London Violent Crime Lawyer
In Kentucky, most crimes fall under the category of non-violent. Theft, embezzlement, some drug offenses, and crimes that involve property damage, for instance, all qualify as non-violent. The seriousness of the penalties for committing a non-violent offense are usually punishable by a fine or a relatively short sentence. Violent offenses, on the other hand, which are perpetrated against another person, rather than property, are taken much more seriously, especially if a weapon is involved. Hefty fines and extended jail sentences are much more likely when accused of a violent crime, making it particularly important for those accused of these kinds of offenses, to retain an experienced London violent crimes attorney who can help them build a strong defense.
What is Violent Crime?
Violent crimes are criminal offenses that involve the intentional use of violence, force, or even the threat of force, against another person. Because they can potentially lead to serious physical harm or even death, violent offenses are considered to be more serious than many property-based crimes and so generally come with more severe penalties. The most commonly charged violent crimes include:
- Domestic violence;
- Assault;
- Battery;
- Robbery;
- Manslaughter; and
- Murder.
While they may all fall under the category of violent crimes, these offenses will require proof of different elements in order to obtain a conviction. To convict someone of misdemeanor assault, for instance, prosecutors must prove that a defendant intentionally, wantonly, or recklessly (with the use of a deadly weapon) caused someone else to suffer a physical injury. To be convicted of battery, on the other hand, prosecutors need only prove that a defendant purposely had physical contact with someone else’s body. Because each of these offenses is so different, having an attorney on your side who is well-versed in what is required to obtain a conviction is extremely important to the outcome of a criminal case.
Defending Yourself Against Violent Crime Charges
We all have certain legal rights that must be respected when we are under investigation or arrest. For instance, a person can’t be stopped by a police officer unless that officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that that individual has committed a crime. To be arrested, officers must have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, or must be able to prove that exigent circumstances justify the arrest. Furthermore, a person’s property can’t be searched unless an officer obtains a warrant, while anyone who has been arrested must be given an overview of their rights once taken into custody. When these rights are violated, the evidence, confessions, and information obtained by the police can often be thrown out and so cannot be used against a defendant at trial. There are also specific defenses that can help those accused of violent crimes. It is, for instance, legal to defend yourself against someone else’s physical assault, while defendants can also avoid more serious penalties by demonstrating that they were provoked into committing the offense.
Violent Crimes Lawyers in London, Kentucky
At Cessna & George Law Firm, we dedicated ourselves to building strong defenses for and protecting the rights of our clients. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.
