The punishments for a violent crime in Santa Ana are ruinous. Charges are difficult to fight and can lead to fines and decades of time in jail or prison. You could even be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty in especially severe situations.
The Simmrin Law Group understands the seriousness of your charges. We believe in providing our clients with steadfast care throughout their legal battle. You can start getting help today from our highly-trained violent crimes lawyers in Santa Ana.
Santa Ana’s Charges for Domestic Violence
Domestic violence covers a wide range of actions taken against a current or previous romantic partner. You could be charged with domestic violence for any act that involves harassing or harming a partner or ex.
There are multiple charges that fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. Domestic battery is one charge that we see commonly. The court defines domestic battery as harmfully or offensively touching your current or ex-partner.
A conviction for domestic battery can result in:
- Jail Time: Up to 1 Year
- Fines: Up to $2,000
Any domestic violence conviction can cause the court system to refuse you custody of your children. You might also be denied spousal support due to a domestic violence conviction. A criminal defense lawyer in Santa Ana can help you fight domestic violence charges before they upend your life.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Assault and Battery Charges in Santa Ana
Assault and battery are very similar crimes that are often charged together. Understanding their differences is important if you are facing either or both charges.
Understanding Assault Charges
Assault involves willfully using force on another person. You must be aware that the force could lead to an injury to be convicted of assault. Note that you do not actually have to cause an injury to be convicted of assault.
The court system uses several charges to prosecute assault, depending on whether or not a weapon was used. You could be charged with:
- Simple Assault
- Assault with a Firearm
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury
Simple assault is a misdemeanor that can lead to:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 Months
- Fines: Up to $1,000
The other assault charges can be misdemeanors or felonies. They can be punished more harshly with:
- Prison Time: Up to 4 Years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Understanding Battery Charges
Unlike assault, you must actually harm another person to be charged with battery. Individuals who use force or violence against others unlawfully are committing battery. Battery that does not result in serious injuries can be charged as a misdemeanor leading to:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 Months
- Fines: Up to $2,000
You can face harsher charges for battering any kind of law enforcement officer or medical professional. Increased penalties are also used in the event that the battery results in serious injuries. In these situations, you could face:
- Imprisonment: Up to 4 Years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Charges for Murder in Santa Ana
The court defines murder as taking the life of another person without lawful reason. Murder is the most severely punished criminal act in Santa Ana. In fact, you can still be sentenced to the death penalty in California if you are found guilty of murder.
There are two different charges used to prosecute murder in Santa Ana:
First Degree Murder Charges
The court considers premeditated killings to be first degree murder. First degree murder is an incredibly serious charge that can lead to 25 years of imprisonment, life without parole, or the death penalty.
Second Degree Murder Charges
Second degree murder charges apply if an individual kills someone else without forethought or prior planning. You could end up spending 15 years to the rest of your life in prison if you are convicted of second degree murder.
Murder charges should be handled quickly. You can improve the odds of fighting a murder charge if you get professional help from a violent crimes lawyer in Santa Ana.
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Let a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Santa Ana Build Your Case
Your actions can help determine whether you win or lose your violent crimes case. You can improve your odds of beating criminal charges by getting help from a violent crimes lawyer in Santa Ana today. The Simmrin Law Group has the skills and experience to construct your defense. We’re here to talk about your options if you fill out our online contact form or call (310) 896-2723.
You can get the help you need by contacting us now for a FREE consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form