Violent Crimes Lawyer Redlands, CA. Any criminal accusations are serious, but few are as serious as violent crimes. They risk torpedoing your reputation, setting back your career, and worst yet, a trip to jail or prison. But all hope is not lost. And when you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you're getting expert legal representation to protect you from these legal and personal consequences. We will fight to protect you from violent crime accusations in each of the below categories (and more):
- Assault, Threats, and Interpersonal Harm
- Firearm Mishandling
- Family and Animal Abuse
- Sentencing Enhancements
- Procedural and Governance Charges
Our expert Redlands, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will look into your case, give you upfront, straightforward answers, and look for defensive strategies that will be effective for your situation. 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 fill out our contact form today for a free, private consultation.
How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Lawyers Defend You Against Violent Crimes Accusations
Our team of Redlands, CA, criminal defense lawyers know that every violent crime case is unique, and we design our defensive strategy around the specifics of your situation. This is how we do it:
- Learn About 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 look into the charges and Redlands, CA, violent crime law specificsIf there are any quirks that are applicable to your case, we'll find them.
- Put Together a Defense Strategy – We'll recommend a defensive strategy such as defense of others, consent, or procedural error.
- Negotiatiate With the State – When speaking with the prosecutors, we will stand strong and demand the justice you deserve.
- Fight At Trial – Should your case go to trial, we'll present our matchless defense in court and show the judge and/or jury your side of the story.
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. When you've been accused of a violent crime in Redlands, CA, the state needs to prove factors like intent and harm beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases begin with a preliminary hearing, where we can challenge evidence early. Felony charges carry harsher penalties, including state prison time, while misdemeanors might result in county jail, probation, or fines. 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, assault and battery are two separate offenses in Califoria, with different definitions: Assault (Penal Code 240) involves an attempt or threat to harm, meanwhile battery (Penal Code 242) requires actual physical contact. Both can be misdemeanors or felonies, with the state making that decision based on the circumstances. If you're asking, "Will I go to jail for a first-time violent offense?"—it depends. First-time offenders facing misdemeanor charges are more likely to avoid prison, but repeat offenders or felony charges are more likely to face harsh penalties. 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 Redlands, CA, Violent Crime Accusations 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. In fact, the literal definition describes it as attempting "a violent injury on someone else." Many people are unaware that to be charged with assault, one only has to attempt to cause harm, not necessarily actually cause harm.
Simple assault charges are usually a misdemeanor, however there are several more serious variations of them. 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 literally written into California law, but instead are used to describe specific types of "assault" charges
You might be asking yourself now, "What's the difference between assault and battery?" Battery is a step past assault, and allegations include actual harm being caused, instead of just being attempted. You'll find that in many cases, if you're accused of battery in Redlands, CA, you'll also be accused of assault. On the other hand, criminal threats charges can occur completely over the phone, text, or verbally in person. They don't have to involve literal violence at all. Regardless of whether you wanted to (or even could) follow through on the threats, you can be found guilty.
We also commonly defend reckless endangerment charges in Redlands, CA. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and similar charges. Because of the variation in each of the statutes, it's critical to hire a violent crimes lawyer who can protect you from any of the possible charges.
Here are some other related violent crimes charges our attorneys defend in Redlands, CA,:
- False Imprisonment: False imprisonment occcurs when one person wrongfully restrains or confines another, and while it might seem like a stretch, it could be as little as grabbing someone's arm (if they are attempting to leave).
- Kidnapping: Kidnapping is different from false imprisonment because it involves forcibly moving a person from one location to another.
- Human Trafficking: As opposed to the above allegations, human trafficking is done for particular, extra heinous purposes like forced labor or sex.
- Stalking: California stalking law requires more than just following another person who doesn't like it – it also requires that the accused make a credible threat.
- Terrorist Threats: Terrorist threats are another form of criminal threats – watch out for linked hate crime accusations in these cases.
- Torture: Torture is a specific, grevious category of attack done for reasons such as revenge or extortion.
- Mayhem: If a fight resulted in the permanent scarring of another person, the aggressor can be charged with mayhem.
- Arson: Whether or not you burned something on purpose is the key difference between arson charges and reckless burning.
- Rioting: Rioting charges can be split into inciting the riot or participating in it, but both are usually charged as misdemeanors.
Firearm Mishandling Defense Lawyers
Due to state law, you're not able to just do whatever you please with a gun in Redlands, CA. California firearm offenses can result from any number of statute violations, sometimes even just being the result of unlawful possession.
Commonly, unlawful possession charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but it could also be related to carrying a concealed firearm without a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.
While all Redlands, CA, gun charges are major, a major differentiator is whether you allegedly used the weapon or not. Brandishing a weapon does not typically involve firing the gun, but instead using it to make a threat. Most of the time this is charged as a misdemeanor.
