Violent Crimes Lawyer Redondo Beach, CA. We know how overwhelming it can be to be facing violent crime accusations. They risk damaging your reputation, ruining your career, and perhaps worst yet, a lengthy prison sentence. But you have a chance at a more positive outcome. And when you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you are hiring a team that knows how to safeguard you from these devestating 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 skillful Redondo Beach, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will examine your case, give you upfront, straightforward answers, and develop defensive strategies that can be used for your circumstances. We view your case, and you as a person, as unique and deserving of individual attention. If you need to craft your defense, call us at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our contact form today for a free, confidential consultation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Process to Defend You Against Violent Crimes Accusations
Our team of Redondo Beach, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how different each violent crimes accusation can be, and we design our defensive strategy around the specifics of your situation. This is how we do it:
- Listen to Your Story – We believe that you should be at the center of your defense. We want to hear your side of the story.
- Research the Statutes and Your Case – We'll investigate the charges and Redondo Beach, CA, violent crime law specificsIf there are any quirks that are applicable to your case, we'll find them.
- Build a Defense Strategy – Our lawyers will recommend a defensive strategy such as defense of others, lack of intent, or procedural error.
- Negotiatiate With the State – Any time we communicate with the Redondo Beach prosecution about your case, we will stand strong to find a deal that works for you.
- 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
In California, "violent crimes" is wide category, including everything from domestic violence to drive-by shootings to firearm offenses. If you're facing accusations of one of these crimes in Redondo Beach, CA, it can be intimidating, but don't panic: The prosecution needs to prove factors 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. When arguing these cases, medical records, witness testimony, and digital evidence are often central to the argument.
As an example of the variety of case types, let's look at the difference between assault charges and battery charges in California: Assault (Penal Code 240) involves an attempt or threat to harm, meanwhile battery (Penal Code 242) involves actually causing harm. Both can be misdemeanors or felonies, with the state making that decision based on the circumstances. If you're facing violent crime charges, the potential sentence depends a lot on the context. First-time offenders facing misdemeanor charges are more likely to avoid prison, but particularly aggressive circumstances could wind up with felony charges. 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 Redondo Beach, CA, Violent Crime Accusations We Defend
Assault, Threats, and Interpersonal Harm Defense Lawyers
If you hear the phrase 'violent crimes,' assault is probably one of the first to come to mind. 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 are unaware that to be charged with assault, there only has to be an attempt at causing harm, regardless of whether or not you actually cause harm.
Simple assault charges can already get you months in prison and a $1,000 fine, but you could also potentially face a severe variation on the charges. Aggravated assault charge types in particular are very similar to assault: they normally requires that the alleged offender was trying to cause 'serious' harm rather than general harm. Closely related is assault with a deadly weapon: Assault using a weapon other than a gun. These variations are not actually given their own specific laws in California, but instead are lumped together under the broad umbrella of "assault laws."
Now that we've covered assault, let's discuss battery. Battery is similar to assault because both involve attempted harm. However, in battery's case, the harm was successful, instead of only being attempted. You'll find that in many cases, if you're accused of battery in Redondo Beach, CA, you'll also be accused of assault. Meanwhile, criminal threats charges don't even require an attempt at violence, just an attempt to intimidate someone. You don't even have to be willing to follow through; "I didn't mean it" isn't a valid defense for these charges.
Reckless endangerment charges are another set of charges that are typical in Redondo Beach, CA. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and other charges along those lines. As a result of the difference in each of the laws, it's important to hire a violent crimes lawyer who can protect you from any of the possible charges.
Our violent crimes defense lawyers can also help you with the following charges in Redondo Beach, CA,:
- False Imprisonment: False imprisonment occcurs when an individual detaining another without just cause, 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 defines stalking as repeatedly following or harassing another person, and making a related credible threat.
- Terrorist Threats: Sometimes, criminal threats charges might be referred to as terrorist threats, if they are especially bad – you're also likely to see hate crime charges in these cases.
- Torture: Torture is used for particularly grisly allegations of harm, wherein the action was performed for a sadistic purpose.
- Mayhem: If a fight resulted in the permanent scarring of another person, the aggressor can be charged with mayhem.
- 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
While most people do still have the right to own a firearm in Redondo Beach, CA, it comes with many constraints. California firearm offenses vary widely in nature and scope, and you don't even have to fire the gun to get in trouble. You can be arrested simply for unlawful possession.
Most commonly, possession charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but they could also be the result of carrying a concealed firearm when you don't have a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.
While any Redondo Beach, CA, gun charges are significant, one thing that can make a big difference is how you supposedly used the gun. Brandishing a weapon is when one person shows another a gun (or other weapon) to intimidate them, not necessarily firing it. This is often prosecuted as a misdemeanor instead of a felony.
On the contrary, discharging a firearm can greatly increase the punishment you're facing. Especially in cases such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, the penalties are very harsh.
A high-quality Redondo Beach, CA, violent crimes defense attorney will protect you from the legal consequences of these charges, including further restrictions on your Second Amendment rights.
Family and Animal Abuse Defense Lawyers
Violent crime charges are bad enough on their own. However, the stigma and penalties are even worse when spouses, children, or other family members are affected. Domestic violence goes beyond battery on your spouse; it includes intentional or unintentional harm, 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.
