If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, you’ll need a capable defense attorney on your side right away. Although violent crime charges and their penalties vary, this penal code category is treated seriously by courts in Orange County and throughout California.
As one of Southern California’s leading violent crimes law firms, Simmrin Law Group has the experience and knowledge to help you successfully fight your criminal charges. Our Tustin violent crimes attorneys are ready to get to work on your case and start crafting a winning strategy for you.
What Is Considered a Violent Crime in California?
Offenses that involve the use of force against another person are classified as violent crimes. In some cases, even making the threat of force while involved in other criminal behavior is enough to trigger charges for a violent crime.
This definition will vary from one jurisdiction to the next, but charges that could fall under the umbrella of violent crimes in California include:
- Murder or voluntary manslaughter: Intentionally taking someone else’s life, either with or without premeditation
- Rape: Nonconsensual sexual contact
- Assault: An act that has the potential to inflict physical harm on someone
- Battery: The actual infliction of bodily injury on another person
- Domestic violence: Aggressive or abusive behavior directed toward someone in the same home
- Kidnapping: Confining or transporting someone to another location against their will
- Robbery: Using force or threats to take another person’s belongings
- Burglary: Unlawfully entering a home or business with the intent to commit a crime
- Carjacking: Stealing an occupied vehicle using force or threats
For a free legal consultation with a violent crimes lawyer serving Tustin, call (310) 896-2723
What Is the Punishment for Violent Crime in Tustin?
Since violent crimes are considered more dangerous and threatening to the public than non-violent crimes, these charges usually come with more significant penalties. Sentencing specifics will depend on whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor charge.
- A violent crime charged as a felony is nearly always punishable by time in an Orange County jail or a California state prison. However, the judge will have the discretion to hand down the low-, medium-, or high-term sentence based on case details and the defendant’s criminal history.
- A conviction for a misdemeanor charge may be punishable by a fine and incarceration for up to a year.
Some violent crimes are automatic felony charges, others are always considered misdemeanors, and some violent crimes are called “wobblers.” In a wobbler, it’s up to the prosecutor to charge the case as a felony or a misdemeanor.
With the help of a Simmrin Law Group violent crimes attorney in Tustin, you may even be able to petition the courts to have a felony charge or conviction reduced to a misdemeanor.
Tustin Violent Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Can I Fight My Violent Crime Charges?
Our law firm believes that every defendant deserves to have a skilled attorney working with the courts and prosecutor on their behalf. The judge often needs to know about mitigating circumstances, which we will gather and incorporate into your defense.
We will delve into your case and listen to your side of the story to create the best plan to fight your charges successfully. Several strategies can be used to prove your innocence in a violent crime case, including:
- Self-defense: For this defense, we would attempt to prove that you were the victim in the crime, not the perpetrator. This involves demonstrating that your violent actions were an attempt to defend yourself rather than harm someone else.
- Mistaken identity: In cases of mistaken identity, we would argue that you are entirely innocent and are being wrongfully charged for someone else’s crime. This strategy could involve gathering evidence that proves your alibi or points to the actual perpetrator’s guilt.
- Lack of intent: If you are being accused of a crime that requires intent, we can argue that your actions were not motivated by a desire to cause harm to the victim.
- Injured party consent: In some cases, injuries can result from consensual activities like sporting events. We would collect evidence of the wounded party’s consent and argue that you should not be held criminally liable for his or her injuries.
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Call Simmrin Law Group Today for Your Free Consultation
When you are accused of assault, robbery, or any other violent crime, time is of the essence. So, reach out to an expert defense attorney at Simmrin Law Group today for a no-cost consultation.
Our violent crimes attorneys in Tustin are standing by, ready to discuss your case and begin preparing your defense. Contact us by calling or filling out the online form now to see how we can help you.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form