Los Angeles Violent Crime Lawyer
When someone is charged with a violent felony in one of the Los Angeles County courthouses, they are usually prosecuted by the best prosecutors. They will be subject to the most severe punishment available to the judge presiding over the case.
The only way to turn the tide on a bad outcome is to either win the case in a jury trial or convince the prosecutor and judge that this particular case is outside the scope of how a violent felony should be viewed. However, this can only be achieved with an experienced violent crimes defense attorney by your side. As you might guess, the prosecutors and judges are looking to protect the public at large from people who commit violent acts. They live in the community just like all of us and are very concerned that people who hurt others are not permitted to continue doing so.
Therefore, they are looking to dole out punishment that either deters a violent person from committing more crimes or takes them off the street for so long that they are no longer a threat to anyone. Many people charged with violent crimes in California need to be made aware of their rights. They are also not familiar with hiring a criminal defense lawyer to protect their rights and reduce or dismiss the charges.
Factors That Can Aggravate or Mitigate a Sentence
In the past twenty-five years of convincing judges and prosecutors that my clients do not deserve to go to prison for an extended period, I have noticed several factors that they look at when deciding what to do with someone who has committed a violent felony. First, they will look at the person's prior criminal record and gang activity. The more of a record they have, the more likely they will come down hard on them. Those individuals defined as career offenders are judges who love to be sent to prison for years.
If someone is young and it is their first offense, they will consider this in the big scheme of things. However, if the crime is particularly serious or dangerous, they will just skip over the fact that the person is a young offender. However, if you have an experienced defense attorney by your side, you can be sure that your rights will be protected at all times.
Another big thing that the prosecutors will consider is giving them a game plan moving forward that convinces them that my client will clean up their act and not come before them again. I have seen that this strategy works. The more assurances I can give the prosecutor and judge that my client is remorseful and learned their lesson, the more likely I will achieve the necessary result.
Having a job and character references to show you are a solid citizen is also something the powers will consider. I cannot tell you how many times the head prosecutors of many courthouses say to me, “Why did your client do this, and how do I know they will not do it again.” As an experienced defense attorney in San Fernando Valley, I can answer these similar questions confidently.
Laws Related to Violent Felony Cases
Most violent felonies are considered 'strikes, 'a term used to describe serious or violent felonies that can result in enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. If an offender has two or more 'strikes, 'they may face a longer prison sentence. The offender will have to serve 85% of the jail or prison time they receive. Also, the Sheriff's Department will usually not let those inmates serving a sentence for a violent felony go early. These are the offenders that are the last to get out of custody. Hence, it is essential as a criminal defense attorney to convince the prosecutor and judge to let your client plead for something other than a violent felony.
Even if my client faces a very severe charge, I will talk with the prosecutor and judge to make them plead to some other charge rather than a violent felony charge. This approach, backed by my experience as a criminal defense attorney, often leads to a more favorable outcome for my clients.
A violent crime is a criminal offense in which a person uses force, threats, or violence upon another person. People who commit violent crimes may or may not use a weapon to coerce or intimidate their victims. If a person uses a gun during the commission of a violent crime, they may be subject to enhanced criminal charges and sentencing.
Common violent crimes include sexual assault, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, domestic violence, murder, and carjacking. No matter which of these charges you face, talk with our criminal defense lawyers to reduce the charge. California Penal Code 21810 PC makes it a crime to have possession of brass knuckles.
When convicted of a violent crime, they may be punished with time in jail, fines, restitution, community service, probation, and court-ordered counseling. The length and severity will depend upon the crime the offender committed, if the offender has a prior criminal record, has prior violent crime convictions, and if the offender used a weapon. I will also make sure that the severity of the punishments is reduced.
Violent crimes pose a significant threat to society. For this reason, any person who is charged with a violent crime will be aggressively prosecuted by law enforcement and prosecutors. If you have been accused of a violent crime, it is in your best interest to consult with a skilled attorney. We can work with you from the beginning of your case and advise you throughout the legal process. We may also negotiate with prosecutors to have your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Types of Violent Crime Cases We Handle
- Assault and Battery
- Assault on a police officer
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Assault with a firearm
- Armed Robbery
- Arson
- Attempted Murder
- Brandishing a Weapon or Firearm
- Criminal Threats
- False Imprisonment
- Firearm Offense
- Home Invasion
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Resisting Arrest
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Voluntary Manslaughter
We have represented many clients who have been charged with violent crimes. We know that violent crime charges must always be taken seriously. When we work with our clients, we do everything to provide them with the best legal resources, representation, and guidance.
If you have been charged with a violent crime, call the Hedding Law Firm at (213) 542-0979 today to review your case. Our skilled legal team will investigate the facts surrounding your case, contest evidence presented against you, and place every effort into your defense. We are dedicated to our clients and their cases.
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