Los Angeles Violent Crimes Defense: Experienced Attorneys for All Violent Offenses at Rogers | Beltran LLP

Facing violent crimes charges in Los Angeles can lead to life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a criminal record that impacts your employment, housing, and personal life. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, our experienced Los Angeles violent crimes defense attorneys regularly defend clients against all misdemeanor and felony violent offenses, including assault, battery, resisting arrest, robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, arson, criminal threats, extortion, murder, attempted murder, and more. With our deep expertise in California’s Penal Code, we fight aggressively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Below, we explain common violent crimes, what the prosecution must prove, effective defenses, potential penalties, and why you need our skilled legal team to navigate these serious cases.

Common Violent Crimes in California

California’s Penal Code classifies violent crimes as offenses involving force, threat of force, or serious harm, and Los Angeles prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we handle all violent crimes, including but not limited to the following:

1. Assault (PC § 240)

  • Description: Attempting to use unlawful force or violence on another person, without necessarily making contact.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor; escalates to felony assault with a deadly weapon (PC § 245).

2. Battery (PC § 242)

  • Description: Using unlawful force or violence on another person, causing contact (e.g., hitting or pushing).
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor; can be a felony if serious bodily injury occurs (PC § 243(d)).

3. Resisting Arrest (PC § 148)

  • Description: Willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer in their duties.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor; can lead to additional charges if force is used.

4. Robbery (PC § 211)

  • Description: Taking property from another person by force or fear, typically in their presence.
  • Key Factors: A felony; classified as first-degree (e.g., bank robbery) or second-degree.

5. Kidnapping (PC § 207)

  • Description: Unlawfully moving a person against their will by force or fear.
  • Key Factors: A felony; penalties increase with aggravating factors like ransom or injury.

6. Carjacking (PC § 215)

  • Description: Taking a vehicle from another person’s immediate presence by force or fear.
  • Key Factors: A felony; carries harsher penalties than theft due to violence.

7. Arson (PC § 451)

  • Description: Willfully or maliciously setting fire to property, structures, or forests.
  • Key Factors: A felony; penalties vary based on property damage or injury.

8. Criminal Threats (PC § 422)

  • Description: Threatening to commit a crime that could cause death or great bodily injury, causing reasonable fear.
  • Key Factors: A misdemeanor or felony “wobbler”; escalates with prior convictions.

9. Extortion (PC § 518)

  • Description: Obtaining property or action from another person through force, fear, or threats.
  • Key Factors: A felony; often involves blackmail or coercion.

10. Murder (PC § 187)

  • Description: Unlawfully killing another person with malice aforethought.
  • Key Factors: A felony; classified as first-degree (premeditated) or second-degree.

11. Attempted Murder (PC § 664/187)

  • Description: Attempting to kill another person with intent but failing to complete the act.
  • Key Factors: A felony; penalties are severe due to intent to kill.

12. All Other Violent Crimes

  • Description: Our firm handles every violent offense, including manslaughter (PC § 192), mayhem (PC § 203), and assault with intent to commit a felony (PC § 220).
  • Key Factors: We tailor defenses to each charge, ensuring comprehensive representation.

What the District Attorney Must Prove in Violent Crimes Cases

To secure a conviction for violent crimes, the Los Angeles DA must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP leverage these requirements to build robust defenses:

For Assault (PC § 240):

  1. Attempt: You attempted to use unlawful force on another person.
  2. Ability: You had the present ability to apply force.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not in self-defense.

For Battery (PC § 242):

  1. Force: You willfully used unlawful force or violence.
  2. Contact: You made physical contact with the victim.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not justified.

For Resisting Arrest (PC § 148):

  1. Resistance: You willfully resisted or obstructed an officer.
  2. Lawful Duty: The officer was performing a lawful duty.
  3. Knowledge: You knew the person was an officer.

For Robbery (PC § 211):

  1. Taking: You took property from another’s possession.
  2. Force or Fear: You used force or fear to take it.
  3. Intent: You intended to permanently deprive the owner.

For Kidnapping (PC § 207):

  1. Movement: You moved the victim a substantial distance.
  2. Force or Fear: You used force or fear against their will.
  3. No Consent: The victim did not consent.

