If you or someone you love is facing charges for violent crimes, you are probably terrified, unable to sleep, and imagining the worst. As violent crime convictions bring severe penalties, these reactions are understandable. Do not sit in that fear and worry.
Reach out to an Orange County violent crimes lawyer from Simmrin Law Group today. Our firm has a reputation for taking on the toughest challenges, bringing our clients a better night’s sleep and working towards the best legal outcome possible.
Violent Crimes Defined
Violent crimes are actions one individual commits against another with the purpose of causing harm to the victim. Often these actions result in moderate or serious injury or even death. Most violent crimes are classified as violent felonies and carry serious penalties.
Among other offenses, California Penal Code 667.5 includes the following as violent felonies:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Rape
- Mayhem
- Robbery
- Attempted Murder
- Kidnapping
- Assault
- Any felony punishable by death or a life sentence in state prison
Crimes can be considered violent even if the victim is not ultimately injured. The intent to cause injury is enough.
For example, assault is classified as a violent crime. If you attempt to touch someone intending to cause them harm or attempt to attack them with a deadly weapon and fail, your assault charge can still carry the “violent” classification.
For a free legal consultation with a violent crimes lawyer serving Orange County, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Violent Felonies
Felonies are crimes that can be punished by more than one year of incarceration, up to $10,000 in fines, and probation. Convicted offenders must also disclose their felony status on job applications if asked.
Penalties for violent felonies depend on the severity of the crime and harm inflicted, and who was harmed in the act. For example, crimes against children or the elderly bring tougher consequences. Violent felonies generally produce sentences of multiple years to life in prison.
For example:
- A charge of mayhem can bring sentences of two, four, or eight years in state prison
- A first-degree robbery charge produces a nine-year sentence
- First-degree murder can bring a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty.
Under PC 667.5(c), offenders convicted of violent felonies are subject to additional consequences, including
- Prison term enhancements
- A “strike” that counts toward California’s three strikes sentencing laws
- Loss of firearm ownership rights
- Immigration consequences, such as deportation
Orange County Violent Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How California’s Three Strikes Sentencing Law Works
California PC 667 codifies California’s sentencing practices for offenders of repeat violent felonies. Upon a second violent felony conviction, the offender’s prison sentence is doubled. Upon a third, offenders receive a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
Offenders receive strikes for “serious” felonies such as first-degree burglary, grand theft involving a firearm, and others listed in PC 1192.7(c), and for “violent” felonies as listed in PC 667.5.
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Serious Penalties Require a Strong Defense
A violent crime conviction can cost you thousands of dollars, affect your employment and earning potential, separate you from friends and family, and take your freedom for years or a lifetime. Prosecutors will use every resource available to win that conviction. That is the nature of their job.
With so much at stake, you must secure legal representation and protect yourself with the comprehensive legal defense offered by a Simmrin Law Group Orange County violent crimes attorney. Your attorney has the knowledge and expertise to take on the prosecution’s case, have your charges reduced or dismissed, and your consequences mitigated.
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Put Your Case in the Hands of an Expert
Under our legal system, anyone accused is innocent until proven guilty. That cherished premise sounds simple, but in reality, fighting charges is a complicated process.
Interpreting and Applying the Law
Though presented in definite terms, laws are subject to interpretation and not always applied consistently. As a legal expert, your Orange County violent crimes attorney will assess whether your actions rise to the level of the charges against you and fight against any unfair application of the law.
Building a Defense
Not just a legal expert, your violent crimes defense attorney in Orange County also has strong investigative skills and far-reaching connections. Your lawyer will investigate every aspect of the event leading to your charges and all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you. Through this investigation and through connections with specialists, experts, and analysts in relevant fields, your lawyer will gather evidence, arguments, and opinions to support your defense.
Managing Court Proceedings
Court proceedings require a lot of paperwork and court appearances. Of course, all documents must be prepared with total accuracy and filed by strict deadlines. At court appearances, offenders must know both how to address the court properly and know what not to say.
Managing these practical parts of the case is second nature to a skilled violent crimes lawyer in Orange County. Your lawyer will ensure your case moves through the process smoothly and you are prepared for all appearances.
Negotiating with Prosecutors
Negotiating for reduced or dismissed charges is your defender’s most important job and most valuable skill. Your lawyer will find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and application of the law and introduce mitigating factors to assist your defense. Successful negotiations have the potential to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors, shorten prison sentences, or replace prison sentences with probation.
How to Defend Against Charges of Violent Crimes
In a criminal case, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. After a meticulous review of your case, your Orange County violent crimes defense lawyer will develop an aggressive and intelligent defense strategy to bring you the best outcome. Depending on the specifics of your case, your lawyer may use one or a combination of these defenses:
- You acted in self-defense.
- You acted under duress.
- You did not commit the act and are a victim of mistaken identity or false accusation.
- Your Constitutional Rights were violated either at the time of the arrest or through events leading to your arrest.
- There is insufficient evidence to prove your guilt.
You Deserve the Best Defense
At Simmrin Law Group, we believe every defendant is entitled to a robust, first-class defense, and that is what our lawyers provide. Visit our contact page and schedule a completely free consultation with a violent crimes attorney in Orange County today and sleep better tonight.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form