If you are charged with any sort of violent crime, you should take it very seriously. A conviction for one of these crimes can lead to extended prison time, maybe even a life sentence. If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime such as assault, domestic violence or murder, it’s important you seek the help of an experienced violent crimes lawyer in Glendale.
Here at the Simmrin Law Group, we have lawyers who specialize in defending clients charged with violent crimes in Glendale, CA. And if your case goes to trial, you can rest assured that we will prepare a strong defense. Our Glendale criminal defense law firm wins a lot of cases for our clients. In many cases, we have been able to get the most serious charges reduced or get the DA’s office to drop the charges altogether.
Each case is different, so while we can’t guarantee we can get the violent crimes charges reduced or dismissed, we can guarantee that our lawyers will treat you as if you were a member of our family. We will work to protect your rights and get you the best possible legal outcome we can in your case.
Types of Violent Crimes Cases We Handle
Our violent crimes lawyers have years of experience, so we know how only one violent crime conviction can forever alter your life, not to mention the life of your family. We believe everyone deserves the best possible defense, no matter what the charges against you are.
Assault
In Glendale, an assault charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as if you merely shoved or slapped someone, if you used a weapon during the assault, and how seriously the other person was hurt.
Potential penalties if you are convicted range from six months in jail to 4 years in state prison, as well as up to $10,000 in fines.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Assault with a deadly weapon can be a misdemeanor or a felony charge. A lot depends on what sort of weapon you’re accused of using and how seriously the other person was injured. Keep in mind, a weapon doesn’t have to be a gun or a knife — it could be a vehicle if someone was run over, it could be a beer bottle in a bar fight, or even having your dog attack someone.
Penalties for assault with a deadly weapon in Glendale range from less than a year in county jail to four years in state prison. Punishment can be harsher if you are convicted of assaulting a police officer, or you used a gun.
Assault with a Firearm
Assault with a firearm is an even more serious charge where a conviction could result in years spent in prison and a “strike” on your record. Assault with a firearm is the charge whether you had a pistol, a hunting rifle, a semi-automatic weapon or any other firearm.
Penalties for assault with a firearm in Glendale range from less than six months in jail to 12 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Battery
California’s Penal Code defines battery simply as any willful use of violence or force against someone else. Battery involves actual forcible physical contact, while assault may be just the attempt to injure someone. Because of that, a conviction on a charge of battery can carry stiffer penalties than assault.
The various levels of battery are quite complicated, based on who you injured, how badly they were injured, whether it was a first-time offense, and more. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced violent crimes lawyer helping guide your defense.
Domestic Battery
A domestic battery charge is commonly used in domestic disputes, and a conviction can affect your child custody or divorce case. Domestic battery is a battery against a current or previous family member, spouse, partner or someone you have been in a relationship with.
Domestic battery is a misdemeanor and carries potential penalties of:
- Up to a year in county jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- 3 years of unsupervised probation
- Paying for and completing a 1-year program on domestic violence
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a comprehensive term that covers several different situations where one person hurts, tries to hurt, or harrasses their partner or ex. This can include physical or emotional abuse as well as stalking or making threats.
Penalties depend on the nature of the charge, whether the other person was injured and how seriously, if it’s a repeated offense, and much more. Keep in mind that both men and women can be charged with domestic violence.
Murder
If you’ve been charged with murder, you need professional legal help from an experienced violent crimes lawyer immediately. Your life could depend on it. But there is hope. Many times, we can get murder charges reduced or even dismissed.
Under California law, in order for you to be convicted of murder, the prosecution must prove three things:
- You did something that caused the death of another person (or a fetus).
- At the time you did it, you had a state of mind known as malice aforethought and
- There was no legal justification for your actions (such as self-defense).
Penalties if you’re convicted of murder range from 15 years to life in prison, or even the death penalty.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
If You’ve Been Arrested for a Violent Crime
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a violent crime, there are 3 important things to remember:
- Don’t talk to the police.
- Never plead guilty.
- Consult with a lawyer.
Don’t Tell the Police Anything
Everything you say to the police can be used against you in court. The police will try and get you talking and may even lie to you in an effort to get you to say what they want to hear. You have the right to an attorney.. All you need to say is say you want to speak to one — then don’t say anything else until you have an experienced violent crimes lawyer at your side.
Don’t Plead Guilty Without a Lawyer’s Advice
The District Attorney’s office may offer you a plea deal where they offer you something in return for pleading guilty to charges. Never plead guilty to charges without talking to a violent crimes attorney first. Many times, a good lawyer can work to get you a better deal.
Work with a Skilled Violent Crimes Lawyer
You may be assigned a public defender. But their office is incredibly overworked and and understaffed, and someone may only meet with you for a few minutes before your first court hearing. The Simmrin Law Group will meet with you for FREE to discuss your case and help you take the first steps in your defense.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Talk to a Glendale, CA Violent Crimes Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime,,you need an experienced violent crimes lawyer on your side. Call the Simmrin Law Group in Glendale at 310-896-2723 or use our contact form for a free case evaluation. We’re available to help you 24/7 and can meet you at the police department, in the hospital, or wherever you need us to meet you.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form