. Voluntary manslaughter (PC 192(a)) is a killing in the heat of passion and carries 3, 6, or 11 years. Involuntary manslaughter (PC 192(b)) is an unintentional killing and carries 2, 3, or 4 years.
Can I claim self-defense in a murder case in California?
Yes. California law allows the use of deadly force when you reasonably believe you face imminent death or great bodily injury, and there is no duty to retreat if you are somewhere you have a right to be. When self-defense applies, a killing the state calls murder may be legally justified. The facts of each case determine whether this defense fits.
How long does a murder case take in Los Angeles?
Homicide cases are among the longest in the system. From arraignment to trial commonly takes 18 months to several years, depending on forensic complexity, the number of witnesses, and pretrial motions. The timeline runs whether or not you have aggressive counsel — what changes is the strength of the defense built during that time.
What happens if police violated my rights during the investigation?
When police conduct an illegal search, coerce a confession, or fail to give Miranda warnings before custodial questioning, the evidence they gather can be excluded. We file motions to suppress that evidence under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. In a homicide case, suppressing a confession or a murder weapon can collapse the prosecution's theory.
What is the felony murder rule and how did it change?
The felony murder rule allows a murder charge when a death occurs during a dangerous felony. California narrowed this doctrine significantly. Under current law, felony murder liability generally requires that you were the actual killer, intended to kill, or were a major participant who acted with reckless indifference to human life. This change reopened many older cases for resentencing.
Do I need a lawyer if I'm only being investigated and not yet charged?
Yes — and the earlier the better. Pre-charge representation lets us preserve evidence, advise you before any police interview, and sometimes influence the charging decision before the District Attorney files. Evidence degrades quickly in homicide cases. Call (213) 212-5002 as soon as you learn you are under investigation.
What court will my Los Angeles murder case be heard in?
Most felony murder cases from central Los Angeles are heard at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 W. Temple St. Cases from the East LA area may go to the East Los Angeles Courthouse, and matters near LAX route through the Airport Courthouse. We'll explain exactly where your case will be heard during your consultation.
Can a murder charge be reduced to a lesser offense?
Yes, in the right circumstances. When the prosecution cannot prove malice or premeditation, a charge can be challenged down to voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. Provocation, sudden confrontation, intoxication, and weak intent evidence all create openings. We build the record supporting a lesser charge from the first day of representation.
Chudnovsky Law - Los Angeles Office
Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
“My felony DUI was reduced to dry reckless. I got in an accident and was arrested for a DUI. Unfortunately there was substantial injury involved and I got charged with Felony DUI. I was really freaked out by the whole thing and what the consequences could be. Tsion and her team really went above and beyond to calm me down and educate me on my options and how they would attack the charges. After some careful research, they identified some issues with the evidence and were able to able reduce the charge to a dry reckless and I kept my license. I can wholeheartedly recommend Chudnovsky Law. They are top notch!”
MARIA