Riverside Homicide Attorney

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Homicide Charges in California

Facing a homicide charge is one of the most serious situations anyone can experience. Every word you say, every decision you make, and every step you take from this moment forward can affect the rest of your life. You need a defense lawyer who understands how these cases are built, what prosecutors look for, and how to dismantle the evidence against you.

At DeLimon Law, lead attorney Daniel DeLimon brings over 15 years of experience handling California’s most complex homicide cases — both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. He knows how law enforcement investigates, how the District Attorney prepares its case, and what it takes to protect your rights when everything is at stake. From the moment you call, our focus is on building the strongest possible defense for you and your future. 

Are you facing murder charges in Riverside? Call DeLimon Law today at (951) 777-9104 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Riverside homicide attorney.

Proven Experience in California’s Most Serious Cases

When the stakes involve a life sentence or even the death penalty, experience inside a courtroom matters more than anything else. Attorney Daniel DeLimon has spent over 15 years handling thousands of criminal cases and taking more than 70 jury trials to verdict. His background includes over 30 homicide trials and several of California’s most complex death penalty cases. 

As a four-time Attorney of the Year in Riverside County and member of the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, he is trusted by clients and respected throughout the local court system for his preparation and command in high-pressure trials.

This experience has translated into real results for people facing the most serious accusations. In one case, attempted murder charges were dismissed after cross-examination exposed repeated falsehoods in the prosecution’s testimony. In another, a client charged with multiple violent felonies received a dramatically reduced sentence following extensive investigation that revealed flaws in the government’s case. In a separate “Three Strikes” trial, a client facing life in prison was found not guilty after the defense demonstrated that the alleged victim’s account was inconsistent.

Each of these outcomes reflects the same approach DeLimon Law takes in every case: thorough investigation, strategic preparation, and a relentless drive to challenge weak evidence. When your future depends on the strength of your defense, you need representation that has proven itself under the most difficult circumstances.

We Are Near Riverside’s Key Criminal Justice Institutions

Proximity matters when defending serious cases. Our office, located at 1533 Spruce Street, Suite 260, Riverside, is just minutes away from the core institutions that handle homicide investigations and trials in Riverside County.

• Riverside Hall of Justice – Approximately 2 miles away, this is where most felony cases, including homicide trials, are heard.
• Riverside County District Attorney’s Office – Roughly 1.5 miles away, where prosecutors review evidence and make charging decisions.
• Robert Presley Detention Center – Also about 1.5 miles from the office, where many defendants are initially held after arrest.

Being near these critical locations allows our team to respond quickly to developments, attend court hearings without delay, and stay closely connected to the pulse of ongoing cases. For clients and families, it also means easier access to in-person meetings.

What Are The Elements of Murder?

In California, homicide offenses cover several distinct crimes. First-degree murder requires:

• The defendant caused the death of another person
• The defendant acted with malice aforethought
• No legal excuse or justification existed for the killing

Second-degree murder involves a defendant acting with reckless disregard for human life. This crime requires willful conduct, but not a premeditated plan to kill. If prosecutors lack evidence of premeditation for first-degree murder, they may file a lesser charge to secure a conviction.

Murder involves a premeditated act, regardless of whether the accused intended to kill. Sometimes, homicide charges may arise from killings without premeditation, even if the accused intended harm.

Exploring Different Types of Homicide in California Law

Prosecutors in California can pursue several additional charges in homicide cases, including:

• Attempted murder
• Voluntary homicide
• Involuntary homicide
• Felony murder (when the accused allegedly kills someone while committing a felony)

In first-degree murder cases, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to commit the crime. California imposes strict sentences for these convictions. First-degree murder may lead to 25 years to life in prison, life without parole, or — rarely — capital punishment. 

Don’t wait to get legal representation — your future depends on it. Call (951) 777-9104 or contact us online today.

The Homicide Investigation & Arrest Process in Riverside

After an alleged homicide in Riverside, law enforcement agencies such as the Riverside Police Department or Riverside County Sheriff’s Department launch a detailed investigation. Officers secure the scene, collect forensic evidence, and interview witnesses. Detectives move quickly to gather statements, review surveillance footage, and piece together a timeline of events. When incidents cross city or county lines, state agencies may also assist with the investigation.

If investigators identify a suspect, that person may be detained for questioning or booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center in downtown Riverside. Once law enforcement believes there is sufficient evidence, the case is forwarded to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, which determines whether formal charges will be filed. Arraignments and early hearings typically take place at the Riverside Hall of Justice, where initial bail decisions and procedural steps are set.

Having a defense team that understands these local systems and relationships can make a critical difference.

What to Expect at the Riverside Hall of Justice

The Riverside Hall of Justice is the central courthouse for serious felony cases in the county, including homicide prosecutions. Defendants begin with an arraignment, where the court formally presents the charges, sets bail, and schedules the next hearings. From there, cases move into pretrial proceedings, where both sides exchange evidence, argue motions, and address legal or procedural issues that can determine what evidence the jury ultimately hears.

For homicide cases, preparation is intense and often unfolds over months. The defense reviews forensic reports, witness statements, and digital evidence while anticipating the prosecution’s theories. Hearings inside the Hall of Justice follow a strict schedule, and every motion or objection can influence how the trial proceeds.

Having counsel who regularly practices in this courthouse matters. Our homicide attorney understands how Riverside judges manage homicide dockets, how prosecutors handle negotiations, and how local procedures can affect everything from bail conditions to jury selection. He guides clients through each appearance with clarity, preparation, and consistent communication.

Possible Defense Strategies

Homicide cases hinge on the prosecution’s ability to prove intent, causation, and unlawful conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. Meeting that burden can be difficult, and several legal strategies may challenge the state’s version of events. Common defenses include:

• The defendant killed in self-defense or in defense of another person.
• Police illegally seized evidence or coerced statements from the defendant.
• The defendant lacked the required intent, for example, if the death was accidental.
• The defendant is not competent to stand trial.

Given the harsh penalties for those convicted, homicide cases have the highest stakes of practically any criminal proceeding. It is essential to have an attorney with legal judgment to obtain the best possible legal outcome for their clients.

Attorney Daniel DeLimon can provide you with experienced and knowledgeable representation because he has been on the other side, prosecuting homicide cases. He knows how law enforcement is thinking because he has been in court prosecuting complex homicide cases.

Does California Have the Death Penalty?

Yes, California still allows the death penalty. However, there has been a statewide moratorium on executions since 2019, and Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a reprieve to all death row inmates during his term. The state has not executed anyone in more than 17 years. As of September 2021, over 700 individuals remained on death row in California. 

Homicide cases that involve a potential death sentence follow procedures distinct from other prosecutions. Defendants can expect more extensive pretrial hearings and a longer trial timeline. The Riverside County District Attorney reviews each homicide case to decide whether to seek life imprisonment or capital punishment. Local courts, such as the Riverside Hall of Justice, follow protocols specific to capital cases, and defense teams must prepare for various possible sentencing outcomes.

Contact a Homicide Lawyer in Riverside Today

If you face charges for any type of homicide, your freedom — and possibly your future — is at risk. You need a homicide lawyer in Riverside with the readiness to fight for your legal rights. Contact DeLimon Law at (951) 777-9104 or reach out to us online to schedule your initial consultation. Engaging a criminal defense lawyer soon is crucial, as the prosecution can begin taking steps that affect your rights immediately.

Secure your defense with Attorney DeLimon, Riverside's trusted homicide attorney. Serving clients across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a homicide case take to resolve?

Homicide cases in Riverside County often take many months — or sometimes years — to progress through the local courts. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the charges, pretrial motions, and the court’s schedule. Delays may happen when either side needs extra time to review evidence or prepare for trial.

What happens after an arrest for homicide?

After a homicide arrest, the accused appears at an arraignment at the Riverside Hall of Justice. At this hearing, the judge lists the charges, sets bail, and schedules hearings. Defense teams use this period to begin reviewing discovery and building strategies for future court dates.

Can family members attend court hearings for homicide cases?

Family members are usually allowed to attend public court hearings at the Riverside Hall of Justice unless a judge orders the courtroom closed for a specific reason. Staff at the courthouse can share visiting policies and the schedule for upcoming hearings.