First Degree Murder

Defendant got drunk and met his cousin at an apartment. The cousin got into a fight with a neighbor and lost the fight. The defendant became angry, grabbed a steak knife and confronted the victim and his friend in the parking lot. The victim tried to run away but the defendant caught him in the middle of the street and stabbed him multiple times. When they were driving around after the killing they were chased by the police. The cousin fired several rounds at the officer and the defendant ran away.

Defendant’s exposure was 25- life - additional life count was possible if charges were filed in the incident with the police officer.

Rich met with the prosecutor numerous times in an attempt to convince him not to file the charges relating to the police officer and to negotiate the murder charge. After the final meeting the DDA agreed to a manslaughter charge, less than 10 years, and a promise that no charges would be filed for the shooting at the officer.