Murder Attorney in Ridgecrest
Kern County Homicide Defense with Proven Trial Experience
A murder charge is the most serious allegation the criminal justice system can bring. The decisions made in the first hours and days after an arrest can shape everything that follows. Humphrey & Thompson is a boutique criminal defense firm representing people accused in Ridgecrest and throughout Kern County. Clients work directly with Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Thompson, not handed off to junior associates or lost in a large firm’s caseload.
The Superior Court of California, County of Kern, maintains a courthouse in Ridgecrest. Homicide cases originating in the high desert area are litigated there and in Bakersfield, and our attorneys know both venues well. We bring aggressive, informed advocacy grounded in deep knowledge of California criminal law to every case we take.
Work directly with a trusted murder attorney in Ridgecrest. Humphrey & Thompson offers board-certified criminal law representation. Call (661) 760-7678 or contact us today.
Credentials That Matter in a Murder Case
Humphrey & Thompson holds certification by the State Bar of California in criminal law, an advanced credential that reflects both depth of knowledge and a commitment to high professional standards. Across decades of practice, our team has handled more than 5,000 criminal cases and achieved favorable outcomes for clients in both state and federal courts throughout Kern County, including representation in jury trials.
From analyzing charges and investigating evidence to negotiating with prosecutors and standing beside you at trial, we handle every phase of the criminal defense process. A murder defense demands that kind of continuity.
The Attorneys Who Will Stand at the Counsel Table
On a murder charge, the differentiator isn’t the size of the firm. It’s whether the attorneys standing at the counsel table have actually tried these cases.
Kyle J. Humphrey has tried at least 20 homicide trials. He began his career as a prosecutor handling murder cases before moving to the defense side, which means he understands how these cases are built and where they can be challenged. Jared M. Thompson has secured Not Guilty verdicts on charges of homicide and attempted murder. Past results don’t guarantee a future outcome, but that record reflects the preparation and advocacy we bring to every client.
How California Defines Murder
California Penal Code 187 defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. Malice aforethought is the mental state that separates murder from other homicides. It can be express, meaning an actual intent to kill, or implied, meaning the defendant acted with conscious disregard for human life without a specific intent to cause death.
The degree of the charge determines the sentencing range:
- First-Degree Murder: Willful, deliberate, and premeditated killings, as well as certain felony murders, fall here. A conviction carries 25 years to life in state prison.
- Second-Degree Murder: Killings committed with malice that don’t meet the premeditation threshold, including intentional but unplanned acts, carry 15 years to life in state prison.
Special Circumstances and the Severity of First-Degree Murder
Penal Code 190.2 lists more than 20 special circumstances that can elevate a first-degree murder conviction beyond 25 years to life. Examples include murder for financial gain, multiple murders, and the killing of a peace officer. When special circumstances are alleged, the potential sentence becomes life without the possibility of parole or, in some cases, the death penalty.
California has maintained a gubernatorial moratorium on executions since 2019, so special-circumstance convictions currently result in life without parole in practice. There is also no statute of limitations for murder under Penal Code 799, meaning charges can be filed years or decades after the alleged offense. The stakes at every stage of a murder case, from the preliminary hearing forward, are as high as they get in the California criminal system.
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
Every client who comes to us facing a murder charge confronts consequences that affect every part of their life. We make each client a priority and don’t compromise on personal service or results. The clients who share their experiences below worked directly with our attorneys through some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
-
- Aimee G.
The process was easy and they made it so that I didn't have to appear in court. I highly recommended them!
-
- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
-
- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
-
Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
-
- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
-
- Felicia E.
He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.
-
- KC A.
I had an amazing experience with Kyle! He is a straight shooter and that was crucial for me to hear. I was able to keep all my rights, get my case dismissed and that was huge for me! Kyle was able to take a bad situation for our family and deliver results that allowed us to move forward and grow. I highly recommend Kyle and his team!
-
- Rena B.
IF you are caught in a bad situation in life and are looking for a Lawyer and investigator to fight, do their job well in fighting to prove your innocence in your case, you need Kyle and Victor on your side!!!
-
Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
-
Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Contact a Murder Attorney Serving Ridgecrest Today
If you’re facing a murder charge in Ridgecrest or anywhere in Kern County, the time to act is now. Reach out to Humphrey & Thompson and you’ll hear back promptly, often by the next business day or sooner. We can give you a clear picture of where things stand and what your options are.
Our murder defense attorneys have tried homicide cases, secured dismissals, and fought for not-guilty verdicts in courts across this county. That experience is what you need working for you.
Call (661) 760-7678 or contact us to speak with our murder lawyer in Ridgecrest.
