Violent Crimes

Work with the Best Defense Attorney Against Charges of Violent Crimes

There are 23 crimes in the state of California that are designated as “violent crimes.” These are crimes that, if you are convicted, will change your life – and not for the better. You have likely heard the term “nonviolent offense,” or “nonviolent offender.” This tells you how the world views those convicted of violent offenses – as though they are worth less than.

At Simmons Wagner, LLP we believe that every person deserves a rigorous defense. Every person deserves to have someone on their side during their criminal trial or negotiations. You have found that in Simmons Wagner, LLP. All you have to do is call us at (949) 439-5857 to request a consultation with an attorney who will be on your side.

Examples of Violent Crimes

The state of California specifies 23 specific crimes ad violent crimes, including:

  • Homicide
  • Mayhem
  • Murder
  • Terrorism
  • Theft/Larceny
  • Weapon Possession
  • Assault and Battery
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Arson
  • Kidnapping

Conviction for any of these or the other designated violent crimes can result in jail or prison time, significant fines, the inability to get a driver’s license or professional license, loss of your right to own a firearm, and damage to your reputation, amongst other consequences. It is essential that you have an attorney to expertly defend you against these charges.

Many Violent Crimes Qualify as a Strike Under the Three Strikes Law

Enacted in 1994 and amended several times since, the California Three Strikes Law was in response to highly-publicized child murders which were allegedly committed by repeat, violent offenders. The purpose of the law was to prevent people from a history of violent crime from being released into society to offend again.

According to the law, once a defendant is convicted of three “strikes,” they will receive a mandatory sentence of life in prison. However, not all the crimes that qualify as “strikes” are violent. Some of them are decidedly not violent, such as petty theft with a prior offense, receiving stolen property, or possession and sale of a controlled substance.

There are defense options against violent crimes, and even if you are convicted or plead guilty, there are options to exclude prior strikes. The best way to find the right way forward is to talk to your criminal defense attorney.

Do Not Become the Victim of Overzealous Investigators or Prosecutors

Violent crime has been on the rise in California, and as a result lawmakers have increased legal penalties for various crimes. Police detectives are also under public pressure to make arrests, and prosecutors likewise feel obligated to move forward even when they are not entirely confident in their case.

These perhaps well-meaning people can end up putting entirely innocent people behind bars. Due to a faulty identification, a coerced witness statement, or fudged evidence, people can spend decades behind bars for offenses they had nothing to do with. You do not have to become a statistic – let our overzealous defense attorneys use the same level of passion to fight for your rights.

The Situation is Not as Bleak as it Seems: Call for Help Today

We know that when you are facing accusations of having committed a violent crime, it is easy to feel as though there is no hope left. This is false. Even if you were caught on camera committing a crime and signed a confession, there are always options. We could negotiate with the prosecution to avoid a lengthy trial and get you the best possible plea deal, or perhaps the evidence against you was not legally obtained and we can have it excluded from court.

Regardless of your guilt or innocent, the United States Constitution provides you with the right to a rigorous defense. We are that rigorous defense. Contact Simmons Wagner, LLP now at (949) 439-5857 to set up a consultation and find out how we can fight for you.