Patricide and Matricide Cases

Teens and Young Adults Charged With Killing a Parent or Guardian

When a parent is killed by his or her child, it is a profound family tragedy of unimaginable proportions. The sad reality is that the overwhelming majority of children, teenagers and young adults who kill their mothers or fathers do so as a direct response to extreme family dysfunction which usually manifests itself in the form of the child being sexually, physically or psychologically abused.

Patricides (the killing of a father) and matricides (the killing of a mother) are rare events, making up about one to two per cent of all the homicides committed in the United States. Because patricides and matricides occur so infrequently in the U.S, it is important to have an attorney who has experience in understanding and defending these cases.

Since 1983, Paul has directly represented or assisted other attorneys in representing children, teenagers and young adults in 33 states. He is the author of the landmark book When A Child Kills: Abused Children Who Kill Their Parents published in 1991 as well as a number of legal and mental health professional journals on the subject. This book has been cited as an authoritative source by several state appellate courts and has been referred to in over twenty legal journal articles.

In addition to representing individuals in Oregon and California where he is admitted to practice law, Paul also works with attorneys throughout the United States as either co-counsel through pro hac vice admission or he assists in the capacity of an expert consultant.

Paul also represents persons convicted in patricide, matricide and domestic violence homicides  in  appeals, parole hearings and clemency actions. If you are a loved one, relative or friend of a youth or young adult who has been charged with killing their mother, father or guardian, please contact Paul Mones. The first consultation is free and confidential.

Paul Mones serves clients in Oregon and California where he is admitted to practice law. He also has cooperative relationships with other attorneys around the nation and through pro hac vice admission, can provide assistance to victims and accused persons in other states. For more information, please contact Paul using his online contact form.