A friend is being charged with murder because he caused a car accident where another person died while he was under the influence of alcohol. He didn’t mean to kill anybody so how can they charge him with murder?

In California a person can be charged with 2nd degree murder if they are under the influence of alcohol and they cause an accident which results in the death of another person, including a person in the car they are driving. Murder can be charged under these circumstances under a theory called implied malice. That means that the person knew that drinking and driving was dangerous and although they were aware of the risk of drinking and driving they consciously ignored the risk and did it anyways and killed someone as a result. This type of murder charge does not require intent to kill anyone but does require the prosecutor to prove that the person knew that the conduct was dangerous and engaged in it regardless. Murder is obviously a serious charge in every case and if you or a loved one is charged with murder it is imperative you speak with a highly skilled criminal attorney.