For Carjacking (PC § 215):

  1. Taking: You took a vehicle from the victim’s immediate presence.
  2. Force or Fear: You used force or fear.
  3. Intent: You intended to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner.

For Arson (PC § 451):

  1. Setting Fire: You willfully or maliciously set fire to property.
  2. Intent: You intended to cause burning.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were unlawful.

For Criminal Threats (PC § 422):

  1. Threat: You threatened a crime causing death or great bodily injury.
  2. Intent: You intended the statement to be a threat.
  3. Fear: The victim reasonably feared for their safety.

For Extortion (PC § 518):

  1. Obtaining Property: You obtained property or action from another.
  2. Force or Fear: You used force, fear, or threats.
  3. Intent: You intended to extort.

For Murder (PC § 187):

  1. Killing: You unlawfully killed a person.
  2. Malice: You acted with malice aforethought.
  3. No Justification: Your actions were not justified (e.g., self-defense).

For Attempted Murder (PC § 664/187):

  1. Attempt: You took a direct step toward killing another person.
  2. Intent: You intended to kill.
  3. No Completion: The killing was not completed.

The DA relies on evidence like police reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, or victim statements. Our Los Angeles violent crimes attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP meticulously challenge this evidence to protect your rights.

Common Defenses to All Violent Crimes in Los Angeles

Our experienced attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP employ tailored defenses to fight all violent crimes, including:

  1. Self-Defense or Defense of Others:
    • If you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, your actions may be justified under PC § 197 or the castle doctrine (PC § 198.5).
    • Example: You fought back during an assault to protect yourself.
  2. False Allegations or Mistaken Identity:
    • Charges may stem from misunderstandings, exaggerations, or false claims.
    • Example: A witness wrongly identified you in a robbery case.
  3. Lack of Intent:
    • If you lacked intent to commit the crime (e.g., no intent to kill in attempted murder), you may not be guilty.
    • Example: An accidental injury occurred, not a willful battery.
  4. Insufficient Evidence:
    • The prosecution may lack evidence to prove key elements, such as intent or force.
    • Example: No video evidence supports a criminal threats charge.
  5. Illegal Search or Seizure:
    • If police obtained evidence unlawfully, it may be suppressed.
    • Example: Officers searched your property without a warrant in an arson case.
  6. Alibi or Lack of Presence:
    • If you were not at the scene, you cannot be held liable.
    • Example: You were elsewhere during an alleged kidnapping.

Our Los Angeles violent crimes defense lawyers thoroughly investigate your case to identify the most effective defense strategy for any violent offense.

Potential Penalties for Violent Crimes in California

Penalties for violent crimes vary depending on whether they are misdemeanors or felonies and your criminal history. As of July 20, 2025, potential consequences include:

Misdemeanor Violent Crimes

  • Jail Time:
    • Assault (PC § 240): Up to 6 months in county jail.
    • Battery (PC § 242): Up to 6 months in county jail.
    • Resisting Arrest (PC § 148): Up to 1 year in county jail.
    • Criminal Threats (PC § 422): Up to 1 year in county jail.
  • Fines: Up to $1,000 for most offenses; up to $2,000 for battery with serious injury (plus court fees).
  • Probation: Up to 3 years of informal probation, with conditions like community service or anger management classes.
  • Restraining Orders: May be imposed, restricting contact with victims.

Felony Violent Crimes

  • Prison Time:
    • Battery with Serious Bodily Injury (PC § 243(d)): 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison.
    • Robbery (PC § 211): 2, 3, or 5 years (second-degree); 3, 4, or 7 years (first-degree).
    • Kidnapping (PC § 207): 3, 5, or 7 years; up to 8 years with aggravating factors.
    • Carjacking (PC § 215): 3, 5, or 7 years.
    • Arson (PC § 451): 3, 5, or 7 years; up to 9 years for aggravated arson.
    • Criminal Threats (PC § 422): 16 months, 2, or 3 years.
    • Extortion (PC § 518): 2, 3, or 4 years.
    • Murder (PC § 187): 15 years to life (second-degree); 25 years to life (first-degree).
    • Attempted Murder (PC § 664/187): 5, 7, or 9 years; life with parole for willful, deliberate acts.
  • Fines: Up to $10,000 for most felonies; higher for murder or arson (plus fees).
  • Probation: Formal probation in some cases, with conditions like restitution or counseling.
  • Felony Record: Impacts employment, housing, and professional licenses.
  • Strike Offense: Most felony charges (e.g., robbery, murder) count as “serious” or “violent” felonies under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Additional Consequences

  • Restraining Orders: Long-term orders may limit contact with victims or family members.
  • Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation, especially for felony convictions.
  • Employment Challenges: A criminal record limits job opportunities, particularly in roles requiring background checks.
  • Civil Lawsuits: Victims may sue for damages (e.g., medical costs or emotional distress), increasing financial liability.

