Murder

Dublin Murder Defense Lawyer

Put a Trusted Former Prosecutor in Your Corner

Murder is the most serious violent crime in California and the rest of the country. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors will work vigorously to investigate and prosecute anyone suspected of murder. Judges will hand down severe penalties that could result in spending decades or a lifetime in prison. In the face of such harsh punishment, you must hire a criminal defense lawyer who has handled serious cases similar to yours.

If you or a loved one has been accused of murder, our Dublin murder defense attorney at The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero does not back down from even the most complex or serious of criminal charges. As a former prosecutor himself, Attorney Christopher Lamiero is not intimidated by the prosecution and has the experience, knowledge, and determination to fiercely protect your rights and freedom throughout the justice procedure. Bringing more than 30 years of hard-won criminal law practice to your case, he will provide effective and personalized legal service from start to finish. Do not hesitate to let our firm fight for you immediately.


Under investigation for murder or already charged? The sooner you call, the better. Phone us at (925) 259-3337 for a free case analysis today.


Murder Charges in California

California Penal Code 187 defines murder as the killing of another person or fetus with malice aforethought. This violent crime is characterized by a wanton disregard for human life and involves an action that has a high probability for ending in death. Murder may be charged as first-degree or second-degree murder depending on the circumstances.

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is a willful and deliberate or premeditated. It may also occur while committing another serious felony, such as armed robbery, rape, mayhem, or others – known as the felony murder rule in California.

A conviction of first-degree murder carries penalties of 25 years up to life in prison. If the murder is deemed a hate crime, a conviction can result in life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder doesn’t involved premeditation. Rather, this type of murder often occurs during the “heat of the moment.” Second-degree murder is punishable by 15 years up to life in prison. Factors that can influence the punishment include whether you have a previous criminal record, if it was committed as a drive-by shooting, or if the alleged victim was a police officer.

Capital Murder

California still retains the death penalty though it is rarely used. Capital murder is a killing that qualifies one for the death penalty, involving special circumstances such as gang-related murder, the murder of a public servant such as a law enforcement officer, judge, fire fighter, or others, a hate crime murder, the murder of a witness, and other situations. Capital murder may also be punished by life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Additional penalties that may apply in any murder case include a strike on your record under California’s three strikes law, enhanced penalties for personally using a gun, a fine of up to $10,000, restitution, and the loss of gun rights as a convicted felon.

Let Us Fight for You

The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero offers focused, determined, and highly qualified legal representation when facing serious violent offenses such as murder. Attorney Lamiero will investigate your case, collect supporting evidence, analyze evidence gathered by the police, and build an aggressive and effective legal defense to help you avoid serious penalties.


We serve clients throughout the Tri-Valley area. Contact us at (925) 259-3337 as soon as possible.