Homicide Attorney In Dublin

Facing A Homicide Charge In Dublin, CA

A homicide accusation in or around Dublin is one of the most serious situations you or your family can face. You may be worried about life in prison, confused about what will happen in court, and unsure what to say or do next. In this moment, the decisions you make can affect the rest of your life.

At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we represent people under investigation or charged with homicide and other fatal offenses in Dublin, Alameda County, and neighboring Contra Costa County. With over 30 years in criminal law, including years as a state prosecutor, Attorney Christopher A. Lamiero brings a perspective that few defense firms can offer. We understand that you need clear answers and fast action, not scare tactics. Our firm focuses on criminal defense, and we work to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future from the very beginning of the case. You can contact us at any stage, whether the police have just called you for an interview or formal charges have already been filed.

Call (925) 259-3337 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Choose Our Firm For Homicide

When you are looking for a homicide defense attorney in Dublin, you are not choosing someone for a minor problem. You are trusting a firm with your liberty and your future. It is important to understand what sets one office apart from another, especially when prosecutors are already building a case.

Attorney Christopher A. Lamiero previously worked as a state prosecutor. This background gives our firm insight into how district attorneys evaluate evidence, decide which homicide charges to file, and prepare cases for trial. We use that insight to anticipate the theory the prosecution may pursue and to identify weaknesses in the way evidence was collected or interpreted.

Our work is centered on defending individuals accused of crimes. We are not a general practice that divides attention among unrelated areas. We handle serious felonies in Alameda County Superior Court and Contra Costa County Superior Court, including matters that arise from arrests in Dublin and surrounding East Bay communities. That familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures helps us prepare you for what to expect at each stage.

We approach every case with the understanding that your life story, your mental state, and your circumstances matter. We do not assume that two homicide cases are alike. Our team takes time to listen, review your history, and understand how this situation developed so that your defense reflects you as a person, not just a file number. Communication is a central part of how we work. We strive to keep clients informed about developments, upcoming court dates, and choices about negotiations or trials. When appropriate, and with your consent, we also communicate with close family members who are trying to support you. For Spanish-speaking clients and families, we offer bilingual services so that language is not a barrier to understanding your defense.

Types Of Homicide Charges In California

People often arrive at our office unsure exactly what they or a loved one has been accused of. They may hear terms like murder, manslaughter, or felony murder and not know the differences. Understanding the general categories of homicide charges can make the situation feel more manageable and can help you ask better questions during a consultation.

In California, murder generally involves an unlawful killing with what the law calls malice. Very serious cases, sometimes described as first degree, may involve allegations of planning, lying in wait, or certain types of conduct that the law treats as especially grave. Other cases may be charged in ways that reflect a different level of intent or circumstances. Manslaughter charges usually involve an unlawful killing without the same degree of malice. Voluntary manslaughter may relate to situations the state views as intense conflict or strong emotion. Involuntary manslaughter may involve an unintentional death that the prosecution connects to allegedly reckless or negligent behavior. The specific facts, including what witnesses say and what physical evidence shows, can influence charging decisions.

Some cases raise issues of felony murder, where a death occurs during the commission of certain other felonies. California law on this topic has changed in recent years, and it is important to have a homicide criminal defense attorney in Dublin who understands how current rules may apply to your case. The district attorney’s office in Alameda County or Contra Costa County will decide how to interpret the events and which charges to file.

Common categories of homicide charges include:

• Murder charges tied to allegations of intent or planning
• Voluntary manslaughter charges based on claims of sudden conflict or provocation
• Involuntary manslaughter charges involving an unintended death
• Homicide allegations are connected to certain underlying felonies
• Cases where self-defense or defense of others may be at issue

Each category carries different potential penalties, and sentencing can depend on many factors, including criminal history and the presence of any alleged enhancements. During a consultation, we discuss what your specific charges may mean and how they may be handled in the local courts that serve Dublin.

What To Do After A Homicide Arrest

When someone is arrested on suspicion of homicide, the pressure from law enforcement can begin immediately. Detectives may say they want to hear your side of the story. Friends or family might urge you to explain what happened. In this moment, the most important step you can take is to protect your rights.

We strongly recommend that you do not discuss the facts of the situation with the police, investigators, or anyone else until you have spoken with a homicide lawyer in Dublin. Even statements that feel harmless can be misunderstood or taken out of context. Once recorded, those words can be very difficult to undo in court. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney, and using those rights cannot be held against you.

