Arrested for Attempted Murder in Los Angeles?
If you or someone you love has been arrested for attempted murder in California, the stakes could not be higher. Prosecutors charge these cases under Penal Code 664/187, and a conviction can mean decades in prison—or even a life sentence. Even if no one was killed, the law treats attempted murder nearly as seriously as murder itself.
Police and prosecutors will move quickly to build their case. Detectives may push you to make statements that can be used against you in court. Do not talk to law enforcement before you have spoken with an attorney. Their job is to make an arrest and secure a conviction—not to protect your rights.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we know how overwhelming this moment feels. You may be worried about spending years behind bars, the impact on your family, and whether anyone will truly listen to your side of the story. With more than 20 years of experience defending clients against violent felonies in Los Angeles, our criminal defense lawyer knows how these cases are investigated, charged, and tried—and how to fight back.
From the very start, our team works to challenge the state’s evidence, preserve favorable testimony, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. The earlier you get us involved, the stronger your defense will be.
What Does Attempted Murder Mean in California?
Under California law, attempted murder is charged when prosecutors believe you took a direct step toward killing another person and acted with the specific intent to kill. It does not matter that the alleged victim survived — you can still be prosecuted under Penal Code 664/187.
Not every violent act qualifies as attempted murder. The law requires proof of both:
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A deliberate action (such as firing a gun, stabbing, or setting a plan into motion), and
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The intent to cause death, not just to injure or frighten.
There are two types of attempted murder charges in California:
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First-degree attempted murder: Willful, deliberate, and premeditated. A conviction can carry a life sentence.
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Second-degree attempted murder: Intent to kill without premeditation. These cases still carry severe penalties, but not life in prison.
Intent is everything. Many people are arrested for attempted murder when the facts may only support another charge, such as assault with a deadly weapon. That distinction can mean the difference between years in prison and a potential life sentence.
What’s at Stake if You’re Convicted?
A conviction for attempted murder in California is life-changing. The law treats this crime almost as seriously as murder itself, and the penalties are among the harshest in the state.
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First-degree attempted murder: If prosecutors prove the act was willful, deliberate, and premeditated, you could face life in prison with the possibility of parole.
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Second-degree attempted murder: If there was intent to kill but no premeditation, the sentence is typically 5, 7, or 9 years in state prison.
Additional factors can make the sentence even longer:
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Firearm use: 10, 20, or even 25-to-life years can be added.
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Great bodily injury: Extra prison time if the alleged victim was seriously hurt.
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Gang allegations: Significant enhancements if prosecutors claim the act was gang-related.
Is attempted murder a felony? Yes. Attempted murder is always a felony in California, and it counts as a “strike” under the state’s Three Strikes Law. That means a conviction will impact how future charges are sentenced.
Beyond prison, the consequences extend into every part of life. A felony record can affect your ability to work, find housing, hold professional licenses, and for non-citizens, it can trigger serious immigration consequences.
If you are facing an attempted murder sentence in California, the most important step you can take is to get an experienced criminl defense attorney involved immediately. The earlier your lawyer begins working on your case, the better the chances of reducing or defeating the charges.
Case Results – Fighting Back for Our Clients
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have successfully defended clients against some of the toughest violent felony charges in California, including attempted murder.
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Attempted Murder Charges Dismissed (Los Angeles County)
Our client was accused of attempted murder under PC 664/187 after an alleged shooting. We filed motions challenging the prosecution’s evidence and raised strong self-defense arguments. The court agreed, and the charges were dismissed before trial. -
Attempted Murder with Gang Enhancements Reduced (Pasadena)
A client facing 25 years to life for attempted murder with gang enhancements had their charges significantly reduced after our team presented evidence undermining the prosecution’s case. The client avoided a life sentence and received a greatly reduced term.
Legal Defenses against Attempted Murder Charges
Being accused of attempted murder under PC 664/187 is overwhelming, but it is not the same as being convicted. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, our criminal defense attorney approaches every case with the goal of dismantling the prosecution’s case piece by piece. The right defense will depend on the facts of your situation, but some of the most effective strategies include:
No intent to kill
Attempted murder requires proof that you specifically intended to cause someone’s death. If the evidence shows only an intent to scare or injure — but not to kill — the charge does not meet the legal standard. For example, prosecutors may point to the use of a weapon, but if the circumstances suggest it was not used with the intent to kill, we can fight to reduce or dismiss the charge.
Self-defense or defense of others
California law allows you to use force if you reasonably believed you or someone else faced imminent danger of death or great bodily injury. In many attempted murder cases, what the prosecution calls “attack” was actually an act of protection. We gather evidence such as 911 calls, witness statements, and medical records to support this defense.
False accusation
Unfortunately, people are sometimes falsely accused out of anger, revenge, or an effort to protect themselves from prosecution. If the alleged victim or a witness has a motive to lie, we can expose it and show the court why the accusations cannot be trusted.
Mistaken identity
Attempted murder charges often rely on eyewitness identifications made under stressful conditions. These are notoriously unreliable. If you were not the person involved, or if the evidence linking you to the incident is weak, we challenge that identification using witness inconsistencies, surveillance records, or expert testimony.
Insufficient or unreliable evidence
Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, their evidence rests on shaky forensics, conflicting testimony, or assumptions rather than facts. We carefully analyze every piece of evidence — from ballistics to cell phone data — to show where the case falls short.
Police misconduct or rights violations
If police overstepped their bounds — by conducting an illegal search, coercing a confession, or ignoring your constitutional rights — we can file motions to suppress that evidence. Without it, the state may not be able to proceed with the case at all.
Contact a Los Angeles Attempted Murder Attorney
If you or someone you love is facing attempted murder charges in California, your freedom and your future are on the line. Attempted murder is one of the most serious charges in the state, and the sooner you have an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer on your side, the better your chances of protecting yourself.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we bring more than 20 years of experience defending clients in Los Angeles criminal courts. Attorney Arash Hashemi has successfully represented individuals accused of violent felonies — including attempted murder — and knows how to fight aggressively both inside and outside the courtroom.
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Attorney Hashemi will meet with you personally, review the details of your case, and discuss the legal options available to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.
The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi
11845 W Olympic Blvd #520
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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📞 Phone: (310) 448-1529
📧 Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
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