Reputable Criminal Defense Attorneys Representing the Legal Rights of Clients Throughout Southern California

Understanding the term “violent crime” is essential for both the accused and their criminal defense team. This broad categorization encompasses a wide range of offenses. In the California criminal justice system, it is critical to understand what constitutes violence, as it is typically the deciding factor in whether you will be charged with a felony. The distinction between a simple offense and a violent crime can be the difference between a lighter sentence and a more serious felony charge, with more severe penalties. An experienced violent crimes lawyer can help you understand the distinction and the options available to you.

Before representing yourself, relying on the legal services of a public defender, or pleading guilty to the violent crime charges, we strongly recommend that you contact our Los Angeles law firm to schedule a free and confidential case consultation with our experienced criminal defense team. Our criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record of success representing clients accused of various criminal charges, including theft crimes, DUI offenses, and violent crimes. As your legal representatives, we will explore all options to help you avoid the most severe consequences of a criminal conviction, including thinking outside the box to devise solutions that other attorneys may have otherwise dismissed.

To learn more about the benefits of retaining our services, please contact our North Hollywood-based law firm and request your free initial consultation with our legal team today.

What Are Examples of Violent Crimes Recognized by California Law?

Given that California’s legal framework is both expansive and meticulously detailed, the knowledge of a proficient Los Angeles violent crime lawyer can be invaluable for accurately interpreting the classification of violent crimes and guiding the defense of a case.

Below is a list of what is considered a violent act according to California statutes:

• Murder or Voluntary Manslaughter: This grave crime stands as a testament to the state’s uncompromising approach to ensuring justice
• Mayhem: A crime shrouded in unpredictability, mayhem often presents multifaceted challenges. Due to its complex nature, individuals involved invariably seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles violent crime lawyer
• Sexual Offenses: Acts like rape, sodomy, child molestation, sexual assault, and related offenses carry severe legal consequences
• Oral copulation of a minor or of an adult without consent
• Lewd acts on a child under the age of 14 years: California courts prioritize the safety of the state’s most vulnerable, including minors. Any case where violence is directed against minors can lead to severe penalties, including a mandatory sex offender registration
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child
• Any felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life
• Any felony in which the defendant personally inflicts significant bodily injury on any person other than an accomplice, or any felony in which the defendant uses a firearm or other deadly weapon
• Assault with the intent to commit a specified felony
• Any robbery offense
• Domestic violence
• Arson in violation of subdivision (a) or (b) of Penal Code Section 451
• Diverse Criminal Actions: This broad category encompasses a wide range of offenses, from attempted murder to carjacking. Due to the vast scope, violent crimes lawyers are frequently called upon to provide their expert legal opinions and defense strategies
• Extortion, as defined in Penal Code Section 518, which would constitute a felony violation of Section 186.22 of the Penal Code (relating to criminal street gang sentencing enhancements)
• Threats to victims or witnesses
• A violation of Penal Code Sections 12308, 12309, or 12310 (regarding destructive devices or explosives): Crimes involving explosives or devices intended to cause harm carry grave implications
• Gang-related crimes
• Residential Burglaries with Victims at Home: With the added dimension of victims, these burglaries present heightened legal challenges
• Highly Specialized Violations: Certain crimes, due to their specialized nature, require the sharp insights of violent crimes lawyers who are well-versed in specific penal codes and their interpretations
• Any violation of Penal Code Section 12022.53
• A violation of subdivision (b) or (c) of Penal Code Section 11418 (relating to weapons of mass destruction)
• Kidnapping
• And more

Grasping the breadth and depth of these categories, and the subtleties that lie within, is no small feat. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable violent crimes lawyer is essential to ensure clarity, proper representation, and laying a robust foundation for any ensuing legal procedures.

Are You Facing Criminal Charges for Domestic Violence?

Among the most common violent crime cases are those involving domestic violence accusations. Domestic violence cases can be particularly complex, not just in legal terms but because of the complex emotions at play. After all, domestic violence charges exclusively relate to violent offenses involving intimate partners, fellow household members, and ex-spouses or ex-romantic partners.

Under the California Penal Code, domestic violence incidents can be charged under multiple sections, including inflicting visible injuries on a spouse, cohabitant, or former cohabitant, as well as spousal battery. Depending on the severity of the domestic violence charges, a criminal conviction can result in several years behind bars, mandatory anger management counseling, and more.

Before you plead guilty and accept the life-altering consequences of a domestic violence charge, contact our law firm to discuss the particulars of your case with our experienced criminal attorneys. Our offices offer free consultations to prospective new clients interested in retaining our legal services.

When Do Violent Crimes Result in Felony Charges in Los Angeles County?

Each offense mentioned is a “strike” in California. If you’ve had prior offenses, consulting a violent crimes lawyer becomes essential. Previous convictions of any of these crimes will automatically double a subsequent sentence. Furthermore, under California’s Three Strikes Law, a third conviction may result in an automatic prison sentence of 25 years to life.

Violent felonies on your record will most certainly impact your employment opportunities, housing options, and voting privileges. Do not take any chances with your freedom and future; retain an experienced violent crimes lawyer at Wegman & Levin today to get over 65 years of combined experience in your corner.

What Are the Potential Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction in LA?

If the prosecutors can prove the defendant’s guilt, several legal consequences may ensue. In addition to the legal punishments, the burden of having a permanent criminal record can also negatively impact your prospects, including limiting your possibilities for preferred employment, housing, education, and more.

The severity of the consequences in your case will depend upon several factors, not least of which is the exact crimes you are accused of having committed. The distinction between misdemeanor and felony charges is perhaps the key determining factor in how serious the punishments are likely to be.

Potential penalties for a violent crime conviction can include the following:

• Life imprisonment
• County jail sentences that may last several years
• Mandatory attendance in domestic violence classes 
• Restraining orders
• Hefty fines, including attorney’s legal fees, court fees, and restitution to the victim
• Community service

Depending on prior convictions and specific aggravating factors in your violent crime or assault charges, the judge may enhance the penalties beyond the standard maximum sentencing. In such cases, it may be advisable for your attorneys to negotiate with the prosecution in hopes of securing a more favorable plea bargain.

What Legal Defense Strategies Could Be Useful in Your Criminal Case?

The defense strategy that is most suitable for your case will depend on the charges you are facing and the particular facts relating to the offense. Our criminal defense attorneys will explore all options to create a uniquely tailored defense strategy capable of helping you avoid the most serious consequences of a guilty verdict.

Examples of common defense strategies include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

You were acting in self-defense or in the defense of another person

There was no willful intent to cause injury or harm to befall another individual

You lacked the ability to inflict physical harm on another party 

The alleged victim has falsely accused you of a violent crime for selfish purposes

You are the unfortunate case of mistaken identity

The injuries that befell the alleged victim were not serious enough to warrant severe criminal charges

Your civil rights were violated by law enforcement

There were issues with the police and investigation procedures, which can result in evidence being suppressed

And more

Contact Our Criminal Law Firm to Schedule Your Free Consultation with Our Experienced North Hollywood Violent Crime Lawyers Today

If you are facing criminal charges under suspicion of committing a violent act against another person, you must take these allegations very seriously and act quickly to retain legal representation. Our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in cases involving violent crimes. We worked tirelessly to defend our clients and help them seek the most favorable outcomes possible in their legal matters.

Contact our Southern California law firm to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our criminal lawyers today.

Call us at 818-495-8330.