Southern California Violent Crime Defense Lawyers

Murder and Violent Felonies

Violent felonies are some of the most serious criminal charges Californians can face. Most of them carry very steep penalties on their own, including years in state prison, steep fines and in some cases a limited chance for parole. But California law also specifically lists violent felonies as a strike for the purposes of the three-strikes law. That means being convicted of a violent felony for the first time will double the sentence for any later felony conviction -- even minor ones. If the violent felony charge is a second or third strike, you face at least double the time in prison or up to life.

California law lists specific felonies that are considered violent. They include:

• Murder and voluntary manslaughter.
• Disfiguring, disabling or cutting off a body part (mayhem).
• Rape (including forced oral copulation, sodomy and penetration with an object).
• Assault with a deadly weapon with firearm
• Robbery.
• Using a firearm to commit any felony.
• Any crime that resulted in serious bodily injury to a victim.
• Any crime that would draw the death penalty or life in prison.
• Carjacking.
• First-degree burglary. (residential)
• Kidnapping.
• Lewd acts on a child under 14.
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Crimes not on this list, especially sex crimes, may also be considered violent felonies. This list is by no mean inclusive of all violent felonies. If you're not sure, you can call the Orange County felony criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich for a free consultation on your case.

Violent felonies carry steep penalties, even when prosecutors can't use the three-strikes law. Those convicted of first-degree murder face 25 years to life in prison. Assault with a deadly weapon carries at least four years in prison, and rape can carry up to eight years in prison. First-degree robbery carries nine years. If there was a special circumstance, such as using a handgun or lying in wait, the sentence can be even higher. Many of these crimes also come with steep fines of $10,000 or more.

People facing charges of a violent felony should call the experienced California violent crime defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. After more than three decades of experience defending Californians against serious criminal charges, our lawyers understand how prosecutors build cases -- and how to find the most common mistakes they make. If we become your attorneys, we will scrutinize your case for flaws, omissions and civil rights violations that could get it dismissed altogether. We will work with prosecutors and judges to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors; change strike crimes to non-strike crimes; disregard the three-strikes law where appropriate; and get alternatives to prison such as jail or work-release programs. If necessary, we will go to a jury trial prepared to mount a complete and passionate defense.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach each case with the understanding that we could be defending one of our own family members. Our California murder defense lawyers believe everyone accused of a crime deserves aggressive, professional legal representation -- regardless of the charge. After more than 30 years in criminal defense, we understand that criminal charges can be extremely stressful for our clients and their families. That's why we're committed to being available to answer our clients' calls any time -- seven days a week, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For the same reasons, we maintain a network of offices throughout Southern California, from San Diego to Santa Clarita to Ventura, so we can be wherever our clients need us most. And in recognition of our state's diversity, we have staff members who speak Spanish, Farsi, Vietnamese and Japanese as well as English.

If you or someone you care about is facing serious felony charges in California, you need smart legal advice, fast. Wallin & Klarich can help. For a free consultation on your case, call us today at 1-888-285-2925.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing felony criminal charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-285-2925 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.