If the arrest occurs in Dublin, booking will typically happen at a local facility, and court appearances usually take place in an Alameda County Superior Court location that handles serious felonies. The exact timeline can depend on when the arrest occurs and how quickly the district attorney files charges. Arraignment is often the first time the accused appears before a judge, hears the formal charges, and addresses issues related to bail or detention.

Helpful steps for you and your family include:

• Avoid talking about the facts of the case on the phone from jail
• Stay off social media when it comes to the incident or investigation
• Gather basic information, such as the booking number and court date
• Contact a homicide criminal defense lawyer in Dublin as soon as possible
• Share information with your attorney in private, not with friends or acquaintances

When families call our office after an arrest, we work to give them clear, practical guidance. We can discuss what is likely to happen at the first court appearance and what documents or information are helpful to bring. Our goal is to start protecting your rights quickly and to prepare for early decisions that may affect the rest of the case.

How We Defend Homicide Cases

Every homicide case involves unique people, histories, and events. Our approach begins with careful listening and a thorough review of the information the state provides. We look at police reports, physical and forensic evidence, digital evidence when available, and the statements that witnesses or other involved people have made.

We pay close attention to how law enforcement conducted the investigation. This includes how identifications were made, how interviews were handled, and whether searches and seizures followed constitutional requirements. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Lamiero understands what evidence the state is likely to rely on most and where investigative shortcuts sometimes occur. That perspective helps us identify areas that may support motions or raise reasonable doubt.

In many homicide cases, potential defense themes can include identity, self-defense, lack of intent, accident, or challenges to the reliability of witness accounts. We discuss these possibilities in plain language so you understand which issues may apply to your case. From there, we work with you to decide how to present your side, whether that means preparing for trial or considering negotiations with the prosecution.

We also recognize that your background and personal history can matter greatly. Factors such as trauma, mental health, past victimization, or longstanding relationships can influence how a case should be presented and how it may be resolved. Our team gathers information that may help contextualize what happened and may be relevant if the court or prosecution considers alternatives to the harshest possible penalties.

Throughout the process, we strive to keep you informed about your options, the likely consequences of each path, and upcoming court events. A homicide criminal defense attorney in Dublin should not leave you guessing about the basic next steps. We aim to give you a clear view of where your case stands and to stand beside you in every critical hearing and decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my loved one is arrested for homicide in Dublin?

First, remind them to stay silent about the facts and to request an attorney. Then, gather basic information like the booking number and court date. Contact our office so we can explain the local process, review the situation, and work to protect their rights as early as possible.

How can your former prosecutor's experience help in a homicide case?

Our former prosecutor background helps us understand how district attorneys review evidence, select charges, and prepare for trial. We use that knowledge to anticipate the state’s strategy, identify weaknesses in the case, and advise you realistically about risks, options, and potential next steps.

Will I be able to speak directly with Attorney Lamiero?

Yes. Clients can speak directly with Attorney Lamiero about their charges, questions, and options. Our team also helps manage communication and scheduling so that you receive timely updates. We work to ensure you understand what is happening and can make informed decisions about your defense.

What penalties could I face for a homicide conviction in California?

Penalties for homicide can include decades in prison or, in some cases, a potential life sentence. The exact range depends on the specific charge, any alleged enhancements, and prior record. During a consultation, we explain how the law may apply to your situation in the local courts.

Do you handle homicide cases in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties?

We represent clients facing homicide and related charges in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, and the surrounding East Bay courts. Many of our cases originate from arrests in or near Dublin, and we are familiar with how serious felony matters are handled in these counties’ Superior Court systems.

Talk To Our Homicide Defense Team

If you or someone you care about is facing a homicide accusation in Dublin or nearby, you do not have to navigate this alone. Early legal guidance can affect how charges are filed, how evidence is challenged, and how your case moves through Alameda County or Contra Costa County Superior Court.

At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we bring more than three decades of experience in criminal law, former prosecutor insight, and a focused criminal defense practice to every serious case we handle. We work to understand your story, explain your options in clear terms, and protect your rights at each stage.

When you contact our office, we can discuss what has happened so far, what the next court date is likely to involve, and how we may be able to help. Whether you are calling from custody or as a family member on the outside, we are prepared to respond promptly and provide guidance tailored to your situation. To talk with our team about a homicide case, call (925) 259-3337.