Riverside Murder Defense Attorney
Our Practice Areas

What’s the Difference Between Murder and Homicide?
A Lesser Form of Murder
What Is Attempted Murder?
- Stalking, tracking, or ambushing (following or tracking down) in hopes of finding a good moment to conduct the murder. Restraining orders can be a useful legal tool to prevent stalking situations from escalating to violence or murder if the courts intervene early enough.
- Luring (trying to set up the victim to be in a specific area at a specific time).
- Breaking-in (trespassing unlawfully to find the victim).
- Constructing (collecting or having the material necessary to conduct the murder).
- Soliciting (paying or trying to pay someone to murder a person).
Degrees of Murder and Attempted Murder
Is It Attempted Murder or Assault?
How Criminal Allegations Will Affect You
What Type of Lawyer Handles Murder Cases?
Homicide is one of the most serious crimes possible under the law, so it stands to reason that there are a number of different legal professionals involved in a murder case in Riverside. Criminal defense attorneys are the professionals most often associated with murder cases. This is because every person charged with a crime in this country, no matter how serious or violent, is guaranteed the right to legal representation. However, many other types of lawyers can also be involved in murder cases, including:
- Criminal Defense Attorney – This is the lawyer who represents the accused in an effort to prove their innocence, mitigate sentencing, or reduce charges (for example, from murder to manslaughter). The right criminal defense attorney can make a huge difference when it comes to the type of charge, length of sentencing, and other factors that would affect the future of someone charged with any type of homicide.
- Public Defender – When someone accused of a crime is unable to afford a criminal defense attorney, they can be assigned a lawyer by the state. These public defenders work hard to represent their clients. Unfortunately, they are often overworked and unable to dedicate the time and attention to detail necessary to successfully defend clients in serious matters like murder and manslaughter.
- District Attorney (or other government prosecutors) – On the other side of a murder trial is the prosecution. Just as the accused’s attorney is tasked with fighting for their best interests, the prosecution is committed to proving guilt and seeking maximum punishment on behalf of the state and the public at large. They will use every tactic at their disposal and bring the full resources of the state to bear against someone charged with murder. In this situation, an experienced and high-powered criminal defense attorney is your best chance of a successful outcome in court.
- Legal Representation for the Victim’s Family – The family of the victim might also retain legal representation, particularly if they are suing for damages in a separate civil case. If the case deals with attempted murder charges rather than the actual commission of murder, the victim will also have legal representation. Not all victims’ families will have an attorney.
- Legal Representation for Key Witnesses – Important witnesses in high-profile murder cases may also seek legal counsel before heading to court. This is to ensure their own rights and interests are protected throughout the process. Again, it’s not common for witnesses to have an attorney, but any case that garners a lot of attention might have attorneys to protect any witness’s best interests.
Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Protect Those Accused of Murder?
The United States justice system is not perfect. Some people charged with a crime are innocent, but guilt or innocence doesn’t preclude the right to an experienced and skilled attorney.
While we would all like to trust that our justice system leads to the correct outcomes in all cases, wrongful arrests, wrongful charges, wrongful convictions, and even wrongful life sentences are all very real possibilities. With so many legal matters going through courts in the United States every day, it’s unfortunately inevitable that a certain percentage of wrongful convictions will occur, even for the most serious crimes. In fact, the nonprofit organization Innocence Project had recorded over 375 DNA-based exonerations in the United States as of the start of 2020. More than 20 of the convicts exonerated had been sentenced to death, and more than 30 of them had already spent over 25 years in prison—and these are only the cases for which solid DNA evidence was available to help overturn old trials. The stakes could not possibly be higher.
The Importance of a Criminal Defense Attorneys in High-Profile Cases
In cases of murder and other violent crimes, public interest, emotions, and media focus can all reach extremely intense levels. This means that trials for murder can be even more susceptible to wrongful convictions than other crimes because prosecutors, jurors, and judges are all extremely reluctant to be seen as letting a murderer walk free.
A dedicated criminal defense attorney is willing to fight for the truth and bring every relevant detail and piece of evidence to court. They can often be the last thing standing between a wrongfully accused person and a life-altering felony charge—or even a lifetime in prison. It is easy to feel hopeless when you’ve been accused of a serious crime. This is one of many reasons why working with an experienced defense attorney who cares about your rights and understands your situation is crucial. They can keep you feeling supported and positive throughout the ordeal.
Need Legal Assistance for a Murder or Manslaughter Case in the Riverside Area?
To defend yourself against allegations of murder or attempted murder, you need a criminal defense attorney who is willing to fight for you. At Exum Law Offices, we have board-certified lawyers who have both the compassion and dedication to defend you no matter what. We are trial prepared and ready to put our skills and experience to work to project you.
When you’re ready to get the help and support you need, the talented and compassionate team at Exum Law Offices is ready to listen to your story without judgment. We’ll begin crafting a defense strategy and provide the guidance and assistance you need. Contact us to schedule a consultation today. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.