Violent Crimes Lawyer Sherman Oaks, CA. Fighting violent crimes charges is critical to your future. They risk wrecking your reputation, devastating your career, and worst yet, a long time in jail or prison. But accusations are not the same as convictions. And with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you get a shield that will guard you from these legal and personal consequences. We will tenatiously defend you against violent crimes accusations from any of categories (and more):
- Assault, Threats, and Interpersonal Harm
- Firearm Mishandling
- Family and Animal Abuse
- Sentencing Enhancements
- Procedural and Governance Charges
Our experienced Sherman Oaks, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will look into your case, be honest with our recommendations, and develop defense tactics that will be effective for your case. We view your case, and you as a person, as unique and deserving of individual attention. If you need to create your defense, call us at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online now for a no-obligation, private consultation to discuss your case.
How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Lawyers Defend You Against Violent Crimes Allegations
Our team of Sherman Oaks, CA, criminal defense lawyers know that every violent crime case is unique, and we give each of our clients' cases a tailored defense. This is how we do it:
- Learn Your Story – When we build a defense, it all starts with you. You can be honest with us about everything, and we'll start with your perspective.
- Research the Statutes and Your Case – We'll research the specifics of the charges and Sherman Oaks, CA, violent crime law specificsIf there are any quirks that are applicable to your case, we'll find them.
- Craft a Defense Strategy – We'll recommend a defensive strategy such as self-defense, lack of intent, or procedural error.
- Negotiatiate With the State – We won't back down in negotiations; we'll fight to secure a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Fight At Trial – If there is a trial, we'll make sure that the judge and/or jury see your side of the story, and you're properly represented against the accusations.
Understanding Violent Crimes in California: Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges
Violent crimes in California encompass a wide range of offenses, from simple assault to more severe acts like armed robbery or kidnapping. If you're facing accusations of one of these crimes in Sherman Oaks, CA, it can be intimidating, but don't panic: The prosecution needs to prove components like your culpability beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases begin with a preliminary hearing, where we can challenge evidence early. Many violent crime charges in California are 'wobblers,' meaning that they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanors have lighter sentences, while felonies can land you in prison for years. Several of these cases hinge on testimony as much as physical evidence — our attorneys will dissect alleged victim testimony in cross-examination and show your side of the story.
If you're curious about violent crime distinctions, the difference between assault and battery in California is critical: Assault (Penal Code 240) occurs when one person threatens or attempts to hurt another, while battery (Penal Code 242) requires actual physical contact. Each of these can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on severity. Outcomes vary a lot depending on the specific charges and past history of the alleged offender. A first-time misdemeanor assault might lead to probation, but aggravating factors like a weapon could mean jail time. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we will fight for your freedom and protect your rights, mounting a tenacious defense against all charges.
Major Sherman Oaks, CA, Violent Crime Categories We Defend
Assault, Threats, and Interpersonal Harm Defense Lawyers
When you ask someone to name an example of a violent crime, there's a good chance they'll mention assault. While you might be picturing cuts and bruises, California law actually describes assault as an attempt to inflict "a violent injury on the person of another." Many people don't know that to be charged with assault, one only has to attempt to cause harm, regardless of whether or not you actually cause harm.
While simple assault charges are harsh in and of themselves, you could also potentially face a severe variation on the charges. Aggravated assault is just that: assault with intent to cause serious bodily injury. Another similar one is assault with a deadly weapon: Assault using a weapon other than a gun. These variations aren't official charges, but rather subcategories for more serious assault charges
Now that we've covered assault, let's discuss battery. Battery occurs when harm is actually done, rather than only being attempted. You'll find that in many cases, if you're accused of battery in Sherman Oaks, CA, you'll also be accused of assault. Meanwhile, criminal threats charges can occur completely over the phone, text, or verbally in person. They don't have to involve literal violence at all. You can be found guilty even if you didn't have the ability to carry out the threats.
We also commonly defend reckless endangerment charges in Sherman Oaks, CA. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and other charges along those lines. Because of the variation in individual laws, it's important to find a violent crimes lawyer who can protect you from any of the possible charges.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., also defends against the below violent crimes charges in Sherman Oaks, CA,:
- False Imprisonment: This occurs when an individual detaining another without just cause, for example, locking another person in a room.
- Kidnapping: Kidnapping consists of taking a person from one location to another against their will.
- Human Trafficking: As opposed to the above allegations, human trafficking is done for particular, extra heinous reasons like forced labor or sex.
- Stalking: California defines stalking as repeatedly following or harassing another person, and making a related credible threat.
- Terrorist Threats: Terrorist threats aren't their own statute, but are an unofficial term for certain criminal threats charges – you're also likely to see hate crime charges in these cases.
- Torture: Torture is a specific, grevious category of attack done for reasons such as revenge or extortion.
- Mayhem: What was once a battery charge can be elevated to mayhem if certain circumstances apply, such as the severing of someone's limb.
- Arson: Arson charges allege that you intentionally lit something on fire that you weren't allowed to.
- Rioting: RIoting can either consist of starting a riot or participating in one, and is normally a misdemeanor unless it occurs in a jail and/or someone is seriously harmed.
Firearm Mishandling Defense Lawyers
Due to state law, you're not able to just do whatever you please with a gun in Sherman Oaks, CA. California firearm offenses can result from any number of statute violations, sometimes even just being the result of unlawful possession.
Commonly, possession charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but you could also face them for possessing a concealed firearm without a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.
While all Sherman Oaks, CA, gun charges are significant, one thing that can make a big difference is how you supposedly used the gun. Brandishing a weapon does not typically involve firing the gun, but instead using it to make a threat. This is often prosecuted as a misdemeanor instead of a felony.
On the contrary, discharging a firearm will frequently get you harsher sentences. Particularly for allegations such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, you can be looking at years in prison and/or thousands of dollars in fines.
A high-quality Sherman Oaks, CA, violent crimes defense attorney will fight no just to keep you out of prison, but also to prevent further restrictions on your Second Amendment rights.
Family and Animal Abuse Defense Lawyers
Violent crime charges are bad enough on their own. But if family is involved, they get even scarier. Domestic violence goes beyond battery on your spouse; it includes any actual harm caused, threats of harm, and even just making someone think that they could be injured. The other qualifying factor for 'domestic' violence is who the alleged victim is: for it to qualify, they must be someone with a close relationship to the alleged offender, such as a child, spouse, or cohabitant.
If the alleged victim was a child, that can also affect which charges are filed. Child abuse charges are saved for when someone alleged hurt a child on purpose, while child endangerment includes either negligently or purposefully putting a child in danger. These charges can be filed together, increasing their seriousness.
Our household violent crimes defense lawyers can help with more than just alleged conflicts between spouses and children. We also defend against animal cruelty charges, elder abuse charges, and, should your child be the accused, juvenile crime charges.
Sentencing Enhancement Defense Lawyers
Some violent crime accusations are just that – the Sherman Oaks, CA, prosecutor alleges that you committed an action that broke the law. But you might also need to fight elevated charges and/or sentencing enhancement for special circumstances.
In many cases, the punishments can be heightened via gang enhancements. If a different crime was committed as a part of gang activities, prison sentences can drastically increase, though exactly how much depends on the alleged crime. Conspiracy charges are another group-related charge. You can be convicted of conspiracy if you agree with somebody else to commit a crime, and either one of you does something that furthers the commission of the crime.
Another way you can see your sentence raised is if you're accused of a hate crime. Hate crime charges can be their own case, but, it's common for them to be used as enhancements to other charges. The prosecution in Sherman Oaks, CA may charge another crime as a hate crime if they believe that the alleged offender committed the crime as an attack against a specific protected group.
Furthermore, our Sherman Oaks, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help defend you against California's three strikes law. For alleged repeat offenders, this law can become a tremendous hurdle. Previous felony convictions may count as "strikes" against you. With one prior strike, sentences for felony convictions are doubled, and you will have to wait significantly longer before earning eligibility for parole. When convicted and given a third strike, the sentence could be increased to 25-years-to-life in prison, with additional restraints on early release.
Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers
Sherman Oaks, CA, violent crime charges can be particularly damaging if they were allegedly committed against law enforcement. Assault on a police officer carries harsher penalties than simple assault, while resisting arrest carries similarly harsher sentences for a wide array of alleged misconduct. Obstructing a police officer is a similar set of charges, though this can penalize you for any way you prevent an officer from doing their job, regardless of if they were trying to arrest you.
For the majority of violent crime charges, you'll be up against the local Sherman Oaks, CA prosecution. But when the state views a case as extra severe, a federal prosecutor may fight against you. Federal court can be a whole different arena, and you need a law firm with the strength to fight for your rights against the United States government. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., is prepared to defend you against federal crimes in addition to state charges.
