Violent crimes carry severe, life-altering sentences if you are convicted. Even beyond the fines and prison time, a criminal history showing a conviction for a violent crime will limit your opportunities long after you have completed your sentence.
When facing serious felony charges, contact my criminal defense practice for help. I am a Pickerington violent crimes lawyer with more than 25 years of experience helping people accused of serious crimes and I can represent you in your case as well.
Generally speaking, a violent crime involves force or the threat of force. Except for homicide, physical injury is not necessary for a crime to be considered violent. I defend Pickerington residents accused of the full range of violent crimes. I have a long record of success representing people accused of:
Any crime that involves a weapon is also considered a violent crime, even if the weapon was never used. A weapon need not be a gun or knife to rise to the level of a violent crime. Box cutters, screwdrivers, heavy objects, and even toy guns can elevate a charge to a violent crime, depending on the circumstances.
Most violent crimes are felonies. Sentences can be longer if you have a criminal history, the alleged victim is a child, police officer, or vulnerable person, if you were armed when the alleged crime happened, or the alleged victim suffered harm. I always approach a violent crime defense with the intention of obtaining a dismissal or acquittal, but also try to overcome any circumstances that might enhance a sentence upon conviction.
Simple or negligent assault is a misdemeanor, but other forms of assault are felonies. A person commits aggravated assault when they seriously harm someone or cause physical harm using a weapon, and the attack occurs when the assailant is experiencing sudden passion or rage. The crime is a 4th degree felony and the prison term is six to 18 months.
Ohio Revised Code § 2903.12 describes felonious assault as seriously harming someone or physically harming someone with a weapon. Felonious assault is a 2nd degree felony and the sentence is two to eight years in prison.
Some theft crimes are property crimes only, but aggravated burglary and robbery our violent crimes.
Aggravated burglary, Ohio Revised Code § 2911.11, is entering an occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside the structure and physically harming, or attempting to harm, one of the occupants. A person can also commit aggravated burglary by entering the structure while armed with a deadly weapon. The crime is a first-degree felony punishable by three to 11 years in prison.
Robbery is attempting to steal something while armed with a deadly weapon, or using physical force or threatening to use physical force to accomplish the theft. There are several degrees of robbery, and depending upon the charge for which you are convicted, jail sentences could range from a few months to several years.
Any crime that results in someone’s death is a homicide. Unintentional homicides are called manslaughter, while intentionally killing someone is murder. Involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide convictions can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Attempted murder can lead to a prison sentence of three to eleven years, while aggravated murder can lead to the death penalty.
My priority when developing a defense to a violent crime in Pickerington is a thorough investigation. I closely review the records of the law enforcement investigation and arrest, looking for inconsistencies and ensuring that they respected your rights. If there were violations, I can move to suppress evidence or ask that the charges be dismissed.
Physical evidence is critical in many violent crimes. I have special expertise in forensics, including DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics, among other types of physical evidence. I am uniquely qualified to successfully challenge the physical evidence the prosecutor presents when attempting to prove a case against you.
Depending on the case, I may use the services of a private investigator to ensure that every lead is followed up and potential items of exculpatory evidence are identified. I have a network of experts in various disciplines that I can call upon when they can help support your case.
Defeating violent crime charges requires help from a skilled and experienced defense attorney. You need a Pickerington violent crimes lawyer like me to give you the best possible chance of overcoming the prosecutor’s evidence.
I will use all my knowledge, training, resources, and experience to present the most effective defense available in your situation. There is a way out and I will work with you to achieve the best outcome, so reach out to me as soon as you are arrested on a violent crime charge.