San Luis Obispo Violent Crimes Lawyer
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Being accused of any type of crime is a very serious matter that you should not take lightly. However, there are some crimes that the police and state prosecutors consider more severe than others, and tend to put more effort into achieving a conviction. These are usually crimes in which someone else gets hurt as a result.
If you have been arrested and are facing such charges, contact a San Luis Obispo violent crimes lawyer from the Law Offices of John C. Carlson to represent your rights in the criminal justice process. No matter the charge, you have a Constitutionally protected right to challenge the allegations, and a strategic criminal defense attorney from our firm could help you.
Generally speaking, a violent crime is an offense where force or the threat of force is used against another person, which may result in physical injury. These types of crimes typically involve harm to a victim, with some common examples including:
Because a victim is involved, violent crimes are typically classified as felonies, which tend to carry more severe punishments compared to lesser misdemeanors. However, it is important to note that some misdemeanors could be enhanced to a felony charge if the offender used a weapon.
A conviction for a felony charge may require a mandatory stay in state prison for a few years or up to a lifetime sentence. Hefty fines and victim restitution are also possible consequences, along with strict probation requirements after release. Of course, convictions also go on a permanent criminal record that could have a detrimental effect on future job opportunities, housing choices, and child custody or visitation rights.
Thankfully, the state prosecutor must go through the proper process to convict someone of a violent crime. If you have been charged with a crime of violence in San Luis Obispo, contact our firm to be represented by an experienced lawyer.
A skilled defense attorney in San Luis Obispo could review the situation and build a defense against a violent criminal charge. The right strategy depends on all the facts surrounding the incident and the exact allegations.
One potential option is self-defense or the defense of another person. This defense strategy involves asserting that the use of force was necessary to prevent bodily harm. Another defense is mistaken identity, in which your attorney could argue you were not the one who committed the violent act, but the police were led to believe you were due to unreliable witnesses or incomplete evidence.
Lawyers are also trained in the art of negotiating, and sometimes the best approach is to push the prosecutor to file a lesser charge. It may also be possible to come to a plea deal so both sides can avoid the time and strain of the criminal justice process.
It is an understandably stressful and confusing time to face accusations of a crime. Just remember that you have the right to be represented by a San Luis Obispo violent crimes lawyer.
An attorney from our firm could work towards finding a fair resolution for your case. Contact our team at the Law Offices of John C. Carlson to tell us your story.