California Crimes - Death Penalty

If a murder is committed and one of the special allegations below can be proven then the prosecutor’s office may seek the death penalty or life without parole (LWOP): (Penal Code 190.2)

 

   1. Murder of a police officer, federal officer, or judge
   2. Murder by destructive device such as a bomb
   3. Murder was committed while lying in wait
   4. Murder was committed for religious or racist motives
   5. Murder was committed was lying in wait
   6. Murder was committed in the commission of enumerated felonies (listed above as inherently dangerous felonies)
   7. Other factors referred to in the code.