Defining Violent Crimes

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 3-Sep-2015

As the name suggests, violent crimes are criminal offenses that involve the threat of violence or the use of violence. These include sex crimes, homicide, and assault, among others. A conviction of a violent crime can lead to a very lengthy prison sentence and other harsh penalties. Given that your freedom is at stake, it’s highly advisable to work with a criminal defense lawyer who has previously handled cases involving violent crimes.

Crimes Involving Death

There are many different criminal charges that may be filed against an individual who is suspected of homicide, which refers to the killing of a person by another person. If an individual is charged with murder, it means he or she is alleged to have intentionally killed the other person. Some states label this charge as first-degree murder. States that recognize second-degree murder use this charge to describe an unintentional killing in which the suspect displayed a wanton disregard or extreme indifference to the victim. If the suspect is accused of killing someone unintentionally because of reckless actions, it is referred to as manslaughter. Negligent homicide refers to a death caused by someone’s negligent actions. Another charge that your criminal defense lawyer might defend you from is felony murder. Some states use the felony murder charge to describe a killing that happens while one or more individuals carry out a felony. For example, a kidnapping victim may be killed.

Crimes Involving Injuries

An individual can be charged with battery if he or she is accused of engaging in offensive physical contact with another person. Assault refers to attempted battery or the threat of battery. Simple assault and battery involves inflicting injuries that are not serious.

Crimes Involving Sexual Activity

Crimes that involve illegal sexual activity are known as sex crimes. Rape is the crime of forcing someone to have sexual intercourse against that person’s will. It also refers to sexual intercourse with a person who is incapable of giving consent.

At the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass, our legal team has considerable experience litigating cases that involve accusations of violent crimes, including sex crimes, terroristic threats, assault, and homicide. If you’ve been charged with a violent crime or you suspect you may be under investigation, contact our law offices at . Our Plano criminal attorney will thoroughly analyze the evidence against you and develop a sound strategy for your defense.