Many of us think about what we would do if we were the victims of violent crimes. But what if you have been accused of committing a violent crime? Your life will be turned upside down as you learn about the serious penalties you could face if you are convicted.
In America, you have the right to due process and the right to be represented by an attorney. If you have been charged with a violent crime, you need help from an Encino violent crimes lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group.
Common Violent Crimes in Encino
There are several violent crimes that you can be accused of committing. One of the most common examples is murder. Murder is an intentional and unlawful crime. To be accused of murder, you must be accused of committing the crime with “malice aforethought.”
“Malice aforethought” is the mental intent required for a murder conviction. It must be proven that you intend to take another person’s life. Mental intent is one of the differences between murder and other acts of homicide. The prosecution must prove that your criminal activity was premeditated.
Regardless of your charge, a violent crimes lawyer in Encino will work to protect your rights. They will help when you face accusations of many other crimes.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is the act of violating a person’s sexual boundaries. It is a crime when one person engages in unwanted sexual intercourse with another person. This unwanted sexual activity often happens through force or the threat of force.
Some examples of sexual assault include statutory rape, marital rape, and date rape. Like mental intent, consent is a crucial factor in sexual assault charges. The lack of consent is what prosecutors will use to determine whether an offender should be charged with sexual assault.
Assault
Assault is a violent act of unwanted physical contact from one person to another.
Like other violent crimes, the action must have been taken intentionally. It must also be taken through the threat of immediate harm or physical force.
Even though assault is a misdemeanor, it can easily become a felony based on several circumstances. If you were accused of assaulting someone with a weapon, the presence of that weapon would cause your assault charge to become a felony.
The amount of harm caused by the assault also determines whether it will be classified as a felony. If the victim suffers serious bodily harm, you may be charged with aggravated assault.
Arson
Arson is a violent crime that causes serious property damage. It involves the intentional burning of another person’s property. In the past, arson has only been applied to residential properties.
For you to be accused of committing arson, it must be proven that you committed the intentional destruction of property. Many people commit arson for insurance fraud or to cover up another crime. However, you cannot be convicted based on an accidental fire.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is another violent crime with serious consequences. It involves the crime of abducting someone and holding them hostage. Kidnapping is a crime that does not just happen to minors. It is a serious crime committed by terrorist groups, gangs, and other criminals.
Criminals frequently resort to kidnapping as a way to extort money. They may attempt to force the victim’s family or company to pay a ransom in exchange for the victim’s return. Just like other violent crimes, kidnapping can become a felony if other crimes are committed during the kidnapping. Committing sexual assault amid the kidnapping, for example, is a potentially aggravating factor that will raise the misdemeanor to the level of a felony.
Consequences of Violent Crimes
Violent crimes can cause detrimental harm to victims, from serious bodily harm to death. As a result, convictions of violent crimes can be harsher. With murder, for example, you can face 25 years to life in state prison based on other factors of the crime.
You may face life imprisonment or be sentenced to death, depending on the jurisdiction where the crime is tried. You may have to pay higher fines and other forms of restitution. You may also be sentenced to probation for a year or longer.
If you face a charge with these consequences, having a skilled Encino violent crimes attorney from Simmrin Law Group can make the difference in how much time you spend in prison. We can also work to potentially have your charge reduced, lower your fines, or enroll you in alternative programs for rehabilitation.
What a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Encino, CA, Can Do for You
From the second that you have been arrested, you need the help of a violent crimes attorney in Encino, CA. The attorneys at Simmrin Law Group are experienced in dealing with complex, violent crime charges. They can advise you on the next steps that you should take when fighting against these accusations. Our large professional legal team can guide how to navigate the legal process.
Present a Convincing Defense
Your Simmrin violent crimes lawyer can use their knowledge to defend your case convincingly. All it takes is the right compelling argument to convince jurors or a judge that you are not guilty of the charges or that your role in the crime has been overblown. We work to protect your rights throughout your case.
Violent crime attorneys can analyze your case and examine flaws using police officers’ methods. Casting doubt on the prosecution’s evidence is a great way to present a defense that protects your legal rights.
Our team will investigate and develop your case using the most compelling evidence to convince a court that you do not deserve full punishment.
Consult with a Violent Crimes Attorney in Encino, CA, Today
When you have been accused of a violent crime, you want to use the best expertise possible to avoid a conviction. To secure the best legal representation available, speak with an Encino violent crimes lawyer who can assess your case.
Contact us today to talk to an Encino violent crimes lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group.