Violent Crimes
Steadfast Modesto Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Clients Throughout Stanislaus County
Violent crimes are those criminal offenses that involve some element of force or threat to use force against another person. While the most serious violent crimes involve death or serious bodily injury, even those that do not result in another’s injury subject you to potential jail time if you are found guilty. Thus, it is essential that you reach out to an experienced defense lawyer as soon as you learn of the allegations. At the Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez, our Modesto criminal defense attorney is proud to stand up for the rights of clients who face charges related to assault, domestic violence, homicide, and sex offenses. We take an individualized approach to every case we handle, valuing your input and working collaboratively to develop a compelling defense.
Types of California Violent Crimes
California Penal Code § 667.5 provides a list of violent felonies, including:
- Arson,
- Assault with the intent to commit another felony,
- Burglary of the first degree,
- Carjacking,
- Continuous sexual abuse of a minor,
- Kidnapping,
- Lewd or lascivious acts,
- Mayhem,
- Murder,
- Attempted murder,
- Rape,
- Robbery,
- Sexual penetration,
- Voluntary manslaughter, and
- Witness intimidation.
Other Violent Crimes
In addition, the following are also generally considered to be violent crimes, although they are not necessarily felonies:
- Assault,
- Battery, and
- Domestic violence.
Regardless of the nature of the charges you face, a conviction for a violent crime will change your life.
What Are the Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction?
California judges, prosecutors and lawmakers all take a hardline approach when it comes to violent crime. The fact that almost all violent crimes are considered felonies means that, even for a first-time offender, jail time is likely. Additionally, if you have one or more prior convictions for a serious or violent felony, you will be sentenced under the California three-strikes law.
Under Penal Code § 667, those with one prior conviction for a serious or violent felony will have their sentence doubled. However, if you have two or more serious or violent felony convictions, you will be sentenced to life in prison with a minimum parole-eligibility date of either three times the base sentence for each felony or 25 years, whichever is greater.
Given the strict California sentencing enhancements, aggressively defending against a violent crime is not only important to keep you out of jail today, but also to prevent an extremely harsh sentence in the event you are arrested for a crime in the future.
Defenses to a Violent Crime
While violent crimes are some of the most serious offenses, there are several defenses available that may either result in a not guilty verdict or the prosecution withdrawing charges or dropping the case entirely. In many cases, the best defense to a violent crime is challenging the sufficiency of the government’s evidence as it pertains to your mental state or the involvement or use of a firearm. In cases involving a statement you made to law enforcement, an attorney may be able to prevent your statement from coming into evidence by successfully litigating a motion to suppress. And, in most cases involving violent crimes, attacking the credibility of the witnesses can inject doubt into the government’s case.
Of course, the specific defenses that are available to you depend on the facts surrounding your arrest. Attorney Monez has the experience and legal knowledge necessary to identify and develop the best possible defense in your case.
TOPICS ON THIS PAGE
- Overview and Explanation of Violent Crimes
- Different Types of Violent Crimes in California
- Additional Violent Crimes in California
- Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction
- Defenses to a Violent Crime
Is the Government Charging You With a Violent Crime?
If you were recently arrested and charged with one or more violent crimes, you deserve a Modesto criminal defense attorney who is willing to fight for you—and fight hard. At the Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez, we are here to help. Attorney Monez is an aggressive litigator with extensive experience defending clients charged with violent crimes such as robbery, sexual assault and homicide. We are immediately available to meet with you to discuss the allegations against you and start working on a compelling defense to ensure the situation has as little impact on your future as possible. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 209.554.6446 You can also connect with us through our online contact form.
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WHAT WE ARE EXPERTs AT
Cases We Handle
The Law Office of Rebecka A. Monez handles a wide range of criminal cases in state and federal court on behalf of clients from all walks of life. Some of the cases we handle most often include:
Domestic Violence Charges
Drug Offenses
DUI Offenses
Expungements
Federal Crimes
Fraud Crimes
Gun and Weapons Charges
Homicide
Robbery
Sex Crimes
Violations of Probation
Violent Crimes
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2024 Litigator of the Year
The American Institute of Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only professional organization composed of premier trial attorneys from each state. These attorneys exemplify the very best qualities and qualifications of an attorney. Each attorney must meet stringent qualifications as a civil or criminal trial attorney.
An attorney who is selected as a Litigator of the Year possesses the knowledge, skill, experience, and success of a seasoned litigator. Very few attorneys from each region will receive such recognition. In fact, less than .03% of attorneys will even be nominated. This recognition is given out yearly.
Also, I have a friend going through the same situation as me, and he is extremely jealous of me and keeps telling me he wishes he could drop his attorney and go to mine. LOL
I hope this message finds you in high spirits. I am writing to express my profound gratitude for your exceptional legal expertise and the remarkable outcome you achieved in my case. Your skillful representation not only surpassed my expectations but also resulted in the dismissal of my case. Words cannot adequately convey the depth of my appreciation, but I wanted to take a moment to express my sincerest thanks...