Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Assisting Clients in Las Vegas
If you are convicted of a violent crime in Las Vegas, you could face heavy punishments such as life in prison, hefty fines, and even the death penalty. When you have violent crime charges brought against you, be it for involuntary manslaughter, unlawful killing, sexual assault, kidnapping, attempted murder, or other criminal charges for serious crimes of this nature, you may worry about how your case will affect your future. Whatever your situation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Nevada who is familiar with Nevada law and will listen to your side of the story with compassion.
At Goodwin Law Group, PLLC, we believe that all our clients deserve to understand what is going on in the criminal defense process so they can make the best decisions in their cases. We will explain the legal procedures you’re going through in terms that you can understand while listening carefully to your side of the story. We also know how important it is to conduct a thorough investigation of every little detail in violent crime cases, as this can make all the difference between getting a lighter sentence versus more severe penalties. Please don’t go through the frightening Las Vegas criminal defense process alone. Contact our law firm today for a free legal consultation at (702) 819-8242.
What is a Violent Crime under Nevada Law?
In Nevada, violent crimes are considered to be any criminal activity that causes the threat of harm to another individual. Many of these crimes are felonies, meaning you could face years in federal prison as well as a criminal record that would follow you for years to come. The following are some violent crimes that we see in our criminal law practice:
Murder Charges
In Nevada, murder is considered to be the killing of another individual that is premeditated or thought out ahead of time and intentional or done on purpose. This is a category A felony, which is the most serious of crimes punishable by law. A conviction for first-degree murder, which would include killing someone by shooting, stabbing, or poisoning them, could be life in prison or even the death penalty. Second-degree murder would be when the death was accidental but was a result of reckless actions that obviously could have led to the killing. One example of this is playing Russian Roulette, resulting in someone’s death.
It is also important to note that in Nevada, there is a legal provision for what is known as felony murder. These murder charges occur when a person is committing another violent crime, and the victim dies. Some crimes associated with felony murder are rape, kidnapping, child abuse, elder abuse, burglary, and arson. Felony murder sentencing can also be significant; a conviction could lead to many years of life in federal prison.
Manslaughter
Under Nevada law, manslaughter is still serious but is less severely punished than murder. This crime is divided into two categories. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when someone kills another person in the heat of the moment. The killing was not premeditated but was also not accidental.
The second category is involuntary manslaughter, where the person convicted engaged in a negligent or illegal activity that led to the death of someone else. An example of involuntary manslaughter is when a driver speeds up and accidentally hits and kills a pedestrian.
Assault and Battery
Assault and battery are actually two different crimes, although they usually appear in criminal language together. Assault occurs when you threaten to physically harm another individual. Battery is following through with the threat and committing the act of violence. Battery could include pushing, hitting, biting, slapping, kicking, etc.
Robbery
While burglary is considered to be a property crime and has less severe penalties, robbery is when the property is taken by force while the owner is present and is very serious in nature. Robbery is a category B felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison. If the robbery was committed with the use of a deadly weapon, meaning an item that is likely to cause substantial bodily harm, the sentencing will be more severe.
When you are facing criminal charges in Clark County, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to stand by your side, making sure your voice is heard. We handle these violent crimes and more, including kidnapping, sexual assault, domestic violence, gun crimes, DUIs, and drug crimes. If you are charged with violent or other crimes, look to an experienced criminal defense lawyer like Charles Goodwin to be a strong ally in your corner.
What Kind of Sentencing can be Expected for Violent Crime Conviction?
Some factors that determine how severe your sentencing will be are the type of crime you are charged with, the intent behind your actions, and the severity of the crime. An experienced lawyer can employ a defense strategy that includes mitigating factors surrounding violent crime charges. For example, we can illustrate that you were under duress and domination of another person, that you suffered mental or emotional disturbance that resulted in the crime, that you have no history of criminal activity, or that the victim consented to or participated in the crime. With these factors in mind, the judge and jury are much more likely to give lighter sentencing or perhaps even dismiss the charges completely.
In general, violent crime charges carry heavy punishments that include years in prison and thousands of dollars in crimes. For a category A felony such as first-degree murder, a conviction could mean life in prison or the death penalty. Category B felonies may also lead to many years in prison. However, just because you are charged with a violent crime does not mean you will be convicted. Please reach out to our law firm for a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney who will fight aggressively for justice in your case. We believe there are two sides to every story and that your voice should be heard in your violent crime case.
What Can I Do to Defend Myself from Violent Crime Charges?
When you are charged with a violent crime in Clark County, Nevada, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. A violent crimes lawyer will know how to offer a vigorous defense against the felony charges you may be facing, helping you avoid the most severe penalties. A criminal defense attorney can also point out to the judge and jury details showing that there is reasonable doubt of your guilt. As the onus is on the prosecution to prove beyond doubt that you committed the crime, often the doubt illustrated by the defense is enough to get a lighter sentence or have the charges dropped completely.
A Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can also investigate the circumstances surrounding criminal activity, identifying mitigating factors that can help you avoid prison time and heavy fines. At Goodwin Law Group, PLLC, we offer an aggressive defense as well as the promise of listening compassionately to your story. We understand that facing criminal charges, especially for violent crimes, can be overwhelming both for the individuals involved and for their families. We will develop the best defense possible in your criminal case, gathering all the evidence and expertly defending you in court. We have handled hundreds of cases, and we regularly get positive outcomes, so contact our law office today.
Should You Hire a Violent Crimes Attorney?
We believe that all defendants deserve professional legal advice when facing allegations of criminal activity, especially in the serious matter of violent crimes. When you or your family member is going on trial in Las Vegas, NV, you may be worried about the consequences that could follow for years to come. However, you don’t need to feel alone during this difficult time. We understand that there are two sides to your story, and we will make sure to listen carefully so we can build the best defense based on the details of your case. Whether you are under arrest for armed robbery, vehicular manslaughter, capital murder, child abuse, domestic violence, or another Las Vegas violent crime, we want to help you get through this process and back to normal life.
Our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer has vast experience handling cases in Nevada, and he knows how to defend you in order to get the best outcome possible. Attorney Charles Goodwin takes pride in helping each client feel valued and respected throughout the legal process. Our skilled legal team recognizes that you are experiencing major, life-changing decisions and that you depend on us for reliable counsel. When you or your loved one is facing charges of violent crimes in the Las Vegas area, please reach out to us to schedule a free consultation where you can speak with our experienced Las Vegas violent crimes attorney. Call us today at (702) 819-8242.
