Violent Crimes Lawyer Del Mar, CA. Any criminal accusations are serious, but few are as serious as violent crimes. They risk torpedoing your reputation, devastating your career, and possibly worst yet, a lengthy prison sentence. 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 defend all of the following violent crime categories (and more):
- Assault, Threats, and Interpersonal Harm
- Firearm Mishandling
- Family and Animal Abuse
- Sentencing Enhancements
- Procedural and Governance Charges
Our skillful Del Mar, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will examine your case, tell you the truth about your situation, and develop defense tactics that should be effective for your circumstances. We know that every case is unique and treat every client with respect. If you're ready to construct your defense, contact us at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our contact form now for a free, confidential consultation.
How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Lawyers Defend You Against Violent Crimes Charges
Our team of Del Mar, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how different each violent crimes accusation can be, and we build a defense that's suited to your specific case. This is how we do it:
- Listen to Your Story – When we build a defense, it all starts with you. We want to hear your side of the story.
- Research the Law and Your Case – We'll look into the charges and Del Mar, CA, violent crime law specifics, to ensure that we're well prepared to build a strong defensive strategy.
- Put Together a Defense Strategy – Our lawyers will recommend a defensive strategy such as defense of others, mistaken identity, or procedural error.
- Plea Bargain 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 – Should your case go to 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 Del Mar, CA, Violent Crime Charges 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 someone else." Many people don't realize that to be guilty of assault, one only has to attempt to cause harm, even if you don't 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 is just that: assault with intent to cause serious bodily injury. Another similar one is assault with a deadly weapon: Committing assault while using a non-firearm weapon. 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 just being attempted. You'll find that in many cases, if you're accused of battery in Del Mar, 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 Del Mar, CA. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and similar charges. Due to the difference in specific laws, you need to hire 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 Del Mar, 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: Human Trafficking is similar to kidnapping or false imprisonment, but is done for specific, extra heinous reasons 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 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 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 Del Mar, 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.
Often, unlawful possession charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but it could also be related to having a concealed firearm without a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.
While any Del Mar, 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. Most of the time this is charged as a misdemeanor.
Meanwhile, discharging a firearm will almost always be a more serious charge. Especially for allegations such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, it's unlikely that you'd get off with a small fee or community service.
An expert Del Mar, 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 has a wider definition than battery on your spouse; it includes any actual harm caused, threats of abuse, and even just making someone think that they could be injured. And for it to qualify as 'domestic,' the alleged victim can be anyone from your spouse to your child to your roommate.
Crimes against children also have their own specific legal categories. Child abuse is reserved for deliberate acts of violence against children (like hitting them), while child endangerment consists of putting a child at risk of harm, either intentionally or unintentionally. These charges are often filed together, amplifying their seriousness.
Our household violent crimes defense lawyers aren't limited to just conflicts between family members who live together. We can also help you fight animal cruelty charges, elder abuse charges, and, if an adolescent or child is the alleged offender, juvenile crime charges.
Sentencing Enhancement Defense Lawyers
Some violent crime accusations are just that – the Del Mar, CA, prosecutor alleges that you committed an action that broke the law. However, you could also need to fight heightened charges and/or sentencing enhancement if certain circumstances apply.
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 another group-related charge. You could be convicted of conspiracy if you agree with someone else to break the law, and either one of you does something overt to advance the plan.
You could also see increased penalties if you're being charged with a hate crime. While hate crimes can be standalone offenses, they are often used as enhancements to other crimes. The prosecutor in Del Mar, CA may charge another crime as a hate crime if they think that the alleged offender committed the crime as an attack against a specific protected group.
Additionally, our Del Mar, 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, sentences for felony convictions are doubled, and you won't be eligible for parole until you've served 80% of the sentence. With two prior strikes, you are facing 25-years-to-life in prison, with further restraints on parole.
Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers
When you get into an altercation with the police in Del Mar, CA, you can expect to face extra harsh violent crime charges. 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.
These charges, as well as all the charges listed above, are most often handled by the Del Mar, CA, local prosecutor. Sometimes, though, a federal prosecutor will take charge. You don't want to go to federal court alone. You don't want to face the full force of the United States government without help. 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 deciding on an attorney to defend you in Del Mar, 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 is know for our successful violent crime case results.
- Diverse Legal Experience: We have over 50 years of combined law experience, including time as prosecutors, judges, and police officers. We know how the state prosecutes these cases, and how to fight against them.
- Local Relationships: Our team of attorneys cover cases across the state, including in Del Mar, CA. We are familiar with local prosecutors and judges, and will leverage our relationships in your negotiations.
To maximize your chances of beating violent crimes charges, you need lawyers with all of the above attributes. And with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you'll get someone with all those properties.
Ferocious Protection Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Our Firm Today
Violent crimes charges are tough to fight on your own. The legal system is complicated. The Del Mar, CA, prosecutor is powerful. And the punishments are severe. If you're lacking an expert violent crimes lawyer to defend you, 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 accept a poor plea deal, just because it was faster. We fight. 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. Connect with us at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case via our online contact form to speak with a lawyer about how to defend you.
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