On the contrary, discharging a firearm will almost always be a more serious charge. Especially for incidents such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, the penalties are very harsh.
An experienced Redlands, CA, violent crimes defense attorney can not only protect you from a prison sentence and hefty fine, but also from further restrictions on your Second Amendment rights.
Family and Animal Abuse Defense Lawyers
No matter what kind of violent crime charge you're facing, it's tough to see a way out. But if family is involved, they get even scarier. Domestic violence isn't just battery on your spouse; it includes injuries of all kinds, 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 is reserved for deliberate acts of violence against children (like hitting them), meanwhile child endangerment includes either negligently or purposefully putting a child in danger. These charges can be filed together, raising their seriousness.
Our expert 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
The majority of Redlands, CA, violent crime cases are rooted in some alleged act of violence. But you could also be up against elevated charges and/or sentencing enhancement should your case fall into certain categories.
One of the most common examples is gang enhancements. When an alleged offender has a past history of supposed gang activity, and this new charge was in some way related to a gang, anywhere from 4 years to life can be added onto the sentence, depending on the alleged crime. Conspiracy charges are dangerous because you can face penalties without having personally done something actively wrong. You could be found guilty of conspiracy if you collaborate with another person to break the law, and either one of you does something that furthers the commission of the crime.
You could also see increased penalties if you're being charged with a hate crime. Hate crime charges can be their own case, but, they are often used as enhancements to other charges. The prosecution in Redlands, CA is likely to apply a hate crime label if the alleged offender committed the crime as an attack against a specific protected group.
Finally, our Redlands, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help protect you from 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 a harder time securing early release. If a conviction would be your third strike, you are facing 25-years-to-life in prison, with additional limitations on parole.
Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers
When you get into an altercation with the police in Redlands, CA, you can expect to face extra harsh violent crime charges. 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 broadly apply to anything done to get in their way, whether or not they were trying to arrest you.
For the majority of violent crime charges, you'll be up against the local Redlands, CA prosecution. Sometimes, though, 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 be your defense attorney for federal crimes as well as state charges.
Violent Robbery Defense Lawyer: Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Burglary
Robbery lawyer services are 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 any convictions on your record, you could face harsher penalties. 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 Redlands, CA, you want someone with the below 3 qualities:
- A History of Success: You want to be represented by an attorney who knows the ins and outs of the California court system. Our team is know for our successful violent crime case results.
- Diverse Legal Experience: We have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, including time as prosecutors, judges, and police officers. We have inside knowledge of the ways the state tries to get violent crimes convictions, and how to fight for a positive outcome.
- Local Relationships: We're ready for your case in Redlands, CA. We have relationships with local prosecutors and judges, and will use them to your advantage.
With a legal team with these qualifications defending you from violent crimes allegations, you'll get the best chance of a positive outcome. And with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you'll get someone with all those properties.
Three Strikes Law Defense in Redlands, CA
California's Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) is a massive search trigger for Redlands, CA, clients, as it dramatically enhances sentences for repeat offenders. This law can be devastating for repeat offenders, who face a sentence of 25 years to life after a third serious or violent felony conviction. Because of this, it's even more critical for you to work with an expert violent crimes defense lawyer if you have any prior convictions on your record.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we know what it takes to defend Three Strikes cases. Key strike eligible offenses include armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and kidnapping. On your second strike, sentences are doubled, and on your third, you can be facing a life sentence.
Defense Strategies Under Three Strikes:
- Challenging Prior Strikes: Romero motions can be used to request a judge to remove an existing strike on your record. Judges take into account the circumstances of the older cases, as well as the character of the alleged offender.
- Motion for Resentencing: After Proposition 36 was passed in 2012, thousands of people have been resentenced. Our legal team will petition for a reduction in sentences when your third strike was non-violent.
- Avoiding New Strikes: If your case is ongoing, we will argue for charges to be reduced down to misdemeanors when possible, avoiding a strike. 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. We can also look into prior cases to see if there were any procedural errors that should have resulted in an acquittal.
- Impact on Parole and Your Future: On top of increasing your sentence, strikes delay parole eligibility. We advocate for early release or expungement where possible.
If you're facing Three Strikes charges in Redlands, 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 Redlands, 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 Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Our Legal Team Today
You need help when you're fighting against violent crimes allegations. The statutes are complex. The Redlands, CA, district attorney is powerful. And the punishments are brutal. If you don't have an expert violent crimes lawyer at your side, your freedom and constitutional rights are in danger.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we don't take a passive approach to your defense. We don't accept a poor plea deal, just because it was faster. We confront the charges. We make a defense with you at the center, and protect your rights from the day you call until the case is done.
Contact us now to start putting together your defense. Call (800) 755-5174 or let us know how we can help you on our online contact form to speak with a lawyer about how to protect your rights.
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