Murder

Murder Defense Attorney in Pasadena

Homicide Defense Backed by Over 80 Jury Trials Taken to Verdict

A murder charge under California Penal Code section 187 is the most serious allegation the state can bring. The decisions made in the first hours after an arrest or investigation begins can shape everything that follows. At Escovar Law, APC, founding attorney Steve Escovar has defended clients in more than 80 jury trials taken to verdict since 1994 and holds qualification as Federal Death Penalty Trial Counsel, a credential tied to the most consequential end of homicide defense. We represent clients facing murder and homicide charges in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County, at both the state and federal level.

We offer a free initial consultation, flexible payment plans, and bilingual services in English and Spanish. Our team is available 24/7 because a murder investigation doesn’t wait for business hours.

If you or someone you love is under investigation or has been arrested on a murder charge in Pasadena, call us immediately at (626) 577-7700. Every hour without defense counsel gives prosecutors a head start.

Murder & Homicide Charges in California: What You’re Facing

The charge filed at arraignment sets the ceiling on your sentencing exposure and drives the entire defense strategy. California law recognizes several distinct homicide offenses, and the differences between them matter enormously.

First-Degree Murder: Willful, premeditated killing, or murder committed by specified means such as poison, explosives, or lying in wait. Penalties reach 25 years to life in state prison.
Second-Degree Murder: Intentional but unplanned killing. Carries 15 years to life in state prison.
Felony Murder: Any participant in a qualifying felony such as robbery, burglary, or kidnapping can face murder charges even without personally causing a death. SB-1437 narrowed but did not eliminate this rule.
Voluntary Manslaughter: A killing during a sudden quarrel or heat of passion. Punishable by 3 to 11 years in state prison.
Involuntary Manslaughter: An unintentional killing resulting from criminal negligence. Carries 2 to 4 years in state prison.
Vehicular Manslaughter: Death caused by negligent or unlawful driving. Sentences reach up to 10 years where gross negligence or DUI is involved.

Pushing prosecutors toward lesser counts before a jury is ever seated is one of the central objectives of an effective murder defense. When a client is still under pre-filing investigation, we can intervene directly with prosecutors at the charging stage to advocate for reduced or alternate charges before formal filing occurs.

Why Pasadena Clients Facing Murder Charges Retain Escovar Law, APC

Murder cases in Pasadena are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Pasadena branch and heard at the Pasadena Courthouse. Knowing the local prosecutors, judges, and courtroom procedures at that courthouse is a practical advantage, not a marketing claim. Steve Escovar has practiced in Los Angeles Superior Courts since 1998, and our firm has handled cases across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange County, and Ventura County Superior Courts.

Credentials & Recognition

Our credentials in this practice area are specific and verifiable:

Federal Death Penalty Trial Counsel: Attorney Escovar holds this qualification, placing him among a narrow group of attorneys approved to handle capital federal cases.
Nation’s Top One Percent: Recognized by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC).
America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys: Selected for this designation.
Pasadena Magazine Top Attorney: Named among Pasadena’s Top Attorneys.
Criminal Courts Bar Association: Steve Escovar served as President of this Los Angeles organization.
Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating: The highest rating available on the platform.

Results in High-Stakes Cases

Our record includes cases directly within this practice area. In People v. Landeros, our client received a Not Guilty verdict on both counts of Attempted Murder. In a Riverside County matter, an Attempted Murder charge carrying a potential life sentence was resolved to Criminal Threats with a 16-month sentence. In another matter, a client facing 19 years for Attempted Murder resolved the case for 6 years in prison. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect how we approach high-stakes cases.

Defense Strategies in California Murder Cases

No two homicide cases are alike. The defense we build depends on the specific facts, the evidence the prosecution holds, and the weaknesses we can identify before trial. We investigate fully, interview witnesses, engage forensic and other consultants when the case demands it, and file pretrial motions that can reshape what a jury ever sees.

Common defense strategies in Pasadena murder cases include:

Self-Defense and Defense of Others: Requires showing the defendant reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily injury. The prosecution will challenge whether the threat was truly imminent and whether the force used was proportionate.
Accident or Lack of Intent: Attacks the prosecution’s burden to prove malice aforethought beyond a reasonable doubt. If the killing wasn’t intentional, first-degree murder can’t stand.
Mistaken Identity and Alibi: Eyewitness identifications, photo line-up procedures, and circumstantial evidence can all be challenged. Alibi evidence places the defendant elsewhere at the time of the offense.
Diminished Capacity or Mental Impairment: May negate the mental state required for first-degree murder, potentially reducing the charge to second-degree murder or manslaughter.
Constitutional Violations: Unlawful searches and seizures and coerced confessions can be challenged through suppression motions under Penal Code section 1538.5. Suppressing key prosecution evidence can fundamentally alter the strength of the state’s case.

