Rainbow Violent Crime Attorneys

Defense Against Charges of Violent Crimes in Rainbow

Crimes involving force or threats that cause victims to fear for their well-being fall under the violent crimes category. Considered the most serious offenses, they are investigated and prosecuted more aggressively than lesser crimes.

Violent crimes carry heavy penalties in California. If you are facing these charges in Rainbow, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Rainbow criminal defense attorney. Contact jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys at (760) 630-2000 to learn more about your legal options.

Back to Top

What Are Some Examples of Violent Crimes in Rainbow?

Numerous criminal offenses are included in the violent crimes category, ranging from misdemeanor offenses, such as simple assault, to felonies, such as rape and murder. Examples of common violent crimes in Rainbow include:

• Corporal injury upon a spouse or cohabitant: This domestic violence offense involves inflicting physical injury upon a spouse or intimate partner – even a slight injury. It is a wobbler, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony at the prosecution’s discretion. As a misdemeanor, it carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $6,000. As a felony, it is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and a fine of up to $6,000. Factors that affect how this offense is charged include the case’s circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.
• Carjacking: Taking a motor vehicle from another person using force or fear is carjacking. It is a felony offense, punishable by three, five, or nine years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Carjacking counts as a strike under California’s three-strikes law. Penalties may be enhanced if it involves the use of a deadly weapon, causes injury to a victim, or is committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
• Rape: This crime is committed when a person uses force, threats, or fraud to have non-consensual sex with another person. Rape of an adult is a felony offense, punishable by three, six, or eight years in state prison and sex offender registration for 20 years or life. When the victim is 14 to 17 years of age, it carries seven, nine, or 11 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. When the victim is under the age of 14, rape is punishable by nine, 11, or 13 years in state prison and lifetime sex offender registration.
• Stalking: Following, harassing, or threatening another person to the point that the victim is in reasonable fear for their safety is stalking. Stalking is a wobbler offense. When charged as a misdemeanor, it carries up to one year in county jail or misdemeanor probation. As a felony, stalking is punishable by up to five years in state prison or felony probation. A person convicted of stalking may also face a civil lawsuit brought by the alleged victim.

Back to Top

What Are Your Rights As an Accused?

In America, you are innocent until proven guilty. If you have been charged with a violent crime, you still have rights, including the right to a jury trial and a criminal defense attorney to represent you. Depending on the circumstances, possible defenses to violent crime charges your lawyer may raise include:

• Mistaken identity: You were not the person who committed the crime.
• Self-defense: You had a reasonable belief that you were facing an immediate threat of injury and used the force necessary to defend yourself.
• Defense of others: You used force to protect another person from harm.
• Alibi: You can prove you were elsewhere when the crime was committed.

Back to Top

Contact Us for Skilled Legal Representation

James Dicks, attorney and founder of jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, is a board-certified criminal law specialist. Our firm has what it takes to be your advocate under the law and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

We understand the seriousness of the charges you are facing and have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case in your defense. Call a Rainbow violent crime defense lawyer today at (760) 630-2000 to schedule a free case consultation.

Back to Top