Los angeles defense attorneys

Violent Crime Attorney in Los Angeles

A Former LA Prosecutor on Our Team. Over 75 Years of Defense Experience.

Violent crime accusations can throw your life into chaos. You’ll face a law enforcement investigation and potential charges that could mean imprisonment, heavy fines, probation, and a permanent mark on your reputation. The criminal court process is long, uncertain, and emotionally draining, and you need a criminal defense lawyer who can go toe to toe with aggressive prosecutors.

At Stein & Markus, our team includes a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor with 33 years of experience, giving us direct insight into how the prosecution builds its case and where its strategy can be challenged. Combined with over 75 years of criminal defense experience across the team, we handle violent crime cases from the moment of arrest through all court proceedings, for both state and federal charges. We’re available around the clock and offer a free consultation.

Call Stein & Markus today at (562) 512-7030 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our violent crimes attorneys in Los Angeles.

Understanding Violent Crime Charges in Los Angeles

In California, “violent crime” is a legal term with two key definitions that govern sentencing and future liability: the list of Violent Felonies under PC § 667.5(c) and the broader list of Serious Felonies under PC § 1192.7(c). A conviction on either list counts as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. Violent crimes fall into two broad categories.

Major Felony Violent Crimes

Felony violent crimes are the most serious category and can result in imprisonment for life.

Examples of felony violent crimes include:

Felony domestic violence
Aggravated assault
Rape
Kidnapping
Homicide, including murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter
Mayhem
Arson
Carjacking
Extortion
Robbery
Burglary

A felony conviction produces a permanent criminal record that can limit employment, housing, and other opportunities, and you’ll lose your gun rights permanently.

Misdemeanor Violent Crimes

Misdemeanor violent crimes are less serious but can still result in jail time and significant fines.

Examples of misdemeanor violent crimes include:

Assault
Battery
Domestic violence
Inciting a riot
Stalking
False imprisonment
Extortion
Vehicular manslaughter

Many misdemeanor violent crimes are wobblers, meaning they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. If you’re facing any violent crime charge, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

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How We Defend Against Violent Crime Charges

Our team builds defense strategies from a position informed by direct prosecutorial experience. Because we have a former Los Angeles criminal prosecutor on our team, we know how the prosecution structures its case. That insider understanding shapes how we analyze evidence, challenge the prosecution’s theory, and present your defense before a Los Angeles County jury.

Effective defenses in violent crime cases include:

Self-defense: California recognizes self-defense as an affirmative defense when the defendant reasonably believed force was necessary to prevent imminent harm. In assault, battery, or homicide cases, establishing that your actions were defensive can be significant.
Lack of intent: Most violent crime charges require the prosecution to prove criminal intent, the mens rea element. If we can show the required state of mind wasn’t present, the charge may not stand.
Mistaken identity: Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions. We challenge the reliability of identifications and present evidence that points away from our client.
Insufficient evidence: We examine the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, inconsistencies, and constitutional defects. Evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be suppressed under the Fourth Amendment, which can significantly undermine the prosecution’s position.
False accusations: In domestic violence and interpersonal dispute cases, we work to expose false claims and protect our client’s rights.

Early involvement can change the trajectory of a case. In some situations, we pursue pre-file intervention, engaging with investigators and prosecutors before charges are formally filed, which can result in reduced charges or a decision not to file charges. Where a client has prior strikes, we also evaluate whether a Romero motion (People v. Superior Court) is appropriate to ask the court to dismiss a prior strike in the interest of justice, which can substantially reduce sentencing exposure.

Our familiarity with how Los Angeles County juries respond to different defense approaches informs how we prepare every case. We analyze all available evidence, consult with experts when needed, and apply our knowledge of California court procedures to pursue the most favorable outcome possible.

What Happens After a Violent Crime Arrest in Los Angeles

The hours and days following an arrest are critical. You’re likely to face law enforcement questioning, booking, a bail hearing, and arraignment, often processed through the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Understanding what comes next, and having an attorney in your corner from the start, can make a real difference in how your case develops.

Evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and phone records can disappear quickly after an arrest. The sooner we’re involved, the better positioned we are to preserve what matters and challenge what doesn’t belong. We work to seek your release from custody. If bail is denied on the grounds that you pose a flight risk or a danger to public safety, we argue against that determination at the hearing.

After an arrest, we assist with several critical steps:

Advising you on your rights when speaking with police or investigators
Attending arraignments and bail hearings to present arguments on your behalf
Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or challenge probable cause
Preparing for preliminary hearings in Los Angeles County courts
Initiating early negotiations or diversion programs when appropriate under California law

The Los Angeles criminal justice system spans multiple court locations and agencies. Familiarity with those local procedures, including how cases move through the courts and what arguments land with local judges, is a practical advantage we bring to every client’s case.

