Homicides
HOMICIDE (Penal Code 195)
Homicide is the taking of the life of a human being by another. In order to be a crime, there must be criminal intent at the time of the act. Criminal homicides are range from manslaughter to murder, with varying degrees of such crimes.
The most serious of these offenses are charged as murder (Penal Code section 187), which is the unlawful and unjustified killing of another human being with malice ‘aforethought’. First-degree murder is committed with premeditation and deliberation (e.g., ‘lying in wait’). The most serious 1st degree murder cases are ‘capital’ murder charges, where the prosecution is seeking the death penalty. All murders other than 1st degree are classified as 2nd degree murders.
Manslaughter (Penal Code 192) is either voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter, differentiated by the perpetratorÕs intent.
Gary Pohlson is one of the most experienced and respected criminal defense attorneys in Southern California. A former deputy district attorney/ prosecutor in Orange County, he was selected by a panel of judges many years ago as one of only a handful of defense lawyers in the County authorized to handle conflict appointments for capital murder cases.
He has tried death penalty cases, 1st & 2nd degree murder cases, negligent homicide, manslaughter, robbery, rape, embezzlement, child molestation, drug dealing and a host of other serious felony cases. He has tried hundreds of misdemeanors, or less serious criminal offenses, such as domestic violence and driving under the influence, and fights as hard on the ‘lesser’ offenses as he does on those charges carrying substantial prison time. His integrity and unwavering dedication to his clients has been the cornerstone of his reputation among judges and prosecutors alike, and many of his trials have been chronicled in movies and books over the years.
He has been recognized by Los Angeles Magazine as a ‘California Super Lawyer’, was elected by his fellow lawyers as President of the Orange County Bar Association, was OC Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year, and has been a guest commentator on many local and national news programs dealing with criminal law issues. If you or a loved one has been charged with this crime, call Gary Pohlson at (949) 859- 7070 for a consultation without charge.