Violent Crimes Attorney in Phoenix, AZ
We Defend Those Accused of Every Type of Crime
Home » Criminal Defense » Violent Crimes
PRACTICE AREAS
Phoenix Violent Crimes Attorney
Professional & Experienced Lawyer – Available 24/7
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’ve been accused of a serious, violent crime, you could be facing years in prison, a life sentence, or even the death penalty. As you can see, the punishments for violent crimes can be severe, and you may discover that your punishment is still not complete 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. That is why it is so important after being arrested to obtain strong representation from a Phoenix violent crimes attorney.
Belén Olmedo Guerra is known for providing aggressive defense representation for her clients throughout Phoenix and she has successfully handled a number of high-profile cases. As a criminal defense lawyer, Belén understands the specialized circumstances surrounding the preparation and defense of a violent crimes charge and has the courtroom experience and skill it takes to successfully stand up against the state.
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 are enforced and even harsher penalties enacted against individuals who commit 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 choosing elections, which is likely why they are always 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. This includes offenses where the act is the main objective of the crime, such as homicide, assault, or rape, as well as crimes like robbery, extortion, and terrorism, in which violence is used as 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
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Assault
- Armed Robbery
- Assault
- Terrorist Threats
- Hate Crimes
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon
Violent Crime Charges in Arizona
In Arizona, charges for violent crimes are pursued quite aggressively. This is because violent crimes are frequently severe in terms of the details surrounding the event, and the public wants those who commit these actions to be held accountable. As such, prosecutors often charge a suspect with the most serious charge feasible, even if the suspect has no prior criminal record and no one was badly injured in the commission of the alleged crime. This is typically done in order to obtain a significant degree of leverage in any potential plea bargain negotiations.
As you can imagine, prosecutors will take a considerably harsher stance if the suspect does, in fact, have a criminal past and/or someone was badly injured killed during the incident in question. Depending on the facts of the case, they 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 significant penalties should you be convicted. Large fines, lengthy prison sentences, terms of probation, and a permanent criminal record are only a few of the repercussions you face. That is why it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after receiving one of these charges. 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.
Violent Crimes Attorney in Phoenix, AZ
With every case she takes, Belén Olmedo Guerra of Belén Law Firm closely scrutinizes every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to use against her clients. Armed with a thorough understanding of each case, she drives the case towards the best possible outcome, whether that is 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 is 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, your rights, and your future.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
In Arizona, like in any other state, the investigation of violent crimes is aggressive and extensive. When a report of a violent crime is received, the police will go to any length to investigate. They’ll search the location for any physical evidence, interrogate individuals who may have witnessed the crime, and aggressively question the suspect in an attempt to extract a statement that will assist them in building their case.
If you find yourself in this situation, remember that you have constitutionally protected rights. The right to stay silent and the right to have legal counsel present during interrogation are two of these rights. It is crucial to your case that you enact these rights before making any comments or 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 make certain that your rights are protected and enforced while developing a defense strategy that is tailored to your specific 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
Defenses Against Violent Crimes
Violent crimes attorney Belén Olmedo Guerra will carefully and diligently listen to your side of things and do a comprehensive investigation of the matter in order 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
- In certain situations, 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 simply doesn’t add up.
- Justification
- This defense applies when a person performs criminal conduct in order to protect the public or private in an emergency.
- Self-Defense
- When the defendant has reason to believe another person is intending to kill or seriously injure them or another person, he or she is 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. Other persons who can attest to the fact that you were with them when the supposed incident happened may serve as your alibi.
Violent Crimes Attorney Near Me
At The Belén Law Firm, we understand that aggressive criminal defense representation is required in cases involving violent crime charges. These charges 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 type of violent crime charge.
Contact the Belén Law Firm 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 located below.