Civil Justice
California Attorney for Families of Homicide Victims
Families may face lengthy criminal proceedings, sentencing, restitution, parole, and possible civil claims.
Updated September 23, 2026
Reviewed for publication by Mark A. Amador | Former California prosecutor | Partner, Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP
Family rights
The constitutional definition of victim can include specified family members and lawful representatives in defined circumstances.
Continuity
Private counsel can help a family understand proceedings, organize concerns, prepare for participation, and address restitution.
Civil accountability
A homicide may also create wrongful-death, survival, or other civil issues depending on the facts and legally responsible parties.
Legal reference: California Constitution article I, section 28; California DOJ victim-rights materials. Parole-specific pages also rely on current CDCR victim-services guidance. This page is general information, not legal advice.
General information only. Rights, procedures, deadlines, and available remedies can depend on the facts and the stage of the case.