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Step 1: The ArrestDon’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate. -
Step 2: The ArraignmentWalsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
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Step 3: Pre-Trial HearingsWe’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.
Nevada County Murder Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing a murder allegation, you are likely experiencing an overwhelming amount of fear, stress, and uncertainty. A homicide charge is the most severe offense in the California criminal justice system. The state brings immense resources to prosecute these cases, and a conviction carries life-altering consequences.
During this high-stakes crisis, you cannot afford to leave your freedom to chance. At Walsh Law, we provide aggressive, strategic, and unrelenting defense representation for individuals facing homicide charges. Our Nevada County murder attorney understands how the local courts operate in Nevada City and Truckee. We know what it takes to dismantle the prosecution’s case and fight for your life. Get help from a former prosecutor immediately!
Are you under investigation or accused of murder in Nevada County, CA? Call Walsh Law at (916) 610-3558 or use our contact form to schedule an initial consultation with a Nevada County murder lawyer.
Types of Murder Charges in Nevada County
Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being or fetus with "malice aforethought." However, homicide charges are not all the same. The prosecution will file specific charges based on the alleged intent, premeditation, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
First-Degree Murder
First-degree murder generally involves a willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. This means the accused planned the act beforehand, even if only for a brief moment. First-degree murder also applies to killings perpetrated by specific means—such as destructive devices, poison, or lying in wait—as well as "felony murder" (killings that occur during the commission of certain dangerous felonies like arson, rape, robbery, or burglary).
Second-Degree Murder
Second-degree murder is any intentional killing that does not involve premeditation and deliberation. It also includes killings resulting from extremely reckless behavior that demonstrates a conscious disregard for human life, often referred to as "implied malice." A common local example is a "Watson Murder," where a person with a prior California DUI conviction drives under the influence again and causes a fatal accident.
Capital Murder (Murder with Special Circumstances)
This is the most severe charge possible in California. Capital murder involves first-degree murder combined with specific aggravating "special circumstances." Examples include murdering a law enforcement officer, killing for financial gain, committing multiple murders, or carrying out a drive-by shooting.
Values You Can Relate To
Client Testimonials
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“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”- Melissa C.
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“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”- Claudia H.
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“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”- Dewan P.
