Violent Crime Lawyer in Los Angeles

Now or in the future, if you receive a violent crime charge in the Southern California area, whether or not you are guilty, you need to reach a knowledgeable Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyer immediately. The penalties for those convicted of violent crimes are harsh in California because violent crimes typically end in injuries or death.

A violent crime can be committed with or without weapons; it is any crime where violence is used or threatened against a victim. In Los Angeles, if you are accused of a crime of violence, our team can help.

Contact our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation.

VIOLENT CRIME CHARGES IN CALIFORNIA

Violent crimes are among the most serious criminal offenses that you can commit in California. Violent crimes can include but are not limited to:

• murder and manslaughter;
• robbery;
• kidnapping; and
• domestic violence.

Murder and Manslaughter Charges in California

Murder is the unlawful killing of a human or a fetus with malice aforethought, which means the accused acted with a wanton disregard for human life.

First Degree Murder

First degree murder is charged when you commit a premeditated murder, a felony-murder, or a murder by inflicting torture or using a destructive or explosive device. Certain types of murder are considered capital murder, which means the defendant could face a life sentence without parole or the death penalty.

Second Degree Murder

Second degree murder is any murder that is not covered with any of the first degree murder laws. This crime is punishable by 15 years to life in prison; however, these penalties could increase depending on your case. For example, the minimum sentence will increase to twenty years if the victim was killed when you shot a firearm from a vehicle with the intent to cause the victim serious bodily harm. Both first and second degree murder charges will show up on your record under California’s three strikes law.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when someone is killed in the heat of the moment or during a sudden quarrel. If you end up being convicted of voluntary manslaughter, you could potentially face up to 11 years in state prison, along with paying a fine of up to $10,000.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter is when you kill someone unintentionally while committing a crime that is not labeled as a dangerous felony. Involuntary manslaughter charges carry possible penalties of up to four years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Many times, attorneys with clients who are facing murder charges will fight to have charges reduced to a manslaughter charge since the penalties are far less severe. However, manslaughter charges, both voluntary and involuntary, are very serious and should not be taken lightly.

California Robbery Penalties

Robbery is the crime of taking property in the possession of someone else from his person or in his immediate presence against his will using force or fear. Robbery is a felony and the prosecutor may opt to pursue the case either the first or second degree.

First degree robbery occurs when you rob someone who has recently used or is near an ATM, the driver or passenger of a car, bus or any other type of motor vehicle, or when the robbery takes place within an inhabited structure. First degree robbery may be punishable by up to nine years in state prison, while second degree robbery is punishable by up to five years in state prison.

California Kidnapping Penalties

Kidnapping occurs when you move another person a substantial distance without that person’s consent using force or fear. Using force or fear means you have either inflicted harm on the person or have threatened to do so. Aggravated kidnapping is an even more serious crime, which involves the same elements of simple kidnapping with the addition of a demand for ransom, the crime of carjacking, or inflicting serious bodily harm on the victim.

It is also considered aggravated kidnapping when you use force, fear or fraud on the victim who is under the age of 14. Simple kidnapping is a felony and could be punishable by up to eight years in state prison, while aggravated kidnapping may be punishable by up to life in prison.

California Domestic Violence Penalties

In California, you may be charged with domestic violence if you use physical force, abuse a spouse or partner or threaten to use violence against an intimate partner. You could also face criminal charges if you brandish and threaten assault with a deadly weapon.

The penalties for domestic violence can vary greatly depending on what injuries were caused and your prior record. However, most of the time you will receive a minimum of 30 days in jail, even if it’s your first offense. You could also be required to attend a year-long domestic batterers’ class. Domestic violence crimes are usually considered crimes of moral turpitude, meaning you may face deportation if you are an illegal immigrant.

Whatever the nature of the violent crime you’re facing, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles to represent you and defend your case.

OUR LOS ANGELES VIOLENT CRIMES LAWYER WILL FIGHT FOR YOU

A conviction for a violent crime can ruin your career, destroy your future, and devastate your family. Almost all violent crimes are “strike” crimes under California’s Three Strikes Law, and conviction on a third strike charge can mean 25 years to life in prison.

If you’re accused of any violent crime, you need proven, experienced legal counsel right away, because choosing the right violent crime lawyer can make the difference between freedom and years of imprisonment. With more than a decade of criminal defense experience, LA criminal defense attorney Douglas Miranda is ready to represent you. He’s already defended thousands charged with crimes by police in the Southern California area.

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Douglas Miranda brings exceptional legal skills, a wealth of legal knowledge, and a reputation for aggressive, impassioned defense representation to every case he handles. He will fight hard to win justice for you, defending your case aggressively whether your case involves murder, child abuse, sexual battery, assault with a deadly weapon or another crime.

ARRANGE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY

If you’re facing a charge with any violent crime in the southern California area, put an experienced LA violent crimes defense lawyer in your defense. Once we review your case, our experienced legal team will go into detail about what the next step should be for your best defense. We take our clients’ cases seriously.

Call us at 213-255-5838 to set up a consultation.