How a Murder Case Moves Through the Pasadena Courts

Where you are in the process determines where defense intervention can have the most impact. We handle every phase of this timeline.

Pre-Filing Investigation

If you’re a suspect but haven’t been charged yet, this is the highest-leverage moment in the entire case. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Pasadena branch decides whether to file murder, manslaughter, or lesser counts. We can advocate directly with prosecutors at this stage to shape that charging decision before it becomes a formal accusation.

Arrest and Arraignment

After arrest in Pasadena, California law requires arraignment within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and court holidays. Charges are formally read, a plea is entered, and bail arguments are made. The defense posture established here sets the tone for everything that follows.

Preliminary Hearing

The court determines whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial. We can cross-examine prosecution witnesses and challenge evidence at this stage, building a record that can benefit the defense at trial.

Pretrial Motions

Motion practice, including motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or exclude witnesses, can significantly reshape the case before a jury is seated. We prepare and file all necessary pretrial motions and manage every court deadline and procedural requirement.

Trial and Post-Conviction

If the case proceeds to jury trial at the Pasadena Courthouse, we bring the full weight of Steve Escovar’s trial record to bear. If a conviction results, post-trial motions and appeals remain available. We handle both, and our representation doesn’t end when the verdict is read.

Speak with a Pasadena Murder Defense Attorney Today

Time is one of the most critical factors in any murder or homicide defense. The earlier we get involved, the more options we may be able to preserve. Escovar Law, APC offers a free initial consultation and handles every case with strict confidentiality. We offer flexible payment plans so that cost doesn’t stand between you and serious defense representation. Attorney Escovar and our team speak English and Spanish.

Call Escovar Law, APC now at (626) 577-7700 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’re available around the clock for Pasadena murder and homicide cases.

True Stories from Real Clients

What Our Clients Are Saying

Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. These testimonials reflect the quality, care, and results we strive to deliver every day.

Read More Reviews

5 stars all the way.
“Got my case handled and did what he said he could do with no fail.”

- Vincent
Steve always gave a sense of professionalism.
“Steve Escovar at Escovar and Avila, LLP did an outstanding job defending me from a baseless, frivolous legal issue and got the matter dismissed without me having to say a word. I’ve had some very high profile attorneys in my business life in the past, and I must say that Steve always gave a sense of professionalism. In addition, he and his office were very organized and it truly felt like he cared. I would highly recommend Steve Escovar for anyone that finds themselves in need of an attorney. We are going to continue to use him with this ongoing matter.”

- William
Steve Escovar is without a doubt the best lawyer and professional in the business.
“Steve Escovar is without a doubt the best lawyer and professional in the business. His professionalism and ability to persuade the courtroom to follow his leadership is amazing to watch. He won both difficult and almost impossible cases for my wife to vacate two prior convictions in a courtroom known for its strict conservative position. I would recommend Steve to anyone and any family member.”

- Pleased Client
Mr. Escovar handled my case with much detail and integrity.
“If you want the best of the best I strongly recommend attorney Steve Escovar. After 20 years of bad legal advice from different attorneys. Mr. Escovar took over my case and within a couple of months, he did what many attorneys couldn't! My Eternal Gratitude! Mr. Escovar handled my case with much detail and integrity. He has brought me and my family great relief and we really appreciate everything that he has done for us. I strongly recommend Mr. Escovar for any form of legal advice or aid. Thank you once again!!!!!”

- Chris
Steve and his team were able to get positive results for my family member and we are forever grateful.
“When we felt all hope was lost, we were fortunate enough to have met Steve Escovar. Steve and his team handled my family member’s case with top notch dedication, care, patience, and professionalism. Steve was able to do in less than 3 months what my family member’s previous attorney could not do in 3 years. Steve and his team were able to get positive results for my family member and we are forever grateful. We highly recommend Steve Escovar for legal assistance.”

- Alana
I hope I never need him again but I would call him immediately if I did!
“I needed legal assistance ones and Steve Escovar has represented me to satisfactory conclusions. He knows the law and courtrooms in the southern California area and was also so reassuring and sympathetic while making sure I understood the facts and what might or might not happen. I hope I never need him again but I would call him immediately if I did!”

- Ronald

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Why Choose Escovar Law, APC?

Free, initial case evaluations for clients
Featured in CNN Español, Telemundo, and Univision as a legal commenter
Former President of the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association
Qualified Federal Death Penalty Trial Counsel – Attorney
Nation’s Top 1% by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC)
Named one of Pasadena's Top Attorneys by Pasadena Magazine