A conviction for a violent crime can carry long prison sentences or even a life sentence in a third strike case. In addition to prison time, the consequences can also include steep fines and other long-term effects like difficulty finding employment and housing. Someone facing charges for a violent crime needs an experienced and skilled defense attorney to minimize any consequences and assure the best possible outcome. If you are charged with a violent crime, make sure you know what you’re up against and find out what can be done to defend your rights and freedoms.
Defining Violent Crime
A violent crime typically involves harm or a potential threat of harm to another person. In many cases violent crimes are treated as felonies even if the violence itself was not acted on. Charges involving a weapon are almost always treated more seriously, and could significantly increase the penalties.
Many issues can significantly affect the prosecutor or judges attitudes towards a particular charge of violence and it is critical that the defense is carefully prepared before attempting the resolution of charges involving violence. In cases where it can be shown that the complaining witness played a significant role in the altercation, little or no injury was sustained or other important mitigating facts are able to be presented by a skilled defense attorney, charges may sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor and, in some cases, dismissed all together.
Types of violent crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Assault and Battery
- Arson
- Burglary or robbery
- Carjacking
- Domestic violence
- Gang Crimes
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Sexual abuse
- Criminal Threats
If convicted of any of these crimes, you may face decades or life in prison, probation or parole, community service, costly fines, and even a mental health or therapy class, such as anger management.
Criminal Defense for Violent Crimes
When charged with a violent crime, it’s important to understand how serious the situation is. Your freedom, livelihood, and future is at stake, and if not properly defended, your life could suffer a drastic change in course.
To properly defend a violent crimes case, a skilled and competent law firm will do the following:
- Discuss the charges with the client: Discuss your charges and the facts and circumstances of the case and provide you with reliable and non-judgmental legal advice. Your attorney will know what strategies to implement in your case in order to secure the most advantageous outcome.
- Investigate: In order to defend your future, your lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding your case to develop witnesses and evidence that can be used in your defense.
- Evaluate other factors: A seasoned legal professional will be able to analyze any issues or influences that may factor into your case. For example, if mental illness, outside influencers, or impairment by drugs or alcohol may have contributed to the cause of the crime.
If you were charged with a violent crime, seek reliable guidance from the Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists at our firm.To get started building your defense, contact the Law Office of Peacock & Le Beau for a free case evaluation.