Watson Murder – DUI Murder Sentencing, Punishment and Penalties – PC 190
Watson Murder – or DUI Murder – is a felony offense and the punishment, sentencing and penalties are the same as those for a second degree murder conviction under California Penal Code section 190. If you are convicted of second degree Watson Murder, you face a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Other Factors that Can Increase Your Sentence
- Victim sustains great bodily injury: If there are any surviving victims who suffer great bodily injury as a result of your conduct, you face an additional sentence of 3 to 6 years in state prison consecutive to your underlying felony sentence.
- Victim sustains any injury: If any surviving victims suffer some form physical harm that does not rise to the level of great bodily injury, you can receive an enhancement of 1 year for each injured victim, up to a maximum of 3 years consecutive to your underlying felony sentence.
Felony Strike Offense
Under California Penal Code section 1192.7, second degree Watson Murder is considered a “serious” felony that can count as a strike on your criminal record. If you are convicted of a second felony strike offense, your sentence will be doubled in accordance with California’s three strikes law. If you are convicted of a third felony strike offense, you will serve a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison.
Court Options at the Time of Sentencing
If you are convicted of second degree Watson Murder, the court has discretion in determining your punishment depending on the circumstances of your case. The court has the following options at time of sentencing:
- Impose a prison sentence of 15 years to life. Since this offense is a serious felony in California, if you are sentenced to prison you must do 85% of the sentence before you can be released on parole.
- Plus an additional sentence of 3 to 6 years if any surviving victim sustains great bodily injury
- Plus an additional enhancement of 1 year for each surviving victim who sustains any injury, up to a maximum of 3 years
- If you are convicted of Watson Murder the odds are extremely high you will be sent to prison. However, the court retains the power to place you on probation if you can convince the court that there are highly unusual circumstances that would warrant the court placing you on probation. If you are granted probation, you will likely be assigned a probation officer and ordered to do community service, a work release program and attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) classes
Probation Terms
When you are placed on probation the court will impose specific terms of probation that apply to the crime for which you were convicted. These terms of probation will include:
- Violate no law (other than a traffic infraction)
- Visit your probation officer as often as required by your probation terms
- Perform community service
- Attend alcohol or drug counseling
These are only a few of the probation terms that a court can impose. If you are found to be in violation of any of these terms, the court can sentence you to the maximum time allowed by law.
Finding an Experienced Second Degree Watson Murder Attorney at Wallin & Klarich
Your possible sentence, punishment and penalties for second degree Watson Murder can be severe and potentially life changing. If you or someone you know has been accused of second degree DUI murder in Southern California, you need to contact an experienced California defense attorney who will carefully review the facts and the law to give you the best representation possible. With offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and Victorville, Wallin & Klarich has over 40 years of experience in defending Southern California residents against charges of second degree Watson Murder. We will carefully review the evidence against you and help you win your case.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or fill out our intake form. We will be there when you call.
