Violent Crimes Lawyer Perris, CA

Violent Crimes Lawyer Perris, CA. We know how overwhelming it can be to be facing violent crime accusations. They risk torpedoing your reputation, ruining your career, and possibly worst of all, a trip to jail or prison. But you can fight to protect yourself. And when you hire the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you have someone protecting you from these devestating 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 expert Perris, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will examine your case, give you honest advice, and develop defense strategies that will be effective for your case. You deserve a defense tailored to you, and we can provide that. If you're ready to construct your defense, call us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online today for a free, private consultation.

The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Process to Defend You Against Violent Crimes Charges

Our team of Perris, CA, criminal defense lawyers know how different each violent crimes accusation can be, and we give each of our clients' cases a tailored defense. This is how we do it:

• Learn Your Story – We believe that you should be at the center of your defense. We want to hear from you what really happened and why.
• Research the Statutes and Your Case – We'll investigate the charges and Perris, 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 self-defense, consent, 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 – Should your case go to 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. When you've been accused of a violent crime in Perris, CA, the state needs to prove components like your culpability beyond a reasonable doubt. After an investigation, if the state believes it has enough evidence against you, they will make formal charges against you. 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. Victim testimony plays a key role, but cross-examination can reveal inconsistencies or false accusations.

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. Each of these can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on severity. Outcomes vary a lot depending on the specific charges and past history of the alleged offender. A first-time misdemeanor assault might lead to probation, 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 Perris, CA, Violent Crime Accusations We Defend

Assault, Threats, and Interpersonal Harm Defense Lawyers

Assault is one of the most commont types of violent crimes in California. In fact, the literal definition describes it as attempting "a violent injury on somebody." Most people are unaware that to be guilty of assault, one only has to attempt to cause harm, regardless of whether or not you 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. Closely related 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 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 Perris, 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. You can be found guilty even if you didn't have the ability to carry out the threats.

We also commonly defend reckless endangerment charges in Perris, CA. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and other charges along those lines. As a result of the variation in specific statutes, it's important to work with 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 Perris, CA,:

• False Imprisonment: This is defined as an incident when one person confines another to a space against their will, 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: Whereas false imprisonment confines a person to one location, kidnapping involves moving that person to a new location.
• Human Trafficking: As opposed to the above allegations, human trafficking is done for particular, extra grim 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: Sometimes, criminal threats charges might be referred to as terrorist threats, if they are especially bad – 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 Perris, CA, it comes with many constraints. California firearm offenses can result from any number of statute violations, and you can get in trouble for something as simple as unlawful possession.

Most commonly, unlawful possession charges are related to a felon in possession of a firearm, but they could also be the result of having a concealed firearm when you don't have a permit or a felon possessing ammunition.

While all Perris, CA, gun charges are significant, the way the firearm was (and wasn't) allegedly used can make a big difference. 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.

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 Perris, 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

Violent crime charges are bad enough on their own. Domestic accusations, though, are especially hard to fight. Domestic violence isn't just battery on your spouse; it includes any actual harm caused, threats of harm, and even just placing someone in fear of harm. 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.

Domestic violence charges aren't the only ones that are defined by the alleged victim. 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 are often filed together, expanding 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, in cases with youth defendants, juvenile crime charges.

Sentencing Enhancement Defense Lawyers

The majority of Perris, CA, violent crime cases are rooted in some alleged act of violence. That said, you might also be up against elevated 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, the sentence you face can be increased by several years. Conspiracy charges are closely related. You can 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.

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 charges. The prosecution in Perris, 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.

Additionally, our Perris, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help guard you against California's three strikes law. This law allows the government to keep track of your criminal history and assign "strikes" to certain felony convictions. With one prior strike, if you are convicted of a new felony, the sentence will be doubled, and you will have to wait significantly longer before earning eligibility for parole. With two prior strikes, the sentence could be increased to 25-years-to-life in prison, with further limitations on early release.

Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers

If the alleged violent crime was committed against a law enforcement officer in Perris, CA, the allegations can be even more severe. Assault on a police officer carries harsher penalties than simple assault, 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.

For the majority of violent crime charges, you'll be up against the local Perris, CA prosecution. On some occasions, when the accusations are especially severe, 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 prepared to defend you against federal crimes as well as state charges.

Additional Miscellaneous Violent Crime Defense Services We Offer

Robbery and Violent Crimes Intersections: Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Burglary

You need a robbery defense lawyer if you're facing charges like carjacking (PC 215). Carjacking goes beyond grand theft: While grand theft auto involves the taking of a vehicle without its owner's permission, it doesn't necessarily include any interaction with the owners themselves. Carjacking, on the other hand, does involve a forceful interaction with the owner. Because of this, it carries a harsher penalty because of its violent nature, up to 9 years in prison.

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 prior convictions, 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.

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 protect you in Perris, CA, you want a firm with the below 3 qualities:

1. A History of Success: You don't want someone who's new to the California legal system, or new to your type of charge. Our team is know for our successful violent crime case results.
2. Local Relationships: We handle court cases all over California, including in Perris, CA. We have relationships with local prosecutors and judges, and will leverage our relationships in your negotiations.

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.

California Three Strikes Law Defense: A Significant Focus for Local Clients

California's Three Strikes Law (Penal Code 667) can turn a seemingly straightforward case in Perris, CA, into something much more serious. Enacted in 1994, it mandates 25 years to life for a third "strike" felony if priors include serious or violent crimes. If you have any prior strikes on your record, it's critical to work with a leading criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom.

You need a law office with extensive resources to fight against Three Strikes cases. And the Law Offices of David S. Chesley has those resources. 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. Success rates are high with compelling arguments, like rehabilitation or procedural errors in old cases.
• Motion for Resentencing: After Proposition 36 was passed in 2012, thousands of people have been resentenced. This has the potential to reduce charges from a life sentence down to time served, if the 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. 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. Part of this can also involve fighting against prior convictions, and showing that they were unconstitutional or incorrect.
• Impact on Parole and Your Future: 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.

If you're facing Three Strikes charges in Perris, 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 Perris, 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.

Tenatious 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 Perris, CA, prosecutor is strong. And the penalties are brutal. If you're lacking an expert violent crimes lawyer at your side, your liberty and constitutional rights are at risk.

At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we don't take a passive approach to your defense. We don't settle for a bad plea deal, just because it was easier to get. We fight. We listen to your story, craft a resolute defense, and protect your rights from day one until the case is done.

Contact us now to start building your defense. Connect with us at (800) 755-5174 or let us know how we can help you on our online contact form to speak with a member of our team about how to defend you.

We also offer the following legal services in Perris, CA:

• Sex Crimes Lawyer
• Immigration Lawyer
• Drug Charges Lawyer
• Theft Lawyer
• DUI Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer