Violent Crimes Lawyer Palm Springs, CA. Fighting violent crimes charges is critical to your future. They risk damaging your reputation, devastating your career, and perhaps worst of all, a lengthy prison sentence. 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 fight to protect you from violent crime accusations in each of the below categories (and more):

Our skillful Palm Springs, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will examine your case, give you upfront, straightforward answers, and come up with defense strategies that can be used for your situation. We know that every case is unique and treat every client with respect. If you need to construct your defense, call us at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online today for a no-obligation, private consultation.

How the Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Lawyers Defend You Against Violent Crimes Charges

Our team of Palm Springs, 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. Here's how we'll do that for your case:

  • Listen to Your Story – Every case starts with our client. We want to hear from you what really happened and why.
  • Research the Law and Your Case – We'll look into the charges and Palm Springs, CA, violent crime law specifics, to see if there are any special circumstances which apply to you.
  • Craft a Defense Strategy – We'll recommend a defensive strategy such as self-defense, lack of intent, or false allegations.
  • 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 your case reaches trial, we'll stick with you from start to finish, fighting for a positive outcome.

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 Palm Springs, CA, it can be intimidating, but don't panic: The prosecution needs to prove factors like intent and harm beyond a reasonable doubt. After an arrest, you face an arraignment hearing, where you are told about the specific charges you're facing. Violent crimes charges carry some of the harshes penalties in California, especially if they are charged as a felony (as opposed to a misdemeanor). When arguing these cases, medical records, witness testimony, and digital evidence are often central to the argument.

For instance, let's look at the difference between assault charges and battery charges in California: Assault (Penal Code 240) does not require any actual harm done (just an attempt or threat), meanwhile battery (Penal Code 242) involves actually causing harm. Both can be charged as 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. Probation is more likely if you don't have any prior convictions on your record, 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.

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Major Palm Springs, 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 somebody." Most people don't know that to be guilty of 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 official charges, but rather subcategories for more serious assault charges

You might be asking yourself now, "What's the difference between assault and battery?" Battery occurs when harm is actually done, rather than just being attempted. You'll find that in many cases, if you're accused of battery in Palm Springs, 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. Regardless of whether you wanted to (or even could) follow through on the threats, you can be found guilty.

Reckless endangerment charges are another set of charges that are typical in Palm Springs, CA. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and other charges along those lines. As a result of the variation in individual laws, it's important to work with a violent crimes lawyer who knows how to defend each of the charges.

Our violent crime defense attorneys can also help you fight the following charges in Palm Springs, CA,:

  • False Imprisonment: False imprisonment occcurs when one person confines another to a space against their will, for example, locking another person in a room.
  • 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 particular, extra grim 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 are another form of criminal threats – 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: What was once a battery charge can be elevated to mayhem if certain circumstances apply, such as the severing of someone's limb.
  • 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

While most people do still have the right to own a firearm in Palm Springs, CA, it comes with many constraints. California firearm offenses vary widely in nature and scope, and you can get in trouble for something as simple as unlawful possession.

Commonly, these charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but they could also be the result of having a concealed firearm without a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.

While any Palm Springs, CA, gun charges are important to take seriously, 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 for allegations such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, the penalties are very harsh.

An excellent Palm Springs, 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

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 causing a situation where someone is afraid they'll be hurt. Domestic violence charges are about more than just the alleged harm or danger, though — they're about who it supposedly was committed against. To qualify, the alleged victim must have held some kind of close relationship with the alleged offender, for example, romantic partners or parents who share a child.

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 can be filed together, amplifying their gravity.

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

The majority of Palm Springs, CA, violent crime cases are rooted in some alleged act of violence. However, you might also need to fight increased charges and/or sentencing enhancement if certain circumstances apply.

One way we frequently see penalties increased is through gang enhancements. If a crime was committed in the furtherance of gang activities, the sentence you face can be increased by several years. Conspiracy charges are dangerous because you can face penalties without having personally done something actively wrong. You could be convicted of conspiracy if you agree with someone else to break the law, 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. While hate crimes can be standalone offenses, they are frequently used as enhancements to other charges. The prosecutor in Palm Springs, CA is likely to apply a hate crime label if they think that the alleged offender committed the crime as an attack against a specific protected group.

Finally, our Palm Springs, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help guard 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. If a conviction would be your third strike, the penalty could be 25-years-to-life in prison, with further restrictions on parole.

Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers

Palm Springs, 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 can range from physical attacks to simply being uncooperative. Obstructing a police officer is a similar set 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.

For the majority of violent crime charges, you'll be up against the local Palm Springs, CA prosecution. 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 defend you against federal crimes in addition to state charges.

Additional Miscellaneous Violent Crime Defense Services We Offer

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.

Because of the importance of witness testimony, it's important to work with a leading violent crimes defense lawyer to build your defense. We can present your side of the story, challenge the prosecution's witnesses, and show an alternative interpretation of the events. If you're on parole or have priors, you could face sentencing enhancements if convicted. Particularly for violent robberys, you're more likely to be given a restraining order against he alleged victim.

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Top 3 Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Qualities

Violent crimes charges require top-tier defense attorneys. When you're deciding on an attorney to fight your case in Palm Springs, CA, it's important to hire a firm with the below 3 qualities:

  1. A History of Success: You want a lawyer who knows how to fight your specific charge. Our team has a history of successful violent crime case results.
  2. Local Relationships: We handle court cases all over California, including in Palm Springs, CA. We have relationships with local prosecutors and judges, and will leverage our relationships in your negotiations.

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 Palm Springs, CA

California's Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) can greatly impact violent crimes charges in Palm Springs, CA. The three strikes law assigns a "strike" to each alleged offender for serious or violent felony convictions. After the third, it requires the judge to sentence the alleged offender anywhere from 25 years to life. If you have any prior strikes on your record, it's critical to work with a leading criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom.

As a violent crime defense attorney, I dedicate extensive resources to 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:

  • Romero Motions: We file Romero motions to strike priors if they're old, minor, or unjust. 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. If your third strike was non-violent, we petition for a reduction, potentially cutting life sentences to time served.
  • Avoiding New Strikes: In current cases, we negotiate pleas to non-strike offenses, like misdemeanor assault instead of felony. Many of these cases hinge on showing a lack of intent on the alleged offender's part.
  • 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: Strikes delay parole eligibility. We advocate for early release or expungement where possible.

If you're facing Three Strikes charges in Palm Springs, 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.

Minorities and low-income individuals are frequently affected by California's Three Strikes law in Palm Springs, CA. Whatever the future holds, in the present, you need a leading three strikes defense attorney. Don't give up; these cases are winnable. Contact our team today if you need help.

Ferocious Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Us Right Away

Violent crimes charges are tough to fight on your own. The court system is complicated. The Palm Springs, CA, district attorney is frightening. And the penalties are steep. 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 wait and watch the prosecution make its case against you. We don't accept a poor plea deal, just because it was the first one offered. We fight. We listen to your story, craft a resolute defense, and defend your freedom from the day you call until the case is over.

Contact us now to start building your defense. Call us at (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.

We also offer the following legal services in Palm Springs, CA: