Violent crimes in Los Angeles are very serious criminal offenses that can easily land you in jail or state prison for several years. As a category of crimes, violent crimes can mean so many different, individual crimes. Some of the most commonly committed violent crimes are murder, attempted murder, domestic abuse, sexual assault, forcible rape, terrorism, armed robbery and assault. Typically, violent crimes use physical force as a means to an end: the defendant is said to want something and is accused of using violent means to obtain it. Violent crimes can vary in that many are committed with some sort of weapon while many others are not. The relationships involved in violent crimes can also vary widely to include people romantically involved, family or friends, acquaintances or complete strangers. One thing that is uniform to nearly all violent crimes is the harshness of punishments assessed in the case of a conviction. Because violent crimes often involve the serious injury of another person, or the loss of valuable property in a violent manner, violent crimes are very often punished by long prison or jail sentences, as well as longer probation or parole sentences. Most violent crimes are also classified as felony criminal offenses, which may make certain jobs more difficult to attain. Convicted felons also face the loss of certain rights such as the right to possess a firearm. A crime such as felony domestic abuse can send you to jail or state prison for anywhere between three months and three years. Being convicted of murder in Los Angeles can mean up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Violent crimes in Los Angeles have the added factor of generally being considered “strikes" under California's “Three Strikes" laws. These laws were designed by lawmakers to target habitual and serious criminal offenders by punishing them more severely with each crime. Certain crimes such as attempted murder, theft or assault are considered a “strike" upon conviction. If a defendant is convicted of three “strike" offenses, they are nearly always automatically sent straight to a state prison without the possibility of parole. Prior convictions on “strike" offenses also lengthen punishments. Crimes that under other circumstances would warrant probation might garner prison sentences if the defendant has a prior felony conviction under their belt. If you have been accused of violent crime in Los Angeles, call the attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP right away. The best defenses start as early as possible. Important factors such as how evidence was collected against you could result in your charges being dropped altogether. You do have options. Call today to find out what they are. Tagged as: los angeles violent crime defense attorney

Comments:

Hoa Nguyen on December 2, 2009 at 1:42 a.m. wrote: I agree with Liz, there are definitely problems with the Three Strikes laws. How is it that a person would face a longer sentence (w/ third strike) for theft than murder? Liz on November 18, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. wrote: The 3 Strikes laws have put so many people in prison for life that wouldn't have otherwise been sentenced to that. Have any studies been done to see if these laws are actually preventing violent crimes?