A charge for a violent crime can result in high penalties. You could be sent to jail or prison and saddled with steep fines if you are convicted of a violent crime, even if no one is badly injured. The Simmrin Law Group can take on your case and build your defense if you’re facing these charges.
Our violent crimes lawyers in West Covina have experience helping clients just like you. We understand what you’re going through and we know what strategies work to win cases.
Violent Crimes in West Covina: Assault
Assault occurs when someone uses willful force with the intent to harm another person. You must know that your action could injure someone else to be convicted of assault. Many people think this sounds very similar to the definition of battery, which is a different crime.
Legally, assault is an attempt to use violence or force. This can include making threats or trying to hit someone but failing to connect. Battery, on the other hand, involves actually touching another person with violence or force.
You can be charged with simple assault if you attempt to push, shove, or hit another person. The court also uses harsher charges to address more serious instances of assault, including:
- Assault with a Firearm
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury
You could face felony or misdemeanor charges if you are accused of assault. A criminal defense lawyer in West Covina can help you build a case so you are less likely to end up spending 4 years in prison and paying fines of $10,000.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving West Covina, call (310) 896-2723
Violent Crimes in West Covina: Battery
Willfully using force or violence on another individual in an unlawful way is considered battery in West Covina. Battery charges can only apply if someone is actually injured. The penalties for battery usually depend on how badly the victim was hurt.
You could face simple battery charges if there were not serious injuries. This charge is a misdemeanor that can lead to fines of $2,000 and 6 months of jail time. However, you can be charged with a felony if your actions:
- Caused serious injuries
- Were directed towards an officer of the law
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Violent Crimes in West Covina: Domestic Violence
West Covina defines domestic violence as any act that involves harassing, trying to hurt, or hurting a current or previous romantic partner or child. There are a large number of actions that can lead to a domestic violence charge, including:
- Any form of abuse
- Making threats
- Stalking
- Destruction of property
- Abandonment
There are specific charges used to handle some instances of domestic violence. For example, you could be charged with domestic battery if you are accused of touching a current or ex partner in an offensive way.
The court can sentence you to high fines and time in jail if you are convicted of domestic violence. In many cases, individuals with domestic violence convictions cannot get custody of a child. Domestic violence convictions can also make it more difficult to get spousal support after a divorce.
Any domestic violence charge should be taken seriously. You can get help addressing these charges by working with a violent crimes lawyer in West Covina. The Simmrin Law Group can provide you with the advice you need to handle a domestic violence charge properly.
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Violent Crimes in West Covina: Murder
Individuals can be charged with murder for causing another person to die. Generally, a person must act without legal justification and with “malice aforethought” in order to be convicted of murder in West Covina. Malice aforethought simply means that:
- You intended to kill another person, OR
- You should have known your actions would kill another person
You could face two possible charges for murder, depending on your situation:
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
Charges of first degree murder are used to prosecute intentional killings that were planned in advance. Individuals convicted of first degree murder face the harshest penalties in West Covina. California still has the death penalty, and you could be sentenced to die after a first degree murder conviction.
Second degree murder is considered a slightly less severe charge. You could be charged with second degree murder for a killing that is not premeditated. Note that you can still be sent to prison for the rest of your life for committing second degree murder.
Your future and life can be at risk if you are charged with murder. There are steps you can take to improve your chances. You should focus on getting legal help right away by contacting a violent crimes lawyer. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start building your case.
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Get Help from a Violent Crimes Lawyer
Violent crimes are harshly punished in California. You can protect yourself by working with a violent crimes lawyer in West Covina. The Simmrin Law Group has built a reputation on defending our clients and we’re ready to help you. Use our FREE consultation to get advice about your case.
You can reach us by calling (310) 896-2723 or filling out the contact form on our website.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form