Are you facing violent crime charges? If so, you could be face-to-face with a very stressful and overwhelming experience, especially because the consequences of this type of conviction can be long-lasting in irreversible ways.
In California, violent crimes are taken very seriously, and those accused are often met with aggressive prosecution. If you or someone you love has been charged with a violent crime, it’s time to hire a San Juan Capistrano violent crimes lawyer.
At Simmrin Law Group, we have decades of legal experience. We’ve served thousands of clients, and we want to help you by serving as your San Juan Capistrano criminal defense lawyer.
The Definition of Violent Crimes in San Juan Capistrano
Violent crimes are offenses in which force or the threat of force is used against another person. These crimes can range from battery to homicide, with a number of other types of violent crimes in between.
In California, violent crimes are typically classified as felonies. The penalties for a conviction of this nature can include lengthy prison sentences, expensive fines, and long-term repercussions for both your reputation and your future.
With the help of a San Juan Capistrano violent crimes law firm, a San Juan Capistrano violent crimes lawyer with experience handling violent crimes cases can pinpoint the type of violent crime you are accused of committing. In the meantime, here are some charges you might face:
- Assault and battery
- Robbery
- Homicide
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
Assault and Battery
Assault is the intentional act of threatening—or attempting to threaten—to cause physical harm to another person. On the other hand, battery refers to actual physical contact with the victim, such as hitting, punching, or striking.
Assault and battery charges can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the case. Examples of this include whether or not the victim sustained significant injuries or if a weapon was involved.
Robbery
Robbery involves the use of force, fear, or intimidation to take control or ownership over another person’s property. Unlike theft, robbery involves the threat or use of violence.
That‘s what makes it a much more serious offense. If convicted, the defendant could face prison time, and their sentences are likely to be longer if weapons or violence were involved.
Homicide
Homicide—which is defined as the unlawful killing of another person—is a more serious violent crime charge. Homicide charges may include manslaughter, which is unlawful killing without premeditation, or first-degree murder, which is intentional and premeditated killing.
Convictions for homicide can result in long prison sentences or even the death penalty, depending on the nature of the offense. If you are wondering, “What should you do if you are accused of murder in California?” you should contact an attorney immediately.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence occurs when someone either harms or threatens to harm someone they either live with or are in a relationship with. For example, this includes current or former partners, spouses, or family members.
You might be wondering, “What crimes are considered domestic violence?” While your lawyer can go into greater detail, this type of behavior may include physical violence, verbal threats, stalking or intimidation, and psychological abuse.
California law takes domestic violence charges seriously. As such, those convicted of domestic violence can face penalties like restraining orders, required counseling sessions, court-ordered fines, and imprisonment.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault encompasses a wide range of offenses. This includes—but is not limited to—rape, attempted rape, and other forms of sexual-related violence.
These types of crimes carry an array of penalties under California law. That’s why a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, mandatory sex offender registration, and long-lasting damage not only to a person’s reputation but to their future, too.
For a free legal consultation with a violent crimes lawyer serving San Juan Capistrano, call (310) 896-2723
Possible Penalties for Violent Crimes in California
California has strict laws and sentencing guidelines for violent crimes. The penalties that you might face will vary depending on the crimes you’re charged with and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Your San Juan Capistrano violent crimes attorney will inform you as to whether or not any aggravating factors were involved in your case. This can refer to situations where you used a weapon, hurt someone of a certain age, or carried out a crime in a vulnerable situation.
Penalties for violent crimes in California can include:
- Prison sentences
- Fines
- Restitution
- Probation
San Juan Capistrano Violent Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Defending Against Violent Crime Charges
Building a case against violent crime charges requires your lawyer to craft a defense strategy that is tailored to the specific facts of your circumstances. That’s why we take a thorough, client-focused approach to every case we handle.
These are examples of defenses we commonly deploy in violent crime charges:
Self-Defense
One of the most common defenses in violent crime cases is self-defense. Under California law, you are justified in using force to protect yourself from imminent harm. If you were defending yourself or someone else from an attack, a self-defense argument may be an option.
False Accusations
People might make false accusations as a result of personal vendettas, innocent misunderstandings, or malicious intent. If the alleged victim either lies or misidentifies you as the perpetrator, your attorney can challenge their credibility and dispute the charges.
Lack of Intent
Many violent crime charges require the prosecution to prove that you—as the defendant—had full intent to commit the crime you’re charged with carrying out. If your attorney can show there was no intent present, your charges may be reduced or even dismissed.
Mistaken Identity
In some cases, the accused party might not have committed the crime. Rather, whoever is charged with the crime could have been mistaken for someone else. Mistaken identity can be a reasonable defense strategy if there is doubt as to the defendant’s involvement in the crime.
Insufficient Evidence
If the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof, the charges may be reduced or dismissed. A skilled lawyer will look for weaknesses in the evidence, such as unreliable witness testimony or a lack of physical evidence linking the defendant to the crime.
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Contact Us as Soon as Possible to Consult With a San Juan Capistrano Violent Crimes Law Firm Today
If you are facing violent crime charges in San Juan Capistrano, don’t wait to take action. You might feel isolated due to the stress that this type of accusation can make you feel, but you do not need to figure out this situation all by yourself.
Instead, call Simmrin Law Group and set up an initial consultation. When you reach out to our law firm, we can tell you more about us and what we can do to advocate for you.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form