When a person commits a violent crime, they harm a victim or threaten to commit harm. These types of crimes often involve the harshest penalties from the justice system and require the best legal defenses.
Violent crime examples
Violent crimes range in severity. Some violent crimes may involve a complete loss of life, while other examples may not result in any type of physical damage to the victim. California classifies these offenses as violent crimes:
- Arson
- Assault
- Battery
- Carjacking
- Illegal distribution of guns
- Domestic violence
- Kidnapping
- Murder and manslaughter
- Rape
- Robbery
- Stalking
- Certain types of threats
- Terrorism
Penalties for violent crimes
California takes violent crime convictions seriously. Although the state may push for psychiatric care as part of your punishment, these penalties occur more often:
- Restitution to the victim
- Imprisonment
- Fines
- Community service
Long-term consequences of a conviction of a violent crime
Even if you do not receive a long prison sentence after being convicted of a violent crime, you may still face difficulty in your daily life after your trial. Since most violent crimes are classified as felonies, the long-term consequences may prevent you from living the life you want. Common long-term effects of being convicted of a violent crime include:
- Inability to find employment
- Difficulty getting accepted to college
- Loss of the right to own firearms
- Loss of the right to vote
Common defenses for violent crimes
The type of defense you build for your case depends upon the type of crime the prosecutor charges you of committing. Typically, you will choose one of the following three defenses:
- You acted out of self-defense.
- You did not act intentionally.
- Any activity involved the consent of the victim.
Defending your rights
No matter how severe the crime, the Constitution offers you the right to a fair trial. Beginning your defense today may help prevent catastrophic penalties.
