Have you been charged with a violent crime in Chula Vista? The police and courts take these charges very seriously, and you could be looking at years in prison if found guilty. Thanks to California’s Three Strikes law, you need immediate legal help if you’ve been arrested for a violent crime.
The Simmrin Law Group helps people like you fight violent crime charges. Our team knows the local courts and how to build strong defenses for our clients. Our Chula Vista violent crimes lawyers have helped many people avoid jail time or get their charges reduced.
Don’t wait to get help with your case. Every day you wait gives the police and district attorney more time to build their case against you. Protect your future by contacting our Chula Vista criminal defense lawyers now.
Immediate Steps After Being Arrested
What you do right after getting arrested is extremely important. First, don’t talk to the police without a lawyer. Many people think if they explain things, they’ll be let go. This usually makes things worse. The police are not on your side.
The police might try to question you, but you have the right to wait for your lawyer. Tell them you want a lawyer. Call a Chula Vista violent crimes attorney as soon as possible after your arrest, then stay quiet until we arrive.
Tell your family not to post about your case on social media. The police and prosecutors look at social media to find evidence they can use against you. Everything should go through your lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a violent crimes lawyer serving Chula Vista, call (310) 896-2723
About Violent Crime Charges
The law in California says a violent crime is when you hurt someone on purpose or make them think you’re going to hurt them. The police might charge you with a violent crime even if no one got hurt, just for making threats.
Each violent crime case is unique, but they all need a strong defense. Here are some of the charges we defend in Chula Vista:
- Physical Fights (Assault and Battery)
- Threats to Hurt Someone
- Using a Weapon to Hurt Someone
- Home Invasion
- Domestic Violence
- Armed Robbery
- Murder or Attempted Murder
- Gang Violence
- Kidnapping
- Carjacking
Different violent crimes have different punishments. Some might only give you a few months in jail. Others could put you in prison for many years or even life. This depends on things like how badly someone was hurt, if there was a weapon involved, and your past criminal record.
What Police and Prosecutors Must Prove
Just because you got arrested doesn’t mean you’ll be found guilty. The people trying to convict you (called prosecutors) must prove specific things about your case to the jury. Your lawyer will try to disprove these things.
The prosecutors need evidence that shows you did the crime. They can’t just say you look guilty or that someone said you did it. They need to present things like witness statements, videos, or physical evidence that proves you committed the crime you’re accused of.
Our violent crimes attorneys in Chula Vista know what prosecutors need to prove for each type of violent crime. They also know how to push back against the evidence they have and persuade the jury to give you a favorable verdict.
Chula Vista Violent Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Getting Out of Jail While Your Case Continues
Most people charged with violent crimes can get out of jail by paying bail. Bail is money you pay to the court as a promise you’ll return for your court dates. Violent crime charges usually have high bail amounts.
By getting out of jail, you can prepare better for your trial and organize your life in advance if you are sentenced. We can ask the judge to lower your bail by showing that:
- You have strong ties to Chula Vista
- You’re not likely to run away
- You’re not a danger to others
- You’ll come back to court
If you can’t pay bail, we might be able to help you get released without paying. This is called “OR release” (own recognizance). We’ve helped many clients get released while fighting their cases.
Click to contact our Chula Vista Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Defending Against Violent Crime Charges
We look carefully at every part of your case to find the best defense. Sometimes we can show you were defending yourself or someone else. Other times, we prove the police didn’t follow the rules when arresting you.
Here are some common defenses we use:
- You were protecting yourself or others
- Someone else committed the crime
- The incident was an accident
- The police violated your rights
- Witnesses are lying or mistaken
- There’s not enough evidence to prove guilt
Every case needs its own defense plan. We pick the strategies that work best for your specific situation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
California’s Three Strikes Law and Violent Crimes
California’s Three Strikes Law punishes people who commit several serious or violent crimes. Each serious or violent felony conviction counts as a “strike” on your record. These strikes stay on your record forever and lead to much longer prison sentences.
If you get a second strike, your prison sentence will be twice as long as normal. If you get a third strike, you could go to prison for 25 years to life, even if your third crime wasn’t as serious as your first two. Most violent crimes count as strikes.
That’s why it’s so important to fight violent crime charges. Even if you think the evidence against you is strong, we may be able to get your charge reduced to something that won’t count as a strike. This could protect you from much harsher punishments.
How Our Law Firm Helps You
We will start helping as soon as you call us. First, we work to get you out of jail if you’re still there. Then, we start our own investigation of what happened to prepare for the process of your criminal trial.
We examine all the evidence, talk to witnesses, and check whether the police followed all the rules. If they didn’t, we can often get evidence thrown out of court, which might dismiss your whole case.
We also negotiate with prosecutors to try to reduce or drop your charges. If they don’t give you a fair deal, we’re ready to fight your case in court.
Contact Our Chula Vista Violent Crimes Defense Team
You need help right now if you’re facing violent crime charges in Chula Vista. These cases move quickly, and mistakes early on can hurt your defense later.
Contact Simmrin Law Group today for help with your case. We’ll listen to your story and explain how we can help. We fight hard to protect our clients’ rights and freedom.
Don’t face these serious charges alone. The sooner you call our Chula Vista violent crimes attorneys, the better chance we have of winning your case. Your future could depend on getting the right legal help right now.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form