Violent Crimes

According to statistics from the Crime in California report, there were 183,546 total arrests for violent crimes statewide in 2021. Violent crimes involve any offense committed using force or violence, or any offense that causes bodily injury or harm to the victim. Violent criminal offenses include robbery, murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, and extortion. In the state of California, violent crimes are often charged as felonies and may carry devastating penalties and other life-long consequences.

If you are under investigation for a violent crime, it is imperative that you hire an aggressive and highly-skilled California criminal defense attorney to help build your defense. At Underwood Law Firm, we are dedicated to offering skilled representation and personalized legal guidance to clients facing violent crime charges. Our trusted legal team will investigate all of the facts of your case and strategize a strong defense to fight your charges.

Underwood Law Firm is proud to represent clients across California, including Bakersfield, Lamont, and surrounding areas throughout Kern County.

What Is Considered a “Violent Crime?”

According to California law, a violent crime or violent felony can be described as any offense that involves violence against another person. Due to the violence involved, the victim may suffer physical injuries or harm.

Types of Violent Crimes

At Underwood Law Firm, our attorneys have the skill, resources, and knowledge to represent clients in a wide spectrum of violent crimes cases, including, but not limited to:

Murder

Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder can be described as the unlawful killing of another person with “malice aforethought.” Malice aforethought indicates that the person had the intent to kill the victim, cause serious bodily injury, or with disregard for human life.

Voluntary Manslaughter

According to California Penal Code Section 192(a), voluntary manslaughter means the unlawful killing of a human being without malice, “upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion.”

Robbery

Robbery involves taking another person’s property against the owner’s will using intimidation, fear, or force.

Rape

Under California law, rape can be described as any act of sexual intercourse with another person without that person’s effective consent.

Kidnapping

Pursuant to California law—California Penal Code Section 207(a)—kidnapping occurs when a person holds, detains, arrests, or takes another person by means of force or fear, to another California county, state, or country.

Domestic Violence

Under California law, domestic violence can be described as abuse, violent acts, or threats of abuse perpetrated against a family member, household member, or intimate partner.

Battery

Battery can be described as the willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person.

Keep in mind that the above is not a comprehensive list. There are several other violent crime cases that the knowledgeable attorneys at our law firm can handle.

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or charged with a violent crime, you need to reach out to an aggressive criminal defense lawyer immediately. Our trusted legal team at Underwood Law Firm can enlighten you about the nature of your charges as well as the possible penalties and consequences.

Possible Penalties

In the state of California, the penalties for violent crimes are often very harsh. Depending on the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, the magnitude of the harm, and other surrounding circumstances, an offender convicted of a violent crime may suffer any of these penalties and consequences:

• Hefty fines
• Prison sentences – ranging from months, years, decades, or even life imprisonment without the possibility of probation or parole.
• A criminal record
• Restitution to the victim
• Community service
• Mandatory anger management classes
• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits or government assistance
• Loss of voting rights
• Loss of your rights to possess, own, or carry a gun or firearm
• Difficulties in obtaining certain financial loans
• Increased difficulty in securing education and scholarship opportunities
• Increased difficulty in getting housing and employment opportunities
• Increased difficulty in traveling overseas
• Mandatory registration as a sex offender (for sex-related crimes)
• Possible deportation or inadmissibility into the United States
• Deterioration of professional and personal relationship

A skilled California violent crimes defense attorney can craft an effective defense strategy to help fight your allegations and avoid the possible implications of a criminal conviction.

Possible Defenses

When falsely accused of violent crimes, your defense counsel can help fight your charges with any of the legal defenses below:

• Falsely accused by the alleged victim
• Self-defense
• Defense of a person in imminent danger
• Defense of others
• Committed in an attempt to uphold the law
• Mistaken identity
• Defense of property
• Duress
• Incapable of performing the alleged crime
• Failure to prove the crime beyond reasonable doubt
• Lack of provable intent to threaten or harm the alleged victim

A dependable attorney can intervene quickly, determine the best defenses for your case, and represent you diligently in pursuit of the best available outcome.

Work With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending your violent crimes accusations without detailed guidance could expose you to the risks of getting convicted and suffering the maximum penalties. A criminal record could jeopardize your quality of life, personal reputation, and future. When facing violent crime allegations, retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney is paramount for dedicated representation.

Our skilled attorneys at Underwood Law Firm have the resources to protect individuals accused of committing violent crimes. As your legal counsel, we can evaluate every aspect of your unique situation and help identify your best defenses. Above all, we will guide you through the California criminal justice system and represent you aggressively in every phase of the legal process.