Phoenix Violent Crimes Attorneys
We Defend Those Accused of Every Type of Crime
Fighting to Protect Clients Charged With Violent Criminal Offenses
While being convicted of any type of crime typically has a stigma attached to it, a violent crime conviction often carries additional ramifications. If you have been accused of a serious, violent crime, you could be facing years in prison, a life sentence, or even the death penalty.
The punishments for violent crimes can be severe, and you may discover that you still encounter legal and societal implications even after you have served your sentence. For example, employers, educational facilities, neighbors, and even potential friends or romantic interests are typically wary of interacting with someone who has been charged with a violent crime. Due to the repercussions that can occur, you must obtain strong representation from a Phoenix violent crimes attorney who will fight to protect your rights.
Belén Olmedo Guerra has a proven reputation for aggressive defense representation for her clients throughout Phoenix. She has successfully handled several high-profile cases. As a criminal defense lawyer, Belén understands the circumstances surrounding the preparation and defense of a violent crimes charge and has the courtroom experience and skill it takes to successfully defend against the state’s case. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation.
What is Considered a Violent Crime?
Violent crimes have a long history in both Arizona and society as a whole. The general public has consistently demanded that harsh laws be enforced, and stringent penalties be enforced against individuals committing such crimes. Prosecutors and judges alike are well aware that violent crime statistics, particularly those relating to conviction rates, have played a significant role in elections. As a result, this is the likely reason they are so aggressive in prosecuting people accused of violent crimes in Arizona.
So, what constitutes a violent crime? In general, a violent crime occurs when a perpetrator uses or threatens to use harmful force upon a victim. Criminal offenses such as homicide, assault, or rape, as well as crimes like robbery, extortion, and terrorism, are considered violent crimes as they involve a form of coercion or display of force. Violent crimes often involve weapons, but the use of weapons is not a necessary element to be considered a violent offense.
Violent crimes may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Murder
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Murder
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Assault
- Armed Robbery
- Assault or Aggravated Assault
- Terrorist Threats
- Hate Crimes
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon
Why Do Arizona Prosecutors Aggressively Pursue Violent Crimes?
In Arizona, charges for violent crimes are pursued quite aggressively. Prosecutors relentlessly pursue these types of offenses due to the brutality associated with violent crimes. Due to the harmful effects associated with violent crimes, the public wants those who commit these actions to be held accountable. Consequently, a prosecutor will often charge a suspect with the most serious charge feasible, even if the suspect has no prior criminal record and no one was severely injured in the commission of the alleged crime. Prosecutors typically overcharge a case to obtain significant leverage in plea bargain negotiations.
As you can imagine, prosecutors will take a considerably harsher stance if the suspect does have a criminal past and/or someone was severely injured or killed during the incident in question. Depending on the facts of the case, the prosecution may be able to use Arizona’s mandatory sentencing guidelines to their advantage and refuse to discuss a plea deal altogether.
If you have been charged with a violent crime in Arizona, you can expect to be subject to significant penalties should you be convicted. Hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, terms of probation, and a permanent criminal record are only a few of the repercussions you could face if convicted. Due to the severe consequences, consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after being charged with a violent criminal offense is critical. Your Phoenix criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your choices, and assist you in understanding and preparing for the potential implications of a conviction.
What Factors Can Affect Sentencing for Violent Crimes in Arizona?
Arizona law has legal stipulations that can increase sentencing guidelines for those convicted of violent offenses. If aggravating factors are determined, the criminal penalties can substantially increase.
Typical aggravating factors include:
- Serious physical injury or death of another
- Possession, use, or threat of a deadly weapon
- Multiple crime victims
- Lack of remorse
- Crimes committed for financial gain
- Crimes against vulnerable people such as the elderly or children
Due to the severe penalties involved in being convicted of a violent crime, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix is in your best interest. If you have been accused of a violent crime, you need a strong defense to avoid prison or jail time.
Belén Law Firm, PLLC is committed to safeguarding your constitutional rights and providing the legal representation you need to protect your freedom. Contact our skilled criminal defense attorney today to schedule a free consultation so we may assess your case professionally.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
Like any other state, violent crimes are subject to a thorough investigation in Arizona. When a violent crime report is received, the police will go to any length to investigate. They will search the location for any physical evidence, interrogate individuals who may have witnessed the crime, and aggressively question the suspect to extract a statement that will assist them in building their case.
If you find yourself in this situation, remember you have constitutionally protected rights. Two of these rights are the right to remain silent and to have legal counsel present during interrogation. It is crucial to your case that you exercise these rights before making any comments or inadvertently providing evidence to investigators.
As soon as you contact Phoenix criminal defense attorney Belén Olmedo Guerra, the defense process begins. First and foremost, she will ensure that your rights are protected and enforced while developing a defense strategy tailored to your situation. She can also help you by:
- Thoroughly investigating your case
- Finding flaws and/or contradictions in the state’s case
- Cross-examining witnesses and turning a skeptical eye to evidence
- Lining up witnesses, such as expert witnesses, in your favor
- Using experience to lay out the best legal strategy
- Advising clients on plea bargains from the prosecution
- Using knowledge of relevant laws and precedents to challenge evidence and defend clients
What are Common Legal Defenses Against Violent Crimes?
Violent crimes attorney Belén Olmedo Guerra will carefully and diligently listen to your side of the story and comprehensively investigate the matter to prepare your defense. By doing so, she will be able to find and impose the best possible defense strategy, which might include any of the following:
Lack of Evidence
The prosecution may lack sufficient evidence to make a strong case against you. Your lawyer will double-check the prosecutor’s evidence and question anything that does not add up.
Justification
This defense applies when a person engages in criminal conduct to protect the public or private in an emergency.
Self Defense
When the defendant has reason to believe another person intends to kill or seriously injure them or another person, such as a family member, they are legally able to defend themselves from the attack.
Lack of Intent
This defense applies when a person lacks the necessary means to satisfy the offense’s intent element.
Solid Alibi
The evidence against you can be significantly weakened if it can be proven that you were not present during the alleged event and that you were not involved in any violent crime. Witnesses who can attest that you were with them when the supposed incident happened may serve as your alibi.
What Makes Your Violent Crimes Attorney the Best Choice to Defend Me Against Criminal Charges?
Belén Olmedo Guerra of Belén Law Firm, PLLC, closely scrutinizes every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to use against her clients. Armed with a thorough understanding of each criminal matter, she drives the case toward the best possible outcome for her clients. In some instances, the best possible outcome may be convincing the state of Arizona to dismiss or reduce the charges against her clients or crafting a successful defense at trial.
When the state seeks the death penalty and your life’s on the line, Belén Olmedo Guerra has the skill and courage to stand between you and the state. She will leave no stone unturned to defend and protect your life, rights, and future.
At The Belén Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that aggressive criminal defense representation is required in cases involving violent crime charges. Because most violent offenses result in felony charges, they must be taken seriously, as the penalties for even a first conviction can be extremely severe. Belén and her team are prepared to take on your case and defend you against any violent crime charge.
Contact the Belén Law Firm, PLLC, today to discuss your violent crime charges. We offer free case evaluations and are available for 24/7 legal advice. You can reach us at 602-715-0908 or by completing the online intake form below.
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