Fresno Criminal Attorney Looks at Marion "Suge" Knight Murder Accusations and the Issue of Intentions

A recent murder case in California that's made the news involves Marion "Suge" Knight, who co-founded Death Row Records. Knight faces accusations of deliberately running over two people with his pick-up truck and then driving away, making it a hit-and-run. Among the charges he faces are murder. (While perpetrating the crime, he was also out on bail for a robbery charge.)

A key defense that Knight is apparently using involves intentionality. Did he hit the two victims on purpose or accidentally? He claims it was an accident. Law enforcement officials believe it was deliberate.

The issue of intentions

This is often a question that comes up during criminal cases. Was an action accidental or deliberate? If it was accidental, was it reckless? In other words, could the perpetrator have reasonably prevented such a thing from occurring? Even if the action was deliberate, was it done with malice or forethought? Or did it stem from a lack of control or loss of temper? All of these questions are critical for determining if a criminal charge is warranted. The issue of intentions can mean the difference between several years in prison and life in prison.

What can prove intentions? There's all sorts of evidence to examine. This includes witness testimony, video footage, digital evidence (e.g. emails), certain purchases, past threats, and various patterns of behavior. For instance, if there are signs that you planned a crime, such as buying certain weapons or equipment in advance, prosecutors can use this evidence to prove that you didn't act spontaneously. Evidence might be subject to different interpretations, some sounding more plausible than others.

You need a criminal attorney to analyze and question the evidence brought against you and present a strong case in court. Contact us for powerful legal representation.