Escondido Violent Crime Lawyers

Skilled Criminal Defense Against Violent Crime Charges in Escondido

Violent crimes are offenses in which force or threat of force is used to harm others or to cause them to fear for their safety and well-being. This broad category of crimes includes misdemeanors, felonies, and wobblers – offenses that can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies at the discretion of the prosecution. Violent crimes carry heavy penalties in California. If you are facing charges, consult with an experienced Escondido violent crime attorney at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys right away.

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What Are Some Examples of Violent Crimes in Escondido?

The list of offenses in the violent crimes category is long. Certain violent felonies count as a strike on your record under California’s three-strikes law. Common violent crimes in Escondido and the surrounding area include the following:

• Battery causing serious bodily injury: Battery can be defined as offensive touching or physically touching another person without his or her consent. When it results in serious bodily harm, it is an aggravated battery. Serious bodily injury is any serious impairment to the health of the victim. When charged as a misdemeanor, this crime carries a jail sentence of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Felony aggravated battery is punishable by a prison sentence of two, three, or four years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Penalties can be enhanced if the victim sustains great bodily injury, which is described as a significant or substantial physical injury.
• Voluntary manslaughter: This is a homicide committed in the absence of hatred, revenge, or malice, in the heat of a quarrel or dispute, and apparently motivated by the victim through provocation. Voluntary manslaughter is a lesser offense than murder. It is punishable by up to 11 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000, and it counts as a strike under the three-strikes law. Many voluntary manslaughter convictions occur through plea agreements in murder cases.
• Arson: Under California law, arson is committed when a person willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns any structure, forest land, or property. It is a felony offense that carries a county jail or state prison sentence of up to nine years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. The state treats arson harshly because of the high risk of forest fires. Penalties for arson are most severe when an inhabited structure is burned or when it causes great bodily injury.

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What Are Your Rights When You Are Charged With a Violent Crime?

If you are charged with a violent crime, you still have rights and protections under the constitution. Among others, you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a speedy trial. It is important to retain an Escondido criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin work on your defense strategy. Common legal defenses against charges of violent crimes include:

• Self-defense
• Defense of another person
• False witness statements
• Misidentification
• Lack of intent
• Accidental killing

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How Can an Escondido Violent Crime Attorney Help?

If you are facing violent crime charges, your best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome is to have an experienced criminal defense attorney represent you. We can thoroughly examine the prosecution’s case against you, including witness statements and other evidence, and challenge every flaw we find. Our Escondido violent crime attorney has the knowledge and experience to negotiate skillfully with the prosecution for a favorable plea bargain or to defend you aggressively in a criminal trial.

At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have dedicated our practice to defending the rights of clients in criminal cases. Contact us at (760) 630-2000 for the strong defense you need.

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