Agoura Hills Violent Crimes Lawyer

Agoura Hills Violent Crimes Attorney

Being accused of a violent crime can be a terrifying moment, especially since violent crimes can carry severe sentences and affect the rest of your life. It’s important to have a good defense and to be prepared to face the next steps with focused attention. An Agoura Hills violent crimes lawyer understands how stressful this can be and is eager to help.

At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we have over twenty years of experience and want to guide you through the process with as much support as possible.

How We Can Help

James E. Silverstein is a well-respected and well-known violent crimes attorney with over two decades of happy clients. He has an in-depth understanding of California’s violent crime laws and is passionate about defending those who have been accused.

With experience in every step of the defense process, from preliminary trials to plea bargains, trials, and appeals, he is well-equipped to apply his knowledge to your specific circumstances. He can craft a solid defense on your behalf to help you move through this and on with your life.

What Qualifies as a Violent Crime in California?

The violent crime rate in California was 10% higher in 2024 than it was in 2019. This state takes violent crime seriously, and the severity of the penalty depends on the severity of the offense. Violent crimes are any offenses that use force or the threat of force against someone else. Examples are:

• Murder or voluntary manslaughter
• Mayhem
• Rape
• First-degree burglary
• Carjacking
• Sexual abuse of a child
• Arson
• Robbery
• Kidnapping
• Sexual assault

Violent crime penalties depend on the classification of the crime, whether it was premeditated, and how severe the crime was. California has a specific penalty framework to use for sentencing, which can involve years in prison and hefty fines.

Possible Defenses

Working with an experienced violent crimes attorney can help you develop a solid defense for the crime you’ve been accused of. Possible defenses could be:

• Duress: Someone threatened you with harm if you didn’t commit the crime. This involves proving that the threatened harm was immediate and credible.
• Defense of self or others: This means proving that you or someone else was in danger, and the force was necessary to protect them.
• Defense of property: If you were protecting property during a robbery, this might be a proper defense for you.
• Entrapment: A law enforcement official tricked you into committing the crime. This can be very difficult to prove.
• Violations of the Constitution: If your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest or at another point in the process, that could be grounds for excluding evidence from the trial or other defenses.
• Alibi: If you can prove you were elsewhere when the crime was committed, that would be a strong defense.
• Statute of limitations: If a certain amount of time has passed since the crime was committed, the government might not be able to prosecute you.

Hire a Violent Crimes Lawyer

Having a violent crimes lawyer on your side can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced lawyer can:

• Investigate the case
• Explain the legal process
• Interview witnesses
• Negotiate plea deals that can reduce the charges or the penalties
• Prepare a sturdy defense for the trial
• Represent you at the Chatsworth Courthouse on Penfield Avenue, the closest to Agoura Hills, or elsewhere in Los Angeles
• Appeal the verdict

You don’t have to go through this alone. Hire a violent crimes attorney to help you navigate this process and build a solid defense in your favor.

FAQs About Agoura Hills, CA Violent Crimes Law

Can Violent Crimes Be Expunged in California?

It is possible for some violent crimes to be expunged in California. While the conviction might remain on the record and visible to law enforcement and other government agencies, the individual would be able to report that they haven’t been convicted of the crime in job applications and interviews. To have crimes expunged, certain conditions must be met, and some crimes, like murder and serious sex crimes, don’t qualify for expungement.

What Qualifies as a Violent Crime in California?

A violent crime in California is any offense that uses force or threat of force against another individual. This can cover a range of offenses, including murder, rape, sodomy, lewd or lascivious acts, arson, attempted murder, carjacking, extortion, threats, and first-degree burglaries. Using specific types of weapons can increase the violent crime charge, along with harming a police officer, firefighter, or other government official. Hate crimes can also increase the severity of the charge.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in California?

How much a criminal defense lawyer costs in California depends entirely on the severity of the crime, the reputation of the violent crime attorney, and the location. The more complex the case, the more investigation and preparation are required for the attorney to develop a solid defense. A case that wraps with a plea deal will cost less than one that requires an extensive trial. The severity of the offense could also impact how much a lawyer costs.

What Are the Four Types of Violent Crimes?

There are generally four types of violent crimes. Assault, or threatening physical harm, and battery, which is causing physical harm, has a rate of 1.710 per 1,000 people in Agoura Hills.

The second type is homicide, or murder. This can range from attempted murder to first-degree. The third type is robbery, or taking someone else’s property by threat or force. The fourth is rape or sexual assault. This can apply to any nonconsensual sexual activity.

Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein

With over twenty years of experience representing people who’ve been accused of violent crimes, James E. Silverstein is passionate about helping clients from all walks of life defend themselves and protect their rights. He wants to help you navigate this stressful experience and work hard to get you a desirable outcome. His extensive experience has prepared him to tailor your defense to your unique needs.

To find out how he can help you, contact our office today and schedule a free consultation.