Violent Crimes Lawyer Chatsworth, CA. We know how overwhelming it can be to be facing violent crime accusations. They risk damaging your reputation, devastating your career, and worst of all, a long time in jail or prison. But you can fight to protect yourself. And when you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you have someone protecting you from these devestating 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 expert Chatsworth, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will research your case, give you upfront, straightforward answers, and develop defensive strategies that should 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 construct your defense, phone us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online now for a free, private consultation to discuss your case.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Process to Defend You Against Violent Crimes Accusations
Our team of Chatsworth, CA, criminal defense lawyers are aware of how complex violent crimes allegations are, and we build a defense that's suited to your specific case. It all starts with the following steps:
- Learn Your Story – We believe that you should be at the center of your defense. 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 charges and Chatsworth, CA, violent crime law specifics, to see if there are any special circumstances which apply to you.
- Build a Defense Strategy – Our lawyers will recommend a defensive strategy such as self-defense, mistaken identity, or procedural error.
- Plea Bargain With the State – When speaking with the prosecutors, we will stand strong and demand the justice you deserve.
- Fight At Trial – If your case reaches 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.
Major Chatsworth, 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 somebody." Most people are unaware that to be charged with assault, one only has to attempt to cause harm, even if you don't actually cause harm.
While simple assault charges are harsh in and of themselves, 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 non-firearm weapon. These variations aren't official charges, but rather subcategories for more serious assault charges
As discussed above, assault only requires an attempt to cause harm. Battery occurs when harm is actually done, rather than just being attempted. In Chatsworth, CA, it's common to be charged with both at the same time after an altercation. On the other hand, criminal threats charges can result even from a nonviolent altercation. All you have to do is intimidate someone. You can be found guilty even if you didn't have the ability to carry out the threats.
Another important set of charges we commonly defend against in this category is reckless endangerment charges. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and other charges along those lines. Because of the variation in individual laws, it's critical to find a violent crimes lawyer who can protect you from any of the possible charges.
Our attorneys also can defend you against the below violent crimes charges in Chatsworth, CA,:
- False Imprisonment: This occurs 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 consists of taking a person from one location to another against their will.
- Human Trafficking: Human Trafficking is similar to kidnapping or false imprisonment, but 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: Terrorist threats are another form of criminal threats – watch out for linked hate crime accusations in these cases.
- Torture: Torture goes beyond battery and includes serious injuries, done to make the alleged victim suffer.
- Mayhem: If a fight resulted in the permanent scarring of another person, the aggressor can be charged with mayhem.
- Arson: Arson involves the intentional and unlawful burning of property, as opposed to reckless burning, which is an unintentional version of the same things.
- 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
While most people do still have the right to own a firearm in Chatsworth, CA, it comes with many constraints. California firearm offenses cover a large swath of statutes, and you don't even have to fire the gun to get in trouble. You can be arrested simply for unlawful possession.
Often, these charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but it could also be related to carrying a concealed firearm when you don't have a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.
While any Chatsworth, CA, firearm charges are major, a major differentiator is whether you allegedly used the weapon or not. Brandishing a weapon normally does not include use of the weapon beyond showing it with the intent to scare another person. Most of the time this is charged as a misdemeanor.
Meanwhile, discharging a firearm can greatly increase the punishment you're facing. Particularly in allegations such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, the penalties are very harsh.
An experienced Chatsworth, 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
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 placing someone in fear of harm. 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, intensifying their gravity.
Our experienced violent crimes defense lawyers aren't limited to just conflicts between family members who live together. We also defend against animal cruelty charges, elder abuse charges, and, in cases with youth defendants, juvenile crime charges.
Sentencing Enhancement Defense Lawyers
If you're facing violent crime charges in Chatsworth, CA, there's a good chance that they're one of the ones above. However, you can also be up against heightened charges and/or sentencing enhancement for special circumstances.
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, prison sentences can drastically increase, though exactly how much depends on the alleged crime. Conspiracy charges are closely related. You could be found guilty of conspiracy if you make a plan with another person to commit a crime, and either one of you does something that furthers the commission of the crime.
Another common sentence enhancement is when an alleged action is charged as a hate crime. Sometimes, a hate crime accusation is its own charge. However, they are frequently used as enhancements to other crimes. The prosecutor in Chatsworth, CA may charge another crime as a hate crime if the alleged offender was motivated by hatred towards a demographic that the alleged victim belonged to.
Furthermore, our Chatsworth, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help defend you against California's three strikes law. Under it, certain serious felonies are classified as "strikes" in your criminal history. With one prior strike, sentences for felony convictions are doubled, and you will have a harder time securing early release. With two prior strikes, the penalty could be 25-years-to-life in prison, with further limitations on parole.
Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers
Chatsworth, CA, violent crime charges can be particularly damaging if they were allegedly committed against law enforcement. Assault on a police officer can result in more prison time than if the assault was against a non-officer, while resisting arrest can range from physical attacks to simply being uncooperative. Obstructing a police officer is a closely related category of charges, though this 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 Chatsworth, CA, you'll be in municipal court against a local prosecuting attorney. But for more serious cases, 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 ready to be your defense attorney for federal crimes as well as state charges.
Top 3 Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Qualities
Violent crimes charges need high-quality defense lawyers. When you're picking an attorney to defend you in Chatsworth, CA, it's important to hire a legal team 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 has a history of successful violent crime defense results.
- Expansive Legal Experience: We have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, including time as prosecutors, judges, and police officers. We know how the state builds its case against you, and how to poke holes in it.
- Relationships in Your Area's Court: Our team of attorneys cover cases across the state, including in Chatsworth, CA. We know 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.
Staunch Protection Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Our Firm Today
You need help when you're fighting against violent crimes allegations. The court system is complicated. The Chatsworth, CA, district attorney is intimidating. And the punishments are brutal. Without 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 stand idly by and let the state build its case. We don't accept a poor plea deal, just because it was easier to get. We confront the charges. We listen to your story, craft a resolute defense, and defend your freedom from the day you call until the case is done.
Contact us now to begin building your defense. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a lawyer about how to defend you.
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