Violent Crimes Lawyer Port Hueneme, CA. When you're up against violent crimes charges, it can feel like the whole world is against you. They risk torpedoing your reputation, hurting your career, and possibly worst yet, a long time in jail or prison. But you have a chance at a more positive outcome. And when you work with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., you get a shield that will guard you from these 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 experienced Port Hueneme, CA, violent crimes defense lawyers will investigate your case, give you honest advice, and look for 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 create your defense, call (800) 755-5174 or fill out our contact form now for a no-obligation, private consultation.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley's Process to Defend You Against Violent Crimes Allegations
Our team of Port Hueneme, CA, criminal defense lawyers know that every violent crime case is unique, and we design our defensive strategy around the specifics of your situation. It all starts with the following steps:
- Learn About Your Story – When we build a defense, it all starts with you. We want to hear from you what really happened and why.
- Research the Statutes and Your Case – We'll look into the charges and Port Hueneme, CA, violent crime law specificsIf there are any quirks that are applicable to your case, we'll find them.
- Put Together a Defense Strategy – Our team will recommend a defensive strategy such as self-defense, lack of intent, 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 – If there is a trial, we'll present our matchless defense in court and show the judge and/or jury your side of the story.
Major Port Hueneme, 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. What's interesting about it is that no harm has to actually be done. To be guilty of assault, one has to attempt "a violent injury on the person of another." Most people aren't aware 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 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: Attempts to harm while using a weapon other than a gun. These variations aren't official charges, but rather subcategories for more serious assault charges
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, rather than only being attempted. You'll find that in many cases, if you're accused of battery in Port Hueneme, CA, you'll also be accused of assault. On the flip side, criminal threats charges can result even from a nonviolent altercation. All you have to do is intimidate someone. Regardless of whether you wanted to (or even could) follow through on the threats, you can be found guilty.
Another important set of charges we commonly defend against in this category is reckless endangerment charges. This can include reckless driving, child endangerment, and similar charges. As a result of the difference in each of the statutes, it's important to find a violent crimes lawyer who knows not only how to defend against individual charges, but also the combinations of them.
Our attorneys also can defend you against the below violent crimes charges in Port Hueneme, CA,:
- False Imprisonment: This is defined as an incident when an individual detaining another without just cause, for example, locking another person in a room.
- 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 bad reasons such as 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 can expect there to be links to hate crimes in these cases.
- Torture: Torture is a specific, grevious category of attack done for reasons such as revenge or extortion.
- 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 involves multiple people acting together to cause and/or threaten violence while disturbing the peace.
Firearm Mishandling Defense Lawyers
Due to state law, you're not able to just do whatever you please with a gun in Port Hueneme, CA. 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.
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 Port Hueneme, CA, firearm 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 incidents such as a drive-by shooting or shooting at an inhabited dwelling, you can be looking at years in prison and/or thousands of dollars in fines.
A high-quality Port Hueneme, 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
The stakes are high for all kinds of violent crime allegations. However, the stigma and penalties are even worse when spouses, children, or other family members are affected. 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. 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 charges are saved for when someone alleged hurt a child on purpose, meanwhile child endangerment consists of putting a child at risk of harm, either intentionally or unintentionally. These charges can be filed together, increasing their gravity.
Our experienced 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, should your child be the accused, juvenile crime charges.
Sentencing Enhancement Defense Lawyers
Some violent crime accusations are just that – the Port Hueneme, CA, prosecutor alleges that you committed an action that broke the law. That said, you can also be up against elevated charges and/or sentencing enhancement if certain circumstances apply.
One of the most common examples is gang enhancements. If a crime was committed in the furtherance of gang activities, prison sentences can drastically increase, though exactly how much depends on the alleged crime. Conspiracy charges are another group-related charge. You could be found guilty of conspiracy if you agree with another person to commit a crime, and either one of you takes action towards committing that crime.
Another way you can see your sentence raised is if you're accused of a hate crime. Hate crime charges can be their own case, but, they are often used as enhancements to other charges. The district attorney in Port Hueneme, CA may charge another crime as a hate crime if they believe that the alleged offender committed the crime as an attack against a specific protected group.
Additionally, our Port Hueneme, CA, violent crimes attorneys can help protect you from 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, sentences for felony convictions are doubled, and you will have to wait significantly longer before earning eligibility for parole. When convicted and given a third strike, the penalty could be 25-years-to-life in prison, with further restraints on early release.
Procedural and Governance Charges Defense Lawyers
Port Hueneme, 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 covers actions ranging from stealing a police officers gun to just acting disobediently. Obstructing a police officer is a closely related set of charges, though this can penalize you for any way you prevent an officer from doing their job, regardless of if they were trying to arrest you.
These charges, as well as all the charges listed above, are most often handled by the Port Hueneme, CA, local prosecutor. On some occasions, when the accusations are especially severe, a federal prosecutor may take over. 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 prepared to represent you against federal crimes in addition to state charges.
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 an attorney to defend you in Port Hueneme, 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.
- Varied Legal Experience: The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., has over 50 years of combined legal experience, including time as prosecutors, judges, and police officers. We have experience in 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 Port Hueneme, CA. We have relationships with local prosecutors and judges, and will use them to your advantage.
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 those qualities.
Ferocious Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges – Call Our Legal Team Right Away
Violent crimes charges are tough to fight on your own. The laws are complex. The Port Hueneme, CA, district attorney is frightening. And the consequences are oppressive. If you're lacking an expert violent crimes lawyer to defend you, your freedom and constitutional rights are at risk.
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 easier to get. We battle the state. We listen to your story, craft a resolute defense, and protect your freedom from the day you call until the case is over.
Contact us now to start putting together your defense. Call us at (800) 755-5174 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a lawyer about how to protect your rights.
We also offer the following legal services in Port Hueneme, CA:
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