Murder DEFENSE attorney

Criminal Attorney Peter Sebastian

I Help Good People Who Have Made a Mistake

Criminal Attorney

Peter Sebastian

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

(310) 281-2869
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Murder Charges Require Immediate Action—You Need an Experienced Attorney on Your Side

Call (310) 281-2869 or fill in the form below to get a Free Consultation within 24 hours.

Murder Charges Require Immediate Action—You Need an Experienced Attorney on Your Side

Get a Free No-Obligation Consultation With a Criminal Attorney Who Can Help You

Call (310) 281-2869 or fill in the form below to get a Free Consultation within 24 hours.

What You Should Know About Murder Charges

Murder, PC 187, is the unlawful killing of another person with malice aforethought. This crime can be charged as first-degree or second-degree murder depending on the circumstances, and it carries the possibility of life in prison or even the death penalty.

A first-degree murder conviction is at least 25 years to life in prison, or LWOP (life without the possibility of parole) or even the death penalty if “special circumstances” are proved. Second-degree murder is 15 years to life or more, also depending on other factors. The penalties increase significantly if aggravating factors are involved, such as if a gun is used, a police officer is killed, or if the killing occurs during the commission of another felony (known as Felony Murder).

Degrees of Murder

First-degree murder involves premeditation, while second-degree murder generally refers to intentional killings without premeditation. The distinction significantly impacts the severity of the sentence.

Special Circumstances

Aggravating factors such as lying in wait, murder of a police officer, murder by torture or bombing, killing done to silence a witness, or for financial gain, can lead to harsher penalties, including life without parole or the death penalty.

Self-Defense

If the defendant can prove they acted in self-defense or defense of others, the charges may be reduced or lead to an acquittal.

Felony Murder Rule

Although laws have recently changed, a person can still be charged with murder if a death occurs during the commission of one of several felonies, even if the killing was accidental.

Mental State

Proof of the defendant’s mental state is how malice aforethought is proved. It is also how a murder charge becomes the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter which carries up to 11 years in prison, or involuntary manslaughter which carries up to 4.

Parole

Even if a defendant is eligible for parole, only about 10% of parole applications are granted and if denied, a convict must wait another 3 years to apply again.

Criminal Defense Attorney Peter Sebastian has defended 1000+ State and Federal cases and has won jury trials including murder.
  • Winning trial lawyer
  • Served in the Los Angeles City and District Attorney’s Offices
  • Adjunct Evidence Professor at the UWLA School of Law.
 

INVESTIGATED? ARRESTED? CALL NOW AND LET’S DISCUSS YOUR CASE.

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Real Reviews, Real Results

Pablo M.
"If you need a attorney that cares,who is professional and who will fight for you . Then Peter Sebastian is the only attorney you should call. He is straightforward and the honest person. If I ever need attorney advice he will always be my go-to guy. Thank you Peter Sebastian for your great work!"
John C.
"NOT GUILTY!! 5 Stars. Peter is Awesome. If you are looking for an attorney with integrity and who is willing to REALLY FIGHT for you………..than you need Peter Sebastian. Peter was very supportive, actually answers your calls and/or returns them in a timely manner. He truly cares about his clients. "
Mike I.
"Peter was instrumental in minimizing my daughters sentence and advising her in her course of action in her court case. This man knows his law and the system in LA County. The positive outcome was solely due to his experience. He is a really nice person as well!"
Thomas O.
"You only need to speak with Peter once or twice to realize you are speaking with an attorney of an entirely different echelon. His career accolades and reviews speak for themselves, and I'm just another extremely satisfied client who made a big mistake. If it wasn't for Peter, his intricate understanding of the California Penal Code, and his knowledge of abnormal diversions, I wouldn't be able to have a second chance working in a career I absolutely love. Peter has a tenacious and relentless attitude towards pursuing the best possible outcome for his clients. He saved me my licenses and ANY guilty plea as long as I honor my end of the bargain with Los Angeles Co., and keep the greasy side down. Without his expertise, I would have been absolutely SOL. Thank you Mr. Sebastian!"
Maria M.
I really never leave reviews, but this is a must!! Peter Sebastian is an amazing lawyer. He is the most honest and dedicated lawyer I have ever met!! He is amazing he is straight forward and explains every step of the way! if there is anything you don't understand he will always be available to answer your questions. Peter will fight your you until the end!
Hillary M.
Peter is a great attorney, also a great person overall. He got me the best deal possible and couldn't be happier with how my case went!
Cinthia E.
I 100% recommend Peter Sebastian in any court matter. Excellent criminal defense lawyer. My brother had an offer of 19yrs BUT thanks to Peter he should be out in less than a year!!. My brother had the toughest district attorney in PASADENA but she couldn't keep up to Peter. We were lucky to have been referred to him. He showed he actually cared about our case....I met with 5 lawyers prior to him and one gave me a feeling like they cared. He took this case under his wing and made miracles. Thank you Peter for everything!!!!!
Sulieman H.
Peter Sebastion was referred to me by a relative and I couldn't be any more happy. He was very attentive and kept me in the loop regarding my case details throughout the whole process. He understood the hardships of student debt and managed to work out a payment plan with me. I'm very comfortable with having Peter as a defense attorney and will be in the future as well.
Jacqueline T.
"Peter is an amazing lawyer and helped me during a very difficult time. He is very knowledgeable and thorough with his work and guided me through the whole legal process. I can't recommend him enough."

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION​

(310) 281-2869

OFFICE ADDRESS

1801 Century Park East Ste 2400, Los Angeles, CA 90067​

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