Solana Beach Violent Crime Lawyers

Defense Against Violent Crime Charges in Solana Beach

Solana Beach is known for its scenic trails, natural tide pools, welcoming surf breaks, and eclectic, locally-owned shops, all within a 30-minute walk from Fletcher Cove. Even here, finding yourself on the wrong side of the law can occur.

If you have been charged with a violent crime in Solana Beach, contact jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for skilled legal representation and counsel. Founding attorney James N. Dicks has been practicing criminal defense law for over three decades and is fully equipt to help you achieve a favorable outcome. James N. Dicks is a former Los Angeles Police Department investigator and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization. He is prepared to use his experience and knowledge to your advantage.

Call a Solana Beach criminal defense attorney at (760) 630-2000 to arrange a complimentary consultation today.

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What Qualifies As a Violent Crime in California?

When a criminal offense involves the use of force or threat of force to harm victims or cause them to fear for their well-being, it is considered a violent crime in California.

This category includes numerous offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Although violent crimes do not necessarily involve the use of a deadly weapon, this can be an aggravating factor leading to enhanced penalties.

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Examples of Violent Crimes in Solana Beach

Common violent crimes in Solana Beach and California include the following:

• Robbery: Using force or threats to take someone else’s property against that person’s will is the crime of robbery. To convict you, the prosecution must prove that you intended to permanently deny the rightful owner the use or enjoyment of the property. Robbery is a felony offense punishable in two degrees. Second-degree robbery carries up to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. First-degree robbery is punishable by a prison sentence of up to nine years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Robbery can be aggravated with enhanced sentencing if it causes great bodily injury or involves the use of a firearm. A conviction counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
• Battery: Simple battery is defined as the use of willful and unlawful force on another person. It is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. When it causes great bodily injury, the crime is aggravated battery. It is a wobbler, which may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, based on your criminal record and the severity of the victim’s injuries. Misdemeanor aggravated battery carries up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Felony aggravated battery is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant: This domestic violence offense can be charged for even slight physical injury. It is defined as willfully inflicting physical injury resulting in a traumatic condition on an intimate partner. This crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. As a misdemeanor, it carries up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. With a felony conviction, you could face two, three, or four years in state prison and a fine of up to $6,000. Sentencing can be enhanced if the victim suffers great bodily harm.

As a defendant accused of a violent crime, you have rights under the Constitution, including the right to a criminal defense lawyer to defend you against the charges.

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Cultivating a Strong Defense in a Solana Beach Violent Crime Case

Your Solana Beach violent crime defense attorney will strengthen your defense by conducting a meticulous investigation to uncover favorable evidence, potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and legal precedents that support your position. Your defense strategy will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and may include the following factors:

• Duress or Coercion: You were forced or threatened into committing the crime by someone else and had no other reasonable option but to comply.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment, your attorney may move to have that evidence suppressed, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case.
• Alibi: You were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed and could not have been involved. Alibi defenses often rely on witnesses or documented evidence like phone records or surveillance footage.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, this defense is used when you believe you had to use force to protect someone else from immediate harm.

Your Solana Beach criminal defense lawyer will skillfully prepare and present witnesses, documented evidence, and arguments that challenge the prosecution’s narrative while leveraging their negotiation skills to seek the most advantageous resolution.

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We Are Here to Fight for Your Rights and Freedom

At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we know how seriously a criminal conviction can impact your life. That’s why we do everything we can to protect your rights and dissolve the charges.

Our Solana Beach legal team provides a comprehensive assessment of each case and cultivates a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Head attorney James N. Dicks is trained in the Trojan Horse Method, meaning he never backs down in court. Securing a favorable outcome and protecting your freedom is his top priority.

Contact us at (760) 630-2000 for a free consultation.

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