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Penalties & the Three Strikes Law in California

A violent crime conviction in California triggers some of the most severe sentencing laws in the country. Understanding what’s at stake is the first step toward mounting an effective defense.

Strike Counts & Their Sentencing Impact

California’s Three Strikes Law escalates punishment with each prior strike on a defendant’s record.

Zero Prior Strikes (First Strike)
- Effect on sentence: Standard term of 3, 4, or 6 years
- Time to be served: Standard custody credits apply; defendants convicted of a violent felony under PC § 667.5(c) must serve at least 85% of the sentence
One Prior Strike (Second Strike)
- Effect on sentence: Sentence for the new felony is doubled
- Time to be served: Must serve 80% of the doubled sentence
Two or More Prior Strikes (Third Strike)
- Effect on sentence: Mandatory minimum of 25 years to life
- Time to be served: Must serve 25 years before parole eligibility

Minimum & Maximum Sentences for California Violent Crimes

The minimum sentence for a violent crime in California is two, three, or four years in prison. A felony violent crime conviction carries a minimum of five years, and that floor rises further if the victim sustained serious bodily injury or the defendant is a repeat offender.

The maximum sentence is life in prison. Fines can be substantial: simple battery carries up to $2,000, while battery resulting in serious bodily injury can carry up to $10,000 when charged as a felony. Sentencing enhancements tied to firearm use, great bodily injury, or gang affiliation can add years or decades on top of the base sentence. Los Angeles County prosecutors frequently pursue maximum penalties, particularly in cases filed at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Our firm handles cases across the full spectrum of severity, including matters involving the death penalty, and we pursue every available avenue to reduce our clients’ sentencing exposure.

Collateral & Long-Term Consequences

A conviction doesn’t end at sentencing. The consequences follow a defendant long after they leave the courtroom.

Victim Restitution: Courts impose mandatory restitution covering the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Loss of Gun Rights: A violent felony conviction results in permanent loss of the right to possess or acquire a firearm.
Proposition 57 Ineligibility: Inmates convicted of violent crimes are generally excluded from early parole consideration under Proposition 57, meaning longer time served.
Immigration Consequences: Violent crimes are typically classified as aggravated felonies under federal law, which can trigger detention and deportation for non-citizens. Hablamos español, and we provide urgent guidance on immigration consequences for our clients.

Contact Our Violent Crimes Attorneys in Los Angeles

At Stein & Markus, we relentlessly advocate for individuals accused of violent crimes in Los Angeles. If you or someone you care about is facing charges, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Contact Stein & Markus online or call (562) 512-7030 today to speak with a violent crimes lawyer in Los Angeles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Attempted & Consummated Crimes?

An attempted crime is one that doesn’t produce the intended result. A defendant who swings at someone but makes no contact, for example, hasn’t completed battery. However, if the defendant’s actions did achieve the intended result, they can be convicted of the completed offense. If someone attempts to kidnap a victim and the victim is restrained, the defendant can be convicted of kidnapping even if the full plan didn’t play out.

How Does the Prosecutor Prove a Violent Crime?

To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: the actus reus (the physical act) and the mens rea (the criminal intent).

Actus reus is the physical conduct that constitutes the crime. In a battery case, that’s the harmful or offensive contact with the victim.
Mens rea is the state of mind required by law. The prosecution must show the defendant intended to commit the act and understood it would cause harm.

The defendant’s actions must also be the direct cause of the victim’s injuries. If a defendant intentionally shoots someone who is then injured, causation is clear. If a defendant throws a rock at a passing car and someone inside is hurt, causation becomes a more complex question.

What Should I Do If I Am Being Investigated for a Violent Crime?

Don’t speak to law enforcement before consulting an attorney. Statements made to “clear things up” can still be used against you. An attorney can communicate on your behalf, protect your rights, and help you avoid self-incrimination from the start.

Can I Be Arrested for a Violent Crime Without a Warrant?

Yes. Police can arrest without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe a felony was committed, or if the offense occurred in the officer’s presence. Because of their seriousness, violent offenses almost always qualify for warrantless arrests.

What Is a “Strike” Under California Law?

A strike is a conviction for a violent or serious felony under California’s Three Strikes Law. Each strike increases sentencing exposure significantly. A second strike doubles the prison term for any new felony conviction, and a third strike can result in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life.

Can a Violent Crime Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes, depending on the facts. Charges may be reduced if the evidence is weak, witnesses are unreliable, or law enforcement violated constitutional rights. Negotiations with the prosecutor can also lead to a reduction. In some cases, charges may be dismissed when the prosecution can’t meet its burden of proof.

What Are “Enhancements,” & How Do They Affect My Sentence?

Enhancements are additional penalties layered onto a base sentence when specific factors are present, such as firearm use, great bodily injury, or committing the offense for the benefit of a gang. They can add years or even decades to what a defendant would otherwise face.

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Why Choose Stein & Markus?

What Makes Us Different

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