Why Choose Rogers | Beltran LLP for All Violent Crimes Defense?

At Rogers | Beltran LLP, we bring extensive experience defending clients against all misdemeanor and felony violent crimes in Los Angeles, including but not limited to:

  • Assault (PC § 240)
  • Battery (PC § 242)
  • Resisting arrest (PC § 148)
  • Robbery (PC § 211)
  • Kidnapping (PC § 207)
  • Carjacking (PC § 215)
  • Arson (PC § 451)
  • Criminal threats (PC § 422)
  • Extortion (PC § 518)
  • Murder (PC § 187)
  • Attempted murder (PC § 664/187)

Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable plea deals across the spectrum of violent offenses. We understand the complexities of California’s Penal Code and leverage our expertise to challenge evidence, assert defenses like self-defense or false allegations, and protect your future. Our personalized, aggressive representation ensures the best possible outcome for your case.

What Else Should You Know About Violent Crimes in Los Angeles?

Violent crimes in Los Angeles are prosecuted aggressively due to public safety concerns and the city’s high-crime environment. Here are key details to understand:

The Violent Crimes Defense Process in Los Angeles

  1. Investigation: Police investigate using witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence (e.g., DNA, fingerprints), or victim interviews, often involving violent crime units.
  2. Arrest and Booking: You may be arrested and held without bail for felonies or released on bail for misdemeanors, often with restraining orders.
  3. Court Proceedings: Your case involves arraignment, pre-trial motions, and possibly a trial. Plea deals may reduce charges to lesser offenses like disturbing the peace (PC § 415).
  4. Diversion Programs: For misdemeanor charges, judicial diversion (PC § 1001.95) may be available for first-time offenders, dismissing charges upon completion of conditions.

Why You Need a Los Angeles Violent Crimes Attorney

Navigating violent crimes requires legal expertise due to their severity and complex evidence. Our attorneys at Rogers | Beltran LLP can:

  • Challenge the prosecution’s evidence, such as unreliable witness testimony or forensic errors, to seek dismissal or reduction.
  • Argue self-defense, defense of others, or castle doctrine (PC § 198.5) for home-related incidents.
  • Represent you in court and restraining order hearings to protect your rights.
  • Mitigate impacts on your employment, family relationships, or immigration status.

How to Protect Yourself After a Violent Crime Charge

  1. Do Not Discuss the Case: Avoid talking about the incident with anyone except your attorney, as statements can be used against you.
  2. Document Evidence: Keep records of witnesses, communications, or events supporting your defense (e.g., proof of self-defense).
  3. Hire an Attorney Immediately: Early intervention can lead to dismissed charges or reduced penalties.
  4. Comply with Court Orders: Follow restraining order or bail conditions to avoid additional charges.

Los Angeles-Specific Considerations

  • Urban Context: Los Angeles’s high-crime areas (e.g., South LA, Downtown, Hollywood) and dense population increase violent crime allegations, often during street encounters or domestic disputes.
  • Local Courts: Cases are heard in courts like the Los Angeles Superior Court, Compton Courthouse, or Van Nuys Courthouse, each with unique procedures.
  • Police Enforcement: LAPD uses bodycams, forensic analysis, and witness interviews, which can be challenged for errors or bias.

Contact Rogers | Beltran LLP for Expert Defense Against All Violent Crimes in Los Angeles

No matter the violent crime you face, Rogers | Beltran LLP is here to help. Our skilled Los Angeles violent crimes attorneys have the expertise to defend against all misdemeanor and felony violent offenses, from assault and robbery to murder and attempted murder. Visit www.rogersbeltran.com to learn how we can protect your future.

Call us today at (213) 900-9004 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.