Ventura Violent Crimes Lawyer

Ventura Violent Crimes Attorney

If you are charged with a violent crime, you may not know exactly what to do next. If you don’t take the right steps to protect yourself, you could end up in a much worse situation. Remember that being arrested is not the end of your case – it’s the beginning. If you find yourself charged with a violent crime, you should consider reaching out to a Ventura violent crimes lawyer.

The last thing you want to end up with is a conviction, as that will leave you with a criminal record. Having a criminal record can cause a great deal of stress and complications in your life. It can hurt your professional reputation, affect your social standing, impact your housing opportunities, and even mess with your personal relationships. You should do everything in your power to prevent a conviction, and that starts with hiring an experienced violent crime lawyer.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the legal team at the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein is here to help you fight the charges and protect your future. An expert criminal defense lawyer in Ventura can guide you through the process and work to get the best outcome for your case.

What Is Considered a Violent Crime?

According to California state law, a violent crime is any illegal action that causes somebody serious injury or death or any crime that’s committed with the use of a deadly weapon. Many different crimes may fall under that umbrella, including murder, assault, rape, mayhem, robbery, arson, kidnapping, and child abuse, among other crimes. If you are charged with a violent crime, the primary components that will make up the case against you are injuries, death, or a weapon.

Getting Arrested for a Violent Crime

Depending on the details of the arrest, getting arrested for a violent crime can be a humiliating situation for you. You may feel like your case is already over, and you have no possible defense for what you’re being charged with. This may not be the case, and you should never stop declaring your innocence and fighting the charges against you. Remember that you are considered innocent until proven guilty, regardless of the charges being made against you.

You should never forget that you have certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon. These rights include your right to retain legal counsel and your right to remain silent when questioned by police. Upon arrest, your very first move should be to contact your lawyer. You don’t have to answer any of the police’s questions without your lawyer present. Once they arrive, you can leave all the talking to them. Be totally honest with your lawyer.

Defenses Against a Violent Crime Charge

The most important thing that an experienced violent crimes lawyer does for you is to assist you in building a strong defense strategy. Without a strong defense, you will not win your case. Your lawyer will work hard to put together a solid defense that’s built on evidence, witness testimony, and adaptability. Here are some of the possible defenses upon which you may be able to build your strategy:

• Self-defense. One of the most common defenses against a violent crime is self-defense. You only acted the way you did out of a sense of self-preservation and in an effort to protect yourself or others. Had the other party not acted first, you never would’ve felt the need to act at all. This defense may not always be applicable, but it could work for your case if your lawyer is able to prove it.
• Mistaken identity. Another common defense against a violent crime is that you are the unfortunate victim of mistaken identity. This defense may only work if you are able to provide an airtight alibi for the day in question. If you can prove you were elsewhere during the incident, that may be enough to convince the prosecution to drop the case against you.

FAQs About Violent Crimes in Ventura, California

What Qualifies as a Violent Crime in California?

In California, any crime that involves the use of deadly force against another person may be considered a violent crime. Violent crimes can range from misdemeanor offenses to felony offenses, and the penalties you could face will depend largely on the details of the crime and whether or not there were aggravating circumstances. Regardless of the penalties, if convicted, you will have a criminal record.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in California?

There is no telling how much a criminal lawyer might cost in California. Every criminal case is different, with every case having its own specific details and factors that make each individual case a unique situation for all involved. Since each case is different, every lawyer’s fee is going to be different, too. Your lawyer’s fee will largely be dependent on the complexity of the case, as well as their past experience and education.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Violent Crimes in California?

The statute of limitations on violent crimes in California depends entirely on the crime in question. For misdemeanor offenses, the statute of limitations is generally one year. For felony offenses, the statute of limitations is generally three years. For crimes that are punishable by life in prison, such as murder, violent rape, or aggravated kidnapping, there is no statute of limitations.

What Type of Lawyer Fights Against Alleged Criminals?

The type of lawyer that fights against alleged criminals is called a prosecutor or a district attorney. Their goal is to find criminal defendants guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. They are the ones that your criminal defense lawyer will be going up against in a courtroom if your case cannot be decided through a plea bargain.

Reach Out to an Experienced Violent Crimes Lawyer Today

Dealing with violent crime charges can be a stressful ordeal to go through, especially if you are going through it alone without any legal representation to back you up. Without an experienced lawyer by your side, there’s no telling what could happen to your case. You could end up convicted after being torn apart in court by a seasoned prosecutor. It might be better to let a lawyer handle your case and give you peace of mind.

At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we can help you put together a strong case to defend yourself. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about what we can do to help.