San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorneys Explain Violent Crimes
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San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorneys Explain Violent Crimes
Being accused of a violent crime in San Francisco can have devastating consequences. Violent crimes refer to offenses where the perpetrator uses or threatens force upon a victim. Examples include murder, assault, robbery, rape, and domestic violence. If convicted, you may face years or even life in prison. That’s why having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is crucial.
This article provides an overview of common violent crimes prosecuted in San Francisco, typical defenses, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can defend your rights. We’ll also explain the benefits of hiring a private criminal defense attorney rather than using a public defender.
Common Defenses to Violent Crime Charges
Skilled criminal defense lawyers have many strategies to get violent crime charges reduced or dismissed in San Francisco. Common defenses include:
- Self-defense or defense of others: Using reasonable force to protect yourself or others from harm. The force must match the threat faced.
- False accusations and mistaken identity: When the accusing witness misidentifies you or lies about what happened.
- Mental incompetence: You didn’t understand the consequences of your actions due to mental illness.
- Lack of criminal intent: For murder, you must have intended to kill the victim with malice. Manslaughter lacks malice aforethought.
- Intoxication: Being extremely impaired by alcohol or drugs could negate criminal intent.
- Accident: Killing someone through a true accident typically leads to involuntary manslaughter charges.
- Unlawful police conduct: Seeking to get evidence and confessions suppressed that were obtained illegally.
- Consent: For sex crime allegations, showing the accuser consented to the sexual acts.
An experienced criminal lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to identify and develop these defenses. We have decades of experience getting charges dismissed before trial and winning “not guilty” verdicts for clients accused of violent crimes in San Francisco.
Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Attorney?
The stakes are high when facing violent felony charges that can ruin your life. While public defenders do their best, they juggle heavy caseloads. Hiring a private San Francisco criminal defense lawyer offers many benefits:
- Better attention and focus: Private attorneys provide undivided attention to your case. Public defenders juggle up to 300 active cases at once[5].
- Proactive investigation: We immediately start investigating by locating witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and finding exculpatory evidence. Public defenders rarely have resources for extensive independent investigations.
- Negotiation skills: Private lawyers have more leverage negotiating with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial if needed.
- Resources: Top private attorneys utilize experts, forensic services, investigators, and other resources as needed to build the strongest defense. Public defenders have limited budgets.
- Experience: Many private criminal lawyers are former prosecutors. We know how the system works on both sides. Public defenders typically have less overall experience.
- Testimonials: Look for excellent client reviews describing positive experiences and case outcomes. Beware lawyers with many negative comments.
- Compatibility: Meet with the lawyer to make sure your personalities mesh. You need an attorney willing to fight aggressively on your behalf.
Do not leave this important decision to chance. Interview several top-rated criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco before choosing who to entrust with your freedom.
What to Expect When Fighting Violent Crime Charges
Defending against violent crime allegations in San Francisco involves many steps. Here is what you can expect:
Christine Twomey
2024-03-21
Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.
Brendan huisman
2024-03-18
Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!
Guerline Menard
2024-03-18
Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️
Keisha Parris
2024-03-15
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
Taïko Beauty
2024-03-15
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.
Thank you team!
Anthony Williams
2024-03-12
Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.
Loveth Okpedo
2024-03-12
Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience
Bee L
2024-02-28
Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.
divesh patel
2024-02-24
I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way.
Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me.
I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence.
Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.
- Investigation and discovery: Your lawyer will start investigating immediately, while filing discovery motions to obtain the prosecution’s evidence. We’ll utilize private investigators, forensic experts, and other resources to build your defense.
- Pretrial motions: Your attorney may make motions to get evidence thrown out, confessions suppressed, or charges dismissed if there is insufficient evidence.
- Plea negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dismissed through a plea bargain. We’ll avoid pleading unless it’s truly in your best interests.
- Trial preparation: If negotiating a plea deal fails, we’ll fully prepare your case for trial. This includes consulting experts, subpoenaing witnesses, creating exhibits, and crafting trial strategy.
- Jury trial: At trial, your lawyer will argue motions, give opening and closing statements, ruthlessly cross examine witnesses, present evidence, and do whatever it takes to raise reasonable doubt of your guilt.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, your attorney will seek the lightest possible sentence under the circumstances through advocacy and negotiations.
Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference between prison and freedom. Do not leave this to chance – contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.