Additional Miscellaneous Violent Crime Defense Services We Offer
- Aggravated Battery
- Assault With Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury
- Battery On a Spouse or Cohabitant or Dating Partner
- Contempt for Violating a Domestic Violence Court Order
- Corporal Injury on a Spouse or Cohabitant
- Dissuading a Witness or Victim/Witness Intimidation
- Expungement/Record Clearance After Violent Crime Conviction
Violent Robberies and Related Offenses: Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Burglary
A robbery defense attorney is essential for charges like armed robbery, where force or fear is used to take property. Penalties can reach 9 years in prison, especially if a weapon is involved. First-degree burglary, entering a residence with intent to steal, is a felony with 2-6 years. Carjacking (PC 215) involves taking a vehicle by force, punishable by up to 9 years.
In one case, a client faced armed robbery charges after a misunderstanding during a transaction. By exposing false accusations and procedural errors, we secured a misdemeanor plea with no jail time. If you're on parole or have prior convictions, these can trigger enhancements. Particularly for violent robberys, you're more likely to be given a restraining order against he alleged victim.
Top 3 Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Qualities
Violent crimes charges need high-quality defense lawyers. When you're picking a lawyer to defend your rights in Sherman Oaks, CA, it's important to hire a firm with the below 3 qualities:
- A History of Success: You don't want someone who's new to the California legal system, or new to your type of charge. Our team is know for our successful violent crime case results.
- Diverse Legal Experience: We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including time as prosecutors, judges, and police officers. We know how the state tries to get violent crimes convictions, and how to fight for a positive outcome.
- Relationships in Your Area's Court: We handle court cases all over California, including in Sherman Oaks, CA. We are familiar with local prosecutors and judges, and will lean on them to secure a favorable outcome.
When fighting your violent crimes case, you don't want to gamble on an attorney who's unprepared or doesn't meet these criteria. And with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you'll get someone with all those properties.
Defending Against California's Three Strikes Law in Sherman Oaks
California's Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) is important to keep in mind for violent crimes charges in Sherman Oaks, CA. Enacted in 1994, it mandates 25 years to life for a third "strike" felony if priors include serious or violent crimes. Even non-violent third strikes once triggered life sentences until Proposition 36 reformed it in 2012, allowing resentencing for some.
You need a law office with extensive resources to fight against Three Strikes cases. And the Law Offices of David S. Chesley has those resources. If you're facing a strike-eligible charge like robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, or kidnapping, one conviction counts as a strike, doubling future sentences or imposing life terms. For example, a third strike for shoplifting (if priors are strikes) could mean life—though reforms limit this to violent thirds.
Defense Strategies Against Three Strikes Charges in Sherman Oaks, CA:
- Challenging Prior Strikes: We file Romero motions to strike priors if they're old, minor, or unjust. Success rates are high with compelling arguments, like rehabilitation or procedural errors in old cases.
- Resentencing Petitions: Due to updated laws, people with prior Three Strikes convictions can petition to have their sentence reduced. Our legal team will petition for a reduction in sentences when your third strike was non-violent.
- Avoiding New Strikes: Even better than having prior strikes removed, we'll fight to prevent you getting one in the first place. This often comes from skillful plea negotiation. Showing lack of intent is key in thse cases.
- Constitutional Challenges: Depending on the context of your case, we can argue that the sentence is unconstitutional, and constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Part of this can also involve fighting against prior convictions, and showing that they were unconstitutional or incorrect.
- Impact on Parole and Life After Conviction: Strikes delay parole eligibility. A skilled criminal defense attorney like the ones at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley will fight for your early release and/or expungement of your record.
If you're facing Three Strikes charges in Sherman Oaks, CA, you need to act fast to protect your freedom. The third strike can carry a life sentence. You need a lawyer with the resources to protect your future. And the Law Offices of David S. Chesley has those resources. We have a team of leading California attorneys ready to stand by you, from day one until the case is done.
There is much debate in Sherman Oaks, CA over whether California's Three Strikes law is just or not. Right now, a high-quality defense is needed to protect alleged offenders from lifelong impacts. If searching "California Three Strikes Law defense," know it's winnable—contact me to review your priors.
Ferocious Protection Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Our Attorneys Today
You need help when you're fighting against violent crimes allegations. The legal system is complex. The Sherman Oaks, CA, prosecutor is frightening. And the penalties are severe. If you don't have an expert violent crimes lawyer at your side, your freedom and constitutional rights are at risk.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we don't wait and watch the prosecution make its case against you. We don't settle for a bad plea deal, just because it was faster. We fight. We listen to your story, craft a resolute defense, and fight for your rights from the day you call until the case is over.
Contact us now to start putting together your defense. Call (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case via our online contact form to speak with amember of our legal team about how to defend you.
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