Violent Crimes Client Focused, Result Driven.

Los Angeles Violent Crime Lawyers

Defending Against Accusations of Violent Offenses in Los Angeles County

All crimes carry legal consequences, but some offenses—like violent crimes—come with heftier and longer-lasting impacts. You can spend decades behind bars if you are convicted of a violent offense. Similarly, your relationships may be ruined, you could have trouble finding a job and housing, and you will likely have to deal with the stigma of being labeled a violent offender long after you finish your sentence.

With this much at stake, you cannot afford to leave your defense to an inexperienced attorney. You must have someone with a track record of success who puts you first at every step. Our attorneys at Zarabi Law offer just that. Led by seasoned lawyer Elliot Zarabi, our team of violent crime defense attorneys in Los Angeles has 60+ years of combined experience. We develop aggressive defense strategies that leverage our knowledge of California law and trial-tested tactics. Our efforts have allowed us to achieve a 90% case success rate.

If you have been accused of a violent crime, let us fight for your best interests—and your second chance. Call (213) 786-4055 or reach out online to request a free consultation. For your convenience, we can conduct these initial meetings virtually or over the phone.

How Does California Law Define Violent Crime?

California law defines a violent crime as any offense that involves the use or threat of physical force against another person. This includes offenses like murder, assault, battery, and domestic violence. More often than not, violent crimes are felonies. However, some offenses, like simple assault, are misdemeanors.

What to Know About Violent Felonies

California Penal Code Section 667.5 includes a list of numerous violent felonies, which count as "strikes" under the state's three strikes law. Some of the most prevalent violent felonies in California include murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, child molestation, and kidnapping.

While convictions for these crimes with harsh sentences on their own, they can result in even more severe consequences for those with convictions for one or more prior "strike" offenses. If you have a strike on your record, the sentence for any new felony conviction will be twice the usual term. If you have two or more strikes, even nonviolent felonies carry a mandatory minimum term of 25 years to life in prison.

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Trust Zarabi Law with Your Violent Crime Case

If you have been accused of a violent crime, you should not wait to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can begin building a strategic defense asserting your innocence and highlighting the prosecution's errors.

Often, our Los Angeles violent crimes defense attorneys employ the following arguments:

Self-defense: You were protecting yourself or another from immediate harm
Accident: You did not intend to commit the crime, and/or someone got hurt due to an unintentional act
Insufficient evidence: The prosecution does not have enough evidence linking you to the alleged violent offense, or they collected it illegally
False accusations: Someone purposely made false allegations against you for personal gain or revenge

The above are just a few of the approaches we may take. Schedule a confidential consultation to find out how we can defend you. These meetings are free and confidential. Should we take your case, you can expect us to treat you with respect and compassion while aggressively fighting for your rights, freedom, and future. Do you need assistance in Spanish? Se habla español.

Call (213) 786-4055 or connect with us online to start with Zarabi Law.

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Penalties for Violent Crimes in California

Below, we have defined common violent crimes and outlined their punishments:

Assault & Battery

California Penal Code Section 240 defines assault as an attempt to injure another. Battery, per California Penal Code Section 242, is the actual use of force or violence against someone else.

Both offenses are generally misdemeanors punishable by six months in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. However, battery that leads to significant bodily harm may result in felony charges punishable by up to a year in jail.

Manslaughter

There are two types of manslaughter: voluntary, involuntary, and vehicular. Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing that occurs during a sudden fight or in the "heat of passion," while involuntary manslaughter happens due to reckless behavior or criminal negligence. Vehicular manslaughter is defined as causing someone's death through gross negligence while operating a vehicle.

Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 11 years in prison, involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum of four years behind bars, and vehicular manslaughter can result in up to six years in prison.

Murder

The most serious violent crime offense is murder, which involves intentionally killing another person. Depending on the circumstances, it can be charged in the first- or second-degree. First-degree murder is reserved for premeditated killings or those that occur during specific dangerous felonies like robbery or kidnapping. Second-degree murder encompasses all other types of unlawful killings that are not premeditated.

First-degree murder carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, while second-degree murder can result in 15 years to life. However, if you have prior convictions for a violent felony or any other strike offense, the penalties may be more severe.

Robbery

California Penal Code Section 211 defines robbery as taking someone else's property using force or fear. Like murder, robbery is charged in the first and second degrees. First-degree robbery, which involves a firearm or deadly weapon and bodily injury, can carry a punishment of three to nine years in prison. Second-degree robbery, which does not involve a firearm or deadly weapon, can come with a sentence of up to five years in prison.

Sex Crimes

California law details several types of sex crimes. Some of the most common violent sex crimes include rape, child molestation, and sexual battery. The penalties for these offenses vary depending on the severity of the crime and whether it was committed against a minor or an adult.

Examples of offenses and their potential penalties include:

Rape: Three to eight years in prison
Lewd acts with a child under 14: Three to eight years in prison
Continuous sexual abuse of a child: Six to 16 years in state prison

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