You can’t afford to gamble your freedom. If you are arrested for a violent crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your future may depend on the lawyer you retain. Violent crimes are some of the most serious offenses under California law. Sentencing for a violent crime conviction can include life in prison. Call (805) 590-2637 for a complimentary consultation on your case and see how the Ridley Defense team can help.
Attorney Douglas H. Ridley is a former Ventura County Deputy District Attorney. His knowledge of criminal procedure is second-to-none. He has assembled a team of seasoned litigators at Ridley Defense to help fight the allegations made against his clients. The stakes are too high to hire an inexperienced or underqualified attorney. Let us help you put the pieces back together from the beginning. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin building a strategic plan to secure the most favorable outcome in your case.
Common Violent Crimes in Southern California
There are several offenses that may be considered violent crimes under California law. The most serious felonies are subject to enhancement under California’s Three Strikes Law. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 667, a person convicted of a serious felony who has previously been convicted of a serious felony may be subject to sentencing enhancement. If a person has two or more prior serious or violent felony convictions, they may be subject to 25 years to life in prison.
Serious felonies under California Three Strikes Law include but are not limited to:
- Murder or Voluntary Manslaughter
- Mayhem
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Oral Copulation by Force
- Any felony punishable by death or life imprisonment
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Robbery or bank robbery
- Kidnapping
- Burglary of the first degree
- Certain drug offenses
Violent crimes are not limited to serious felonies. In some circumstances, a violent crime may be considered a misdemeanor or a “wobbler” (a crime that may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances).
Examples of violent crimes not enumerated under California’s Three Strikes Law include:
Domestic Violence – In California, domestic violence charges can be charged as a misdemeanor under Penal Code 243 (e) – spousal battery or as a felony under Penal Code 273.5. If convicted of spousal abuse under 273.5, you could face two, three, or four years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000.
Assault – According to Penal Code 240, “An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another.” A conviction for assault could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. Aggravated assault can result in a felony conviction and a state prison sentence of two, four, or six years.
Battery – Under Penal Code 242, “a battery is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.” A conviction for a battery is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine not to exceed $2,000, or both. Sentencing may be enhanced if the battery is committed against a peace officer or other protected person against a spouse, or it results in serious bodily injury.
Hiring a Leading Violent Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested for a violent crime, you cannot afford to wait. We will help you understand your rights and your choices. You need an experienced team behind you; you need Ridley Defense.
Contact Ridley Defense today at (805) 590-2637 for a complimentary consultation.