Nobody wants to do something violent. But sometimes, things can spiral out of control. If you’re convicted of a violent crime, it could follow you around and ruin your chances at a normal life. Our team of Lakewood violent crimes attorneys can help you get a reduced sentence – or even get your charges dropped entirely.
Simmrin Law Group has years of experience, and we want to use our resources to help you out of your situation. We know criminal defense, and we know how to navigate your case. We’re available for free consultations to review your charges and develop a defense strategy.
What Is Considered a Violent Crime?
According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), a violent crime is any crime in which someone is “harmed or threatened with violence.” This could, but does not always, involve a weapon. A violent crime is a serious accusation, and if someone has accused you of one, you may be wondering how you can get help.
Our violent crimes lawyers in Lakewood can get you the resources you need for a fair defense. If you aren’t sure whether your actions actually count as violent crime, you can get a free consultation with our team. A criminal defense attorney can assess your situation and help you understand the position that you’re in.
Types of Violent Crimes in Lakewood
The term “violent crime” is a large umbrella, under which many crimes of differing severity fall. No matter which violent crime charge you’re facing, one of our violent crimes attorneys in Lakewood can construct a defense and help you avoid the worst consequences.
Common types of violent crimes in Lakewood include:
Assault and Battery
Often lumped together, assault and battery are actually two different crimes in California. Assault is the attempt to use force or violence. But under California Penal Code (CPC) § 242, battery is the actual use of force or violence on another person.
Battery isn’t just hitting or punching someone. There are a variety of things that could fall under battery in California, including throwing something at someone, spitting on them, or even pinching them with enough force. Basically, making forceful contact with someone who is not consenting.
Battery is usually a misdemeanor, which is less serious than a felony. However, if you hurt someone enough in the process of battery, you could be facing a heightened charge of battery causing serious bodily injury, which can carry much harsher penalties.
Robbery
In almost every case, robbery is a felony. That’s according to CPC § 211, which defines robbery as taking someone else’s property by means of force or fear. This can include a burglary in which you physically threaten someone in their house or a theft in which you threaten someone after they discover you’re stealing.
Because robbery has to involve force or fear, a Lakewood violent crimes attorney could be able to talk down your charge. A common legal defense for robbery is that you did not actually threaten the other party. Other common defenses include that you thought you had a right to the property or that you were falsely accused.
Arson
With California’s history of wildfires, arson is considered a serious crime and carries high penalties. That’s why arson is a felony, according to CPC 451. That defines arson as the willful and malicious burning of a building, forest land, or someone else’s property.
An alternative to an arson charge is reckless burning. Reckless burning is simply recklessly setting fire to a building, forest land, or property, but not necessarily with malice. Reckless burning could be either a misdemeanor or a felony, so you’ll want a lawyer by your side who could help you avoid a serious charge.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a term that is commonly used for various different crimes. These can include:
- Domestic battery
- Child abuse
- Child neglect
- Child neglect
- Corporal injury to a spouse
- Elder abuse
The state of California takes domestic abuse very seriously. However, there are some defenses that a skilled defense attorney could be able to use to reduce your charges or get them dropped.
If you were defending yourself, you might avoid the fines and jail time associated with domestic battery. False accusations also happen, or your actions may have been blown out of proportion.
At your initial consultation, a domestic violence lawyer will assess your case and tell you what the next steps should be. If you agree to hire them, they’ll use everything in their power to defend you. By negotiating with the prosecutor and investigating your case, our team may be able to get your charges dropped.
Penalties for Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are often treated much more harshly by the state of California than other crimes, so their penalties can be much higher. Common penalties for violent crimes can include:
- Battery:
- Up to six months in prison
- A fine of up to $2,000
- First-degree robbery:
- Up to six years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Felony probation
- Up to nine possible years in prison if your robbery was in conjunction with two or more other people
- Second-degree robbery:
- Up to five years
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Felony probation
- Domestic violence:
- Depending on your charge, anywhere between six months and four years in prison
- Mandatory domestic violence classes
- Loss of custody of your children
- Victim restitution
- Battery:
Along with those consequences, you will also have the burden of a violent crime charge on your record for the rest of your life. That can make it extremely hard to get a good job or a loan, and if you are convicted of a felony, you could even lose your right to vote.
However, a violent crimes lawyer in Lakewood could be able to help you avoid the worst of the penalties for your charge. Our firm knows how to navigate even the hardest of cases in order to reduce your chances of getting jail time and expensive fines. During your consultation, they will tell you what penalties you’re likely to face and how we can help you out of them.
Talk to a Lakewood Violent Crimes Attorney Today
A violent crime charge is something that can follow you around for the rest of your life. The extensive fines and possible jail time that they might bring can derail everything. Help from a skilled California defense attorney could get you back on track.
The Lakewood violent crimes lawyers at Simmrin Law Group understand your situation and want to help. Contact us today to get your free consultation.