Crimes against children also have their own specific legal categories. Child abuse involves the direct, intentional cause of harm to a child, meanwhile child endangerment consists of putting a child at risk of harm, either intentionally or unintentionally. These charges are often filed together, expanding their seriousness.
Our experienced violent crimes defense lawyers can help with more than just alleged conflicts between spouses and children. We can also help you fight animal cruelty charges, elder abuse charges, and, should your child be the accused, juvenile crime charges.
Sentencing Enhancement Defense Lawyers
The majority of Redondo Beach, CA, violent crime cases are rooted in some alleged act of violence. But you can also face heightened charges and/or sentencing enhancement if your case meets certain criteria.
One of the most common examples is gang enhancements. If a different crime was committed as a part of gang activities, the sentence you face can be increased by several years. Conspiracy charges are closely related. You could be convicted of conspiracy if you collaborate with another person to break the law, and either one of you takes action towards committing that crime.
Another common sentence enhancement is when an alleged action is charged as a hate crime. Hate crime charges can be their own case, but, they are frequently used as enhancements to other charges. The prosecutor in Redondo Beach, CA may charge another crime as a hate crime if they believe that the alleged offender's motivation was related to race, religion, sexuality, or another protected characteristic.
Additionally, our Redondo Beach, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help guard 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, if you are convicted of a new felony, the sentence will be doubled, and you will have a harder time securing early release. When convicted and given a third strike, the penalty could be 25-years-to-life in prison, with additional restrictions on parole.
Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers
If the alleged violent crime was committed against a law enforcement officer in Redondo Beach, CA, the allegations can be even more severe. Assault on a police officer can result in more prison time than if the assault was against a non-officer, while resisting arrest covers actions ranging from stealing a police officers gun to just acting disobediently. Obstructing a police officer is a closely related category of charges, though these ones aren't contingent on you being arrested, and apply more broadly to anything you do to prevent a police officer from doing they job.
In most cases, if you're accused of a violent crime in Redondo Beach, CA, you'll be in municipal court against a local prosecuting attorney. But for more serious cases, a federal prosecutor may take over. When you're up against the federal government, you need a powerful legal team on your side. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., is prepared to be your defense attorney for federal crimes as well as state charges.
Robbery and Violent Crimes Intersections: Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Burglary
You need a robbery defense lawyer if you're up against charges like robbery or home invasion. These can carry penalties up to 9 years or 20 years, respectively. The use of a weapon is often an enhancing factor for sentencing..
Plea negotiations play a key role in defending violent robbery charges. By working with the state, a skilled violent crimes defense attorney can potentially reduce charges to misdemeanors. If you're on parole or have any convictions on your record, you could face harsher penalties. Depending on the nature of the alleged crime and your relationship with the victim, you might alse be up against a restraining order.
Top 3 Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Qualities
You don't want to go into a violent crimes case without the right lawyer. When you're deciding on a lawyer to defend your rights in Redondo Beach, CA, you want a legal team with the below 3 qualities:
- Prior Success: You want a lawyer who knows how to fight your specific charge. Our team has a history of successful violent crime defense results.
- Expansive Legal Experience: Our team has over 50 years of combined law experience, including time as prosecutors, judges, and police officers. We have experience in how the state builds its case against you, and how to poke holes in it.
- Local Relationships: We're ready for your case in Redondo Beach, 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 those qualities.
Three Strikes Law Defense in Redondo Beach, CA
California's Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) is a massive search trigger for Redondo Beach, 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. Even non-violent third strikes once triggered life sentences until Proposition 36 reformed it in 2012, allowing resentencing for some.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we know what it takes to defend Three Strikes cases. 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.
Redondo Beach, CA, Three Strikes Law Defense Strategies:
- Challenging Prior Strikes: Romero motions can be used to request a judge to remove an existing strike on your record. These are more likely to be successful by showing flaws with the older case, or proof of rehabilitation.
- 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. Lack of intent defenses prevent strike enhancements.
- 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. 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.
A Redondo Beach, CA, client with two priors faced a third strike for assault on a peace officer. By proving self-defense and procedural errors (improper Miranda), we got the charge reduced, avoiding life. The District Attorney often pushes hard, but jury trials reveal biases in victim testimony. With over 20 years defending Three Strikes, I've secured dismissals in 70% of cases by exploiting weaknesses.
Three Strikes disproportionately affects minorities and low-income areas like parts of Redondo Beach, CA. Reforms continue, but without aggressive defense, clients face lifelong consequences. If you're facing a third strike in California, it's easy to feel despair. But your case isn't over yet – call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today to fight for your freedom.
Staunch Protection Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Our Firm Today
Violent crimes charges are tough to fight on your own. The laws are complicated. The Redondo Beach, CA, district attorney is formidable. And the consequences are severe. Without an expert violent crimes lawyer at your side, your innocence and constitutional rights are at risk.
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we don't stand idly by and let the state build its case. We don't settle for a bad plea deal, just because it was easier to get. We battle the state. We start every case by listening to our client, and fight for your rights from when we first speak until the case is over.
Reach out to us now to start building your defense. Call (800) 755-5174 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a member of our team about how to protect your rights.
We also offer the following legal services in Redondo Beach, CA:
Payment Plans
