Oceanside Violent Crime Lawyers

Defense Against Oceanside Violent Crime Charges

Law enforcement in California is tough on violent crimes, which are considered the most serious offenses. This category includes crimes that involve the use of force or the threat of force to harm victims or cause them to fear for their safety or well-being.

If you have been accused of a violent crime in Oceanside, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys have the knowledge and recourses to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. Contact us at (760) 630-2000 to learn more about your options under the law.

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What Crimes Are Considered Violent Crimes in Oceanside?

Offenses that fall in the violent crimes category range from misdemeanors like simple assault to the most serious murder charges. Violent crimes for which arrests are made in Oceanside include the following:

• Arson: Willfully and maliciously burning a structure, forest land, or property, or helping another person do so, is arson. Penalties can depend on what is burned. This crime carries up to three years in jail for burning property, up to six years for burning a structure or forest, and up to eight years for burning an inhabited structure. When arson results in great bodily injury, penalties are enhanced to a prison sentence of up to nine years and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Kidnapping: Moving another person a substantial distance without consent by means of force or fear is kidnapping. It is a felony offense that carries three, five, or eight years in state prison. The crime is aggravated with enhanced penalties if the victim is a child, injured or killed, a ransom is demanded, or the crime is committed as part of a carjacking. If the victim is under the age of 14, unless the accused is a parent, kidnapping is punishable by a prison sentence of five, eight, or 11 years.
• Domestic battery: This crime involves using force or inflicting violence on an intimate partner. It is a misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Domestic battery can be aggravated, and penalties can be enhanced if the victim is injured.
• Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant: This is a more serious crime than domestic battery. It is charged when a defendant willfully inflicts injury on an intimate partner, resulting in a traumatic condition. For these purposes, a traumatic condition is a wound or other bodily injury caused by the direct application of physical force. Penalties include two, three, or four years in state prison, up to one year in county jail, and fines up to $6,000.

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What Are the Legal Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges?

If you have been accused of a violent crime, you have rights under the law, including the right to defend yourself and an attorney to represent you. Arguments our skilled Oceanside criminal defense lawyer can raise in your defense will depend on the charges you are facing and the circumstances of your case. Common defenses against violent crime charges include:

• Self-defense: You had a reasonable belief that you were in danger and responded with the appropriate amount of force.
• Accident defense: The harm you caused to another person was unintentional.
• Defense of others: You used force to defend another person from harm.
• False accusations: The claims your accuser made against you were false.
• Mistaken identity: You did not commit the crime and were mistaken for another person.
• Duress or coercion: Another person forced you to commit the crime using threats of force or violence.

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Contact jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for Skilled Legal Assistance

The jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys team has tried hundreds of cases and has over 30 years of legal experience. Founding attorney James N. Dicks is a board-certified criminal law specialist and a former police officer who uses his experience to effectively defend clients facing various charges.

You do not have to face violent crime charges alone. Call our Oceanside violent crime defense attorneys at (760) 630-2000 to schedule a free initial consultation and start protecting your future.

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