What Are the Best Defense Strategies Against Violent Crime Charges?

In the criminal justice system, some of the most serious cases involve crimes that cause injury or harm to someone else. Violent crimes are often charged as felonies, and the penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime, the identity of the alleged victim, whether a deadly weapon was used, whether an alleged offender has any previous criminal convictions, and other factors involved in the Legal case.

Anyone who is charged with a violent crime will want to understand the nature of the charges, the consequences of a conviction, and the defense strategies that may be used. By working with a Chicago criminal defense attorney , a defendant can be sure their rights will be protected, and they can determine their best options for defense.

Common Types of Violent Crimes

Criminal charges for violent offenses may include multiple different alleged violations of the law, including:

1. Robbery - Alleged theft of money or property may be considered a violent crime if force or the threat of force was used or if an alleged perpetrator was in possession of a deadly weapon.

2. Weapons Charges - It is illegal to carry certain types of deadly weapons in certain places, and even if no other criminal activity occurs, being in possession of these types of weapons may be considered a violent crime. Possession of weapons such as handguns, knives, stun guns, or explosives at a school or place of worship may result in felony charges.

3. Assault and Battery - Threatening to harm someone or intentionally causing physical contact can result in criminal charges. These charges will typically become more severe if the alleged victim was seriously injured or killed, or if the alleged perpetrator was in possession of a deadly weapon.

4. Domestic Violence - A person may face criminal charges if they allegedly caused physical or emotional harm to a member of their family or a person in their household, including a spouse, child, step-child, former spouse, dating partner, or another family member. More serious charges will apply if an alleged victim suffered great bodily harm or was killed. In domestic violence cases, an alleged abuser may also be subject to an order of protection or restraining order that will prohibit them from contacting or coming within a certain distance of their alleged victim(s).

5. Harassment - Any actions that cause a person to fear that they may suffer harm can result in criminal charges. Harassing actions such as sending messages or making phone calls of a threatening nature may be considered violent crimes.

6. Kidnapping - Holding or confining another person against their will can result in felony charges. These charges will increase if aggravating factors are involved, such as the use of a deadly weapon, the infliction of great bodily harm, or the intent to obtain ransom.

7. Gang Violence - Because criminal activity related to gangs is often seen as especially dangerous and harmful, any violent crime charges that are related to gang activity will likely involve increased charges and penalties.

8. Sex Crimes - Sexual assault or rape is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with, and a defendant may face severe penalties, especially if the alleged victim suffered serious injuries or was a minor. A conviction will likely not only result in a lengthy jail sentence, but a person will be required to register as a sex offender, which can affect their ability to obtain employment or housing.

9. Homicide - Causing the death of another person can lead to some of the most severe penalties a person can face in the criminal justice system. While first-degree murder, in which a person is accused of intentionally killing someone else in a premeditated fashion, is often the most serious homicide charge, other homicide cases may involve manslaughter charges related to a person’s accidental death . A person may face these types of charges if they are accused of driving under the influence (DUI), and their alleged actions led to a car accident in which someone was killed.

Defense Strategies Against Violent Crime Charges

A good defense lawyer will fully examine all of the details surrounding the incident that led to a person being charged with a violent crime and determine the options for defense. In many cases, the most effective defense against these charges involves showing that the defendant acted in self-defense. A person is allowed to defend themselves, their property, or other people from being harmed, as long as the force used in defense is proportionate to the threat a person presented.

In other situations, an attorney may be able to provide evidence to demonstrate that the defendant did not commit the alleged crime. This may include showing that the defendant was in another location at the time the crime took place, that they were mistakenly identified by victims or witnesses, or that they were physically incapable of committing the alleged acts.

Other defense strategies may include suppressing inadmissible evidence or countering witness testimonies. Evidence that was obtained through an illegal search by police, such as a search of a person’s home without a warrant, is not admissible in a criminal trial, and an attorney may argue to have this evidence excluded from the case. In other situations, a lawyer may be able to show that a witness’s testimony is unreliable, inconsistent, or motivated by a desire to cause harm to the defendant.

It is important to remember that in a criminal case, the prosecution is required to convince a jury that the defendant committed the crime beyond all reasonable doubt. This is a very high standard, and a criminal defense lawyer will understand the best ways to introduce doubt by finding inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case or explaining why the jury should not be convinced that the defendant committed the alleged crime.

With an experienced Chicago violent crime Legal Services on their side, a defendant can rest assured that they will be able to achieve positive results in their case. An attorney can work to have a case dismissed before it proceeds to trial, or they can provide representation before a judge and jury to help their client receive an acquittal. If it seems like a conviction is likely, they may be able to negotiate a plea bargain and help a defendant receive reduced charges or a lesser sentence. A skilled lawyer will be able to protect their client’s rights and help them minimize